Javier Saviola Praises Barcelona Duo Yamal and Raphinha Ahead of Benfica Clash
Former Barcelona and Benfica forward, Javier Saviola, has heaped praises on Lamine Yamal and Raphinha ahead of the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash between Barcelona and Benfica on Tuesday night.
The match, scheduled to take place at the Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc, comes with Barcelona holding a slim 1-0 advantage from the first leg last week.
Saviola’s Thoughts on the Encounter
Speaking to the media, Saviola, who played for both clubs during his illustrious career, emphasized the impressive performances of Barcelona’s attacking duo.
“They [Benfica] could not gain an advantage against Barcelona even with an extra player. And going to Barcelona with a disadvantage is complicated,” Saviola remarked.
He continued, “We already know that Barça, with the draw in their favour, will have plenty of space and will play on the counterattack. They have players like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who are at a very high level.”
Impressive Stats This Season
Both players have been vital to Barcelona’s success under Hansi Flick this season:
Raphinha has scored 25 goals and provided 18 assists in 40 games.
Lamine Yamal has netted 11 goals and delivered 16 assists in 36 games.
Their remarkable consistency in attack has been instrumental in keeping Barcelona competitive across all competitions.
Opinion: A Lethal Duo Ready to Make the Difference
Barcelona fans have every reason to feel confident heading into this second-leg clash. The partnership between Raphinha and Lamine Yamal has proven to be one of the most dynamic and effective in European football this season.
While Raphinha’s lethal finishing and creativity have been on full display, the young Lamine Yamal has shown maturity beyond his years, combining flair, skill, and a knack for making decisive plays.
Benfica’s task of overturning the deficit will be challenging, especially given Barcelona’s ability to exploit space and punish defensive lapses. The Portuguese side must be cautious not to overcommit, leaving themselves vulnerable to the speed and technical brilliance of Barcelona’s attacking duo.
Yet, the Champions League has often been a stage for surprises. Benfica’s resilience and tactical discipline will be tested to the limit. But if Barcelona plays to their strengths, especially through their star attackers, it’s hard to see anything but progression for the Blaugrana.
What do you think? Will Yamal and Raphinha guide Barcelona to a comfortable victory, or can Benfica pull off a stunning comeback?
