Yamal tells Real Madrid: Two-year La Liga title drought is your problem
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal said Real Madrid’s recent La Liga defeat to Real Betis and their two-year title drought are issues for Los Blancos, not for Barcelona. Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League match on Wednesday, Yamal told reporters, according to Fabrizio Romano, that he is happy with the refereeing so far and that questions about decisions should be directed at Real Madrid. He added, "If Real Madrid have not won La Liga for two years, that is their problem."
The comment came after Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Real Betis at the Estadio de La Cartuja, where summer signing Troy Parrott scored the only goal nine minutes from time. A late penalty kick by Kylian Mbappé was saved by Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Valles, and manager José Mourinho claimed a defender entered the box early, arguing the penalty should have been retaken, and criticised VAR for not intervening.
Yamal himself has started the season strongly, netting four goals in four La Liga games for Hansi Flick’s side, including a brace in a 5-0 win over Valencia last weekend.
For Nigerian football fans watching the Spanish giants, the exchange highlights the growing rivalry and psychological edge Barcelona seeks as Madrid struggles to regain domestic dominance. Will Real Madrid’s internal frustrations affect their upcoming Champions League fixtures, or can they use the criticism as motivation to turn their season around?