“A goal scored by me” - Lamine Yamal predicts result ahead of Real Madrid vs Barcelona clash
Lamine Yamal has backed Barcelona to beat Real Madrid in El Clasico on Sunday (April 21).
The Blaugrana travel to the Santiago Bernabeu looking to bounce back from their midweek collapse. PSG knocked them out of the UEFA Champions League with a 4-1 away win (6-4 aggregate).
Barcelona's sole focus is now on the La Liga title race and they have a mountain to climb to prevent Real Madrid from becoming champions. They trail their arch-rivals by eight points with six games left of the campaign.
Yamal, 16, will make his third El Clasico appearance and he'll hope to be on the winning side for the first time. The Catalan giants' youngest ever player thinks his side will prevail and that he'll get on the scoresheet (via Madrid Zone):
"My prediction for El Clasico? We win 1-3 with a goal scored by me."
Barca can move to within five points of Real Madrid with a victory at the Bernabeu. They have struggled against Carlo Ancelotti's side this season though.
Xavi's men were beaten 2-1 in the reverse fixture at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys (October 28). They were then thrashed 4-1 by Los Blancos in the Supercopa de Espana (January 14).
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti heaped praise on young Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi
Yamal has shone for Barcelona during a breakout season, registering six goals and eight assists in 43 games across competitions. Spain's youngest-ever player has established himself as an undisputed starter for Xavi's side.
The exciting winger isn't the only Barca youngster to enjoy making the step up to the first team with aplomb. Pau Cubarsi, 17, has been a revelation for the Catalans in defense, helping them keep seven clean sheets in 12 La Liga games since coming into the side.
Barcelona's teenage duo will both likely be on display in El Clasico tomorrow. They are two of the visitors' side who Ancelotti took time to praise ahead of the game (via Marca):
"What they are doing at that age speaks very well of them. It is important, as we have done, to mix youth and experience well."
Yamal and Cubarsi rose through Barca's La Masia academy but aren't the only impressive youngsters at Xavi's disposal. Fermin Lopez, 20, has also caught the eye with elegant performances.
Real Madrid have several youngsters of their own who have impressed. Jude Bellingham, 20, doesn't need much to be said about him as he'd set records at the Bernabeu.
Nico Paz, 19, has somewhat gone under the radar. The Argentine attacker has shown glimpses of promise during the campaign when given first-team opportunities.