“Yes, it hurts them” - Lamine Yamal on Real Madrid feeling ‘pain’ as Barcelona lead La Liga title race

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal took a cheeky dig at rivals Real Madrid, claiming it hurts them to see La Blaugrana lead the La Liga title race at the moment. The Catalan club have had an impressive start to the current season, securing four wins out of four games, including a 7-0 victory over Real Valladolid on August 31.

In contrast, Real Madrid have not performed up to their expectations so far. The title holders secured two draws and two wins in their first four league games. They are currently second on the La Liga table with eight points, as opposed to Barcelona standing first with 12 points.

Speaking on Spanish TV station Antena 3's El Hormiguero program, Lamine Yamal was asked if Los Blancos are in "pain" due to Barca leading the title race. The youngster responded with a cheeky dig (via MadridXtra).

Interviewer: In Madrid, it must pain them that you’re the leaders?

Yamal: Yes, it hurts them, as we are in the lead right now (smiles).

Lamine Yamal has been significant to Barca's triumph in their first four La Liga games this season, securing one goal and four assists.

Following the international break, La Blaugrana are set to face Girona in the league on Sunday (September 15), while Real Madrid will clash against Real Sociedad on Saturday (September 14).

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When Barcelona star Lamine Yamal said he would never play for Real Madrid

In an interview with El Chiringuito TV during Euro 2024, Barcelona star Lamine Yamal was asked whether he would ever play for La Blaugrana's arch-rivals Real Madrid. He shook his head.

The 17-year-old was also asked how much of a Culer (Barca fan) he would call himself between 1 and 10. The youngster said:

"A 10."

The La Masia graduate was then asked whether he would fit the "profile of a Culer" who would never play for Real Madrid. Yamal confidently said:

"Yes."

In his latest interview on El Hormiguero, Lamine Yamal further proved his loyalty to Barcelona, claiming he doesn't ever want to leave the club.

"I don't want those €120 million [his estimated value in the transfer market] because then I would have to leave Barca. I hope I never have to leave. I want to be a legend," Yamal said.

Lamine Yamal's love for the Catalan club is understandable, as he spent much of his childhood playing for the Barca academy La Masia since joining them in 2014. The youngster made his senior team debut under former coach Xavi in April 2023.