Yamal stardust could give Barca edge on Inter Milan

Barcelona last reached the Champions League final a decade ago, with Lionel Messi as their torch-bearer.

- Agencies

BARCELONA:

Now the Catalan giants rely on another generational talent in Lamine Yamal as their 'X-factor' when they host Inter Milan on Wednesday in a semi-final first leg clash. At the peak of his powers Messi scored two brilliant goals in the 2015 semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich on the way to the treble, and while Yamal, 17, is still honing his finishing, he holds the key to the team's potential success this season.

The teenager, left-footed but operating on the right flank with freedom to roam, as Messi did for many years, is what gives Hansi Flick's brilliant Barca their edge.

Yamal showed precisely that in their thrilling Clasico Copa del Rey final victory over Real Madrid on Saturday in Seville, setting up two of Barcelona's three goals.