Lamine Yamal struggles again as Real Madrid hold Barcelona in check

Former Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti expressed his disappointment with Lamine Yamal’s display during the club’s 2-1 defeat by Real Madrid in the latest El Clasico.

Yamal endured another difficult evening after an underwhelming performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, despite scoring in Barcelona’s 4-2 defeat. The Spain winger was again unable to produce a convincing performance against Real Madrid.

Speaking to DAZN, in comments reported by Foot Mercato, Umtiti highlighted the difficulties Yamal faced against Real Madrid’s defence.

“We did not see Yamal at his best. This is where we understand how difficult football is, even for a player like him,” Umtiti said.

The former France international added: “Real Madrid’s defence managed to completely neutralise Lamine Yamal.”

Foot Mercato’s editors gave Yamal a rating of 3 out of 10. They said Real Madrid’s defensive approach had entirely restricted his influence, with Marc Cucurella’s defensive strength cited as a similar example of how to limit Yamal during Barcelona’s defeat by Paris Saint-Germain a few days earlier.

The source also lists Barcelona’s next La Liga fixture as being against Deportivo Alaves on 31 October 2026.

Real Madrid are listed to face Racing Santander in La Liga on 1 November 2026.