In an advanced interview with Sport newspaper, Lamine Yamal, the forward of Barcelona, made it clear that the Catalan club is now considered the top favorite to win the Champions League this season, following Liverpool's elimination by Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16. Despite having previously predicted Liverpool as the favorites after the group stage, the young striker now believes that it is Barcelona who is in the best position to claim European glory.

A different team compared to last year

"When the group stage ended, I said that Liverpool were the favorites because they finished first, but now that they've been knocked out, we are the favorites," stated Yamal. This comment reflects the confidence he has in the team and their development since last season when Barcelona was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.

The attacker, currently with the Spanish national team for their Nations League matches against the Netherlands, emphasized that this season's Barcelona is vastly different from last year’s. According to him, the team has become a more solid unit with a much stronger competitive spirit.

"We are a family," said Yamal, highlighting the positive atmosphere within the squad, which he believes has been key to their success in all three competitions. With the Champions League, La Liga, and the Copa del Rey still in play, the young forward asserts that Barcelona is not afraid of any opponent.

Complete confidence in the team and the Clásico

Regarding their encounters with Real Madrid, Yamal did not hesitate to state that matches against their eternal rivals are always special. "Against Real Madrid, the games are very beautiful, and we are the team that causes them the most damage. And the reverse is also true," said the Mataró forward, referring to the historic rivalry between the two clubs.

Barcelona, with Lamine Yamal emerging as one of its key players, continues to showcase its potential and ambition to fight for all titles this season. The confidence of their players, combined with their renewed style of play and unity in the locker room, makes the Catalan side a strong contender for the Champions League in 2025.