Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal has declared Liverpool as the favorites to win this season’s Champions League, citing their dominant group-stage performance.
Jurgen Klopp’s side finished atop their group, securing seven wins in eight matches, with only a narrow 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven marring their otherwise flawless European campaign.
The Reds now await their last-16 opponents, with the draw set to take place after the remaining play-off ties conclude on Friday.
Joining Liverpool in the knockout stage are Arsenal and Aston Villa, who advanced safely, while Manchester City face a challenge in overturning their 3-2 deficit against Real Madrid to keep their title hopes alive.
Barcelona, meanwhile, finished second in their group with six wins from eight matches, marking a decade since their last Champions League triumph under Luis Enrique. Despite the competition, Yamal remains hopeful about Barca’s chances across all fronts.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the 17-year-old winger acknowledged Liverpool’s strength but insisted that Barcelona control their own fate.
“It depends on us,” Yamal stated. “Only one team is more favored than us in the Champions League, and that’s Liverpool because they finished first. But in La Liga, we are also first at the moment, so everything is in our hands.”
The teenage star emphasized the importance of momentum, adding:
“Winning leads to more winning. Once you start advancing, the path becomes easier.”
Yamal played a key role in Barcelona’s group-stage campaign, featuring in all but one match and registering two goals and two assists. He believes this season could finally be the year that Barcelona ends its European trophy drought.
“Every year, there’s hope,” he said. “Last season, everyone was excited about the Champions League. This year, the excitement is there again. No one is talking about winning specific trophies, but you can see the determination. I believe this could be our year.”
Despite his growing prominence, Yamal’s contract situation remains unresolved. With 18 months left on his current deal, negotiations have been temporarily paused, though the young forward remains committed to Barcelona.
“I don’t think anyone doubts how much I love this club,” he insisted. “Since my debut, I’ve always expressed my feelings for Barca, and I believe everything will be resolved in the end.”
Yamal also spoke about his happiness at the club, highlighting the warm reception he has received from fans and teammates.
“Everything is perfect in Barcelona. I’ve been happy from the start, and the support from the fans and my teammates means a lot to me.”
As Barcelona pushes for silverware in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League, Yamal’s confidence could be a driving force in their quest to reclaim European glory.