MADRID (AP) — Ramin Yamal is looking to LeBron James for inspiration as he tries to lead Barcelona back to the Champions League.
Barcelona visit Spanish rivals Atlético Madrid on Tuesday and will need to reverse last week’s 2-0 defeat at home in the quarter-final first leg.
Yamal changed his Instagram profile picture to a photo of James holding the NBA trophy after the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Golden State Warriors in 2016. James’ Cleveland trailed 3-1 in that series but won the title.
“He is one of the people who inspires me for this match,” Yamal, 18, said at a press conference on Monday. “I think about how he did it and hope it works out just as well for me.”
Yamal also spoke about another of his idols, Neymar, who led Barcelona to a historic upset against Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16 of the 2017 Champions League. After losing 4-0 against France, Barcelona won the second leg at home 6-1.
“I watched (the 6-1 game) many times and I watched it live,” Yamal said. “Neymar was a very important player for me growing up. He is my idol and I will always be grateful for everything he gave to football.”
Yamal said he expected Neymar, 34, to be included in the squad for the World Cup in Brazil. The striker plays for Brazilian club Santos but was not included in Brazil’s squad for recent warm-up games by coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“He is an inspiration to everyone,” Yamal said of Neymar. “He’s the type of player you want to pay a ticket to see him play, the type of player you want to watch again three days later just to see him in action. Hopefully he’ll be in the World Cup.”
Possibility of Obrak Boost
Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak has been sidelined for more than a month with a muscle injury, but could return to the starting lineup.
Atlético are aiming to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2017.
Manager Diego Simeone did not rule out Oblak’s return, despite the fact that he has not played since the 5-2 win over Tottenham in the round of 16 on March 10. The goalkeeper has been training with the team in recent days and is reportedly fit to start.
“I haven’t told the players who will start yet,” Simeone said on Monday, adding that he was unlikely to announce the starting lineup until closer to game time on Tuesday.
Oblak suffered a muscle injury against Tottenham. Argentina goalkeeper Juan Musso has since replaced him, conceding 10 goals in six starts, including two in Atlético’s 2-1 defeat to Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday.
Whoever starts will have to face Barcelona’s prolific attack, which includes Yamal, Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford. Rafinha will be absent from Barcelona due to a hamstring injury.
This will be the fifth match between Atletico and Barcelona within two months. They share the remaining four teams in La Liga, La Liga and Copa del Rey.
“We are sure of what we need and we will play the games we need,” Simeone said.
Five-time European champions Barcelona reached the semi-finals last year but lost to eventual runners-up Inter Milan.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said his players needed confidence that they could pull off a comeback.
“I believe in the team and I think we can do it. It’s possible,” he said. “We know we will play against a strong Atlético side who have great players. That made the difference in the first leg, so we have to take our chances.”
Coach Flick did not rule out the possibility of midfielder Frenkie de Jong starting the game for the first time in a while due to a hamstring injury.
The teams that advance on Tuesday will face either Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon in the semi-finals. Arsenal won the first leg 1-0 in Lisbon last week. The second leg in England will be played on Wednesday.
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