Champions League

This statement really backfired

Lamine Yamal (left) against Andrija Maksimovic - the Barcelona professional was the clear winner in this duel of talents.(Bild: AFP or Licensors)

"I'll show that I'm better than him!" Red Star Belgrade's Andrija Maksimovic's confidence is high, but he was unable to outshine Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal on Wednesday evening. On the contrary: in the end there was a bitter 2:5 defeat.

"He's a great player, we've met in the past and tomorrow I'll go out on the pitch and show that I'm better than him," Maksimovic had trumpeted before the clash with Yamal. But nothing came of it, the 17-year-old Serb left the court as the clear loser.

Andrija Maksimovic (right) mostly ran behind against FC Barcelona.(Bild: Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

"Maksimovic, who had challenged Lamine, was never heard from again," was the verdict of Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo after Barca's 5:2 victory.

And "AS" writes: "Maksimovic, the daring 17-year-old who wanted to prove that he was better than Lamine Yamal: in view of the game, he didn't seem to be and was eventually substituted."

15 Barca goals in four games
Maksimovic and Co. had no chance against Barcelona, the top scorers in the top flight with 15 goals in four games so far. In Belgrade, Robert Lewandowski set the tone for victory with a brace (43rd, 53rd). Inigo Martinez (13), Raphinha (55) and Fermin Lopez (76) also scored for the Catalans.