Matteo Ruggeri praises Lamine Yamal after Champions League battle

Matteo Ruggeri walked off the Metropolitano pitch relieved that Atletico Madrid were through, but also full of respect for the young winger Lamine Yamal, whom he had spent 90 exhausting minutes chasing.

Tasked with marking Lamine Yamal in a tense Champions League quarter-final second leg, the Italian knew he was up against one of the brightest attacking talents in Europe.

Speaking to Sky Italia after the final whistle, Ruggeri made sure to highlight just how tough that assignment was. “Compliments to him, for the player he is, for the quality he has. We all know the quality he has, the player he is. We’ve all done well, it wasn’t just me, to limit him. That allowed us to press forward and score. I wish him the best for his career.”

His words underline the growing respect Yamal commands, even from opponents who manage to come out on top.

Atletico’s collective effort to contain him proved decisive on the night, but Ruggeri’s praise shows there is no underestimating the Barcelona star’s talent or his future potential.