Barcelona’s 4-1 Champions League comeback at Galatasaray has strengthened the sense that they can overwhelm any opponent going forward, but former Spain defender Abelardo believes their route to the European crown could still be decided at the other end of the pitch.
The 56-year-old, who played for Barcelona from 1994 to 2002 and won 54 caps for Spain, praised Lamine Yamal’s influence in Istanbul while warning that Barcelona may need a top-class central defender before they can be considered complete Champions League contenders.
Lamine Yamal drives Istanbul turnaround
Abelardo singled out Yamal’s second-half display as one of the finest he has seen from the teenager. Barcelona recovered from a difficult opening spell to win 4-1, with the former defender noting that Galatasaray had come within centimetres of taking a 2-0 lead before the match changed direction.
“I do not know whether it was the best half of Lamine Yamal’s career, but it was certainly among his best,” Abelardo said. “He was outstanding after the break. He appeared in every attacking move, with remarkable quality and extraordinary passing.”
He also pointed to Yamal’s contribution in the move for Gordon’s goal, describing a rabona touch which took the youngster beyond his opponent and underlined the confidence with which he played.
“He was sublime,” Abelardo said. “For moments, it looked as though Barcelona had Messi on the field rather than Lamine Yamal.”
For Abelardo, that level turns Barcelona into Europe’s most dangerous attacking side. “If Lamine plays like that, Barcelona are unstoppable,” he said. “They look exceptionally good to me; they are the best team in Europe.”
Defensive concern for later rounds
Yet the former Barcelona player sees a potential weakness once the competition reaches the stage where elite forwards and tight margins dictate ties.
“I hope I am wrong, but I think Barcelona need another reliable centre-back if they are to win the Champions League,” he said. “They can win it, but I still believe that is what they are missing.”
Abelardo’s concern is based on the defensive duels Barcelona could face against leading European attackers, naming Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Harry Kane as examples of the calibre awaiting them in the decisive rounds.
“Eventually you have to win one-on-one battles in defence against players such as Kvaratskhelia and Harry Kane,” he said. “In my view, Barcelona still lack first-level players at the back to truly challenge for the Champions League.”
It leaves Barcelona’s European week framed by two truths: their attacking ceiling, led by Yamal, can carry them through turbulent nights, but the final stages will test whether their defensive line can withstand the opponents their forward line has already shown it can punish.
