Monday, February 17, 2025

‘I’m not afraid of you’

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WHAT HAPPENED?

Spain scraped past Denmark in the Nations League on Saturday thanks to Martin Zubimendi’s late goal, which took them top of their group, but Barcelona wonderkid Yamal had an off night. Part of that was down to the impressive display of left-back Kristiansen, who said he was ready for the “fight” against the talented 17-year-old.

WHAT VICTOR KRISTIANSEN SAID

FBL-EUR-NATIONS-ESP-DEN

He told Ekstra Bladet, via Marca: “I didn’t think about whether they would get a yellow card. It was just coming in and saying, ‘Hey, I’m in the fight too. I’m not afraid of you’. When you have the opportunity to make a good fair duel that can do a little damage, you have to take advantage of it.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

While Spain got the victory in the end and took another step towards the Nations League quarter-finals, the biggest concern is that Yamal picked up an injury that has forced him to return to Barcelona and miss their encounter against Serbia this week. Losing the teenager – who has scored five goals and bagged five assists for Barca this season – would be a huge blow for both club and country.

WHAT NEXT?

Yamal

With Yamal set to miss Tuesday’s home game against Serbia, all eyes will be on whether or not he will be fit for Barcelona’s match against Sevilla next Sunday as La Liga returns. The Blaugrana sit top of the league but their chances of success this season will surely take a hit if Yamal is sidelined for an extended period.

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