A 1-1 draw against Getafe was far from the result Barcelona had hoped for at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez at the weekend, but such was the style of the opposition they faced that they simply could not create as many chances as they would have liked.
Now, they turn their eyes to the first clash of the UEFA Champions League season and it will be exhausting when they face Benfica away from home.
There are only two games left in the league phase of the tournament and Barcelona are looking to book their place in the top 8 with a win in Portugal.
Former Barcelona and Benfica player Nolito speaks
Speaking to the media ahead of the upcoming UEFA Champions League clash, former Barcelona and Benfica star Nolito gave his two cents on Lamine Yamal and praised the lad for playing brave football that turns on around his raw ability.
“He is a bold player in a positive sense. “He brought back the street football that we were missing.” Nolito said.
The former Barça player added that he sees the potential in Yamal to become one of the best players in the world.
“He doesn’t care what team he plays against, he plays like he’s in the neighborhood. If he continues like this he will be one of the best players in the world.”
Nolito then went on to talk about the fascinating clash ahead between two of his former clubs.
“Benfica is an incredible club in every sense of the word. Their fans believe that their team is the best in the world and the atmosphere at the Estadio da Luz is one of the best I have seen in my life.” He stated about the expected atmosphere.
“It will be a great match because Barcelona is in incredible shape and Benfica is also a strong opponent.” he added.
When asked if he would follow the game and provide predictions on the final result he saw, he said:
“I won’t go to the stadium, I will watch the game from home. Barcelona is very strong, but Benfica at home is a great challenge. As for predictions? “I’m not a fortune teller.”
Finally he spoke of The Masia and said that it was Barcelona’s financial situation that was forcing them to resort heavily to the youth system and that the club was reaping the rewards of the same.
“I saw how they work there. I think the financial situation of the Club plays an important role. “When a club doesn’t have money, it looks at the academy.”
Source: AS