Barcelona midfielder Pedri has been full of praise for his young teammate Lamine Yamal, especially after the 17-year-old’s crucial assist in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid. Yamal set up Ferran Torres for the match-winning goal in the 27th minute at the Metropolitano Stadium, helping Barcelona advance to the final.
Pedri’s Words of Wisdom for Yamal
Pedri has shared some advice with the teenage sensation, urging him to keep playing freely and enjoying the game. “I tell him to keep doing what he’s doing, to keep having fun,” Pedri said. “Although sometimes you have to clip his ears… but that’s okay,” he added with a smile. Yamal’s assist in the semi-final marked his 17th assist of the season, placing him just five behind Mohamed Salah’s 22 assists in the top five European leagues across all competitions.
Barcelona’s Fearless Attitude Toward Real Madrid
Barcelona will now face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, a thrilling showdown between Spain’s two fiercest rivals. Pedri, however, remained confident and unfazed by the challenge. Despite acknowledging that Real Madrid would be tough opponents, he insisted that Barcelona had no fear going into the final.
“We’re happy to get to another final. Let’s play and try to win it. What we want is to excite the fans,” Pedri told SPORT. “Clearly, they are not going to be easy for us, but it’s clear we don’t have to be afraid of any team. We’re Barca, and we’re going to try to control the game against everyone, but it won’t be easy. Hopefully, we’ll have a game like the ones we’ve had against them,” he added.
Pedri’s confidence is likely bolstered by Barcelona’s dominant victories over Real Madrid earlier this season, having defeated them 4-0 and 5-2 in their previous encounters.
La Liga Title Race Heating Up
As both teams gear up for the Copa del Rey final, they’re also in the midst of an intense La Liga title race. Barcelona is currently at the top of the league, leading Real Madrid by just three points. Both teams will be in action this weekend, with Barcelona taking on a strong Real Betis side on April 5, while Real Madrid faces Valencia just hours before.
With everything to play for, the Copa del Rey final and the La Liga title race are shaping up to be thrilling encounters for both Barcelona and Real Madrid fans. ⚽🔥
