Catalans' favourite eyes European Glory

BARCELONA last reached the Uefa Champions League final a decade ago, with Lionel Messi as their torchbearer.

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Now, the Catalan giants are pinning their hopes on another generational talent, Lamine Yamal, as their "X-factor" when they host Inter Milan today in the first leg of the semi-final.

At the peak of his powers, Messi scored two stunning goals in the 2015 semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich en route to the treble. While Yamal, just 17, is still refining his finishing, he is already pivotal to Barcelona’s hopes of continental success this season.

Left-footed but operating on the right flank with the freedom to roam — just as Messi did for many years — Yamal gives Hansi Flick’s Barcelona their attacking edge. He demonstrated that perfectly in their thrilling Clasico Copa del Rey final victory over Real Madrid on Saturday in Seville, assisting two of Barça’s three goals.

Yamal has shown this form all season, contributing 14 goals and 24 assists, alongside countless flashes of invention, flair, and genius — all on the back of a standout performance for Spain at Euro 2024 last summer.