Nuno Mendes proud of shutting down Lamine Yamal in Portugal’s Nations League triumph

Nuno-Mendes-proud-of-shutting-down-Lamine-Yamal-in-Portugals-Nations-League-triumph
@BeanymanSports

Portugal’s left-back Nuno Mendes played a decisive role in his team’s UEFA Nations League victory over Spain, boasting that he completely neutralized teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The final, held in Munich, ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw before Portugal secured the win in a tense penalty shootout, finishing 5-3.

Mendes, named Player of the Match, was instrumental in both defense and attack. He scored Portugal’s first goal and later assisted Cristiano Ronaldo’s equalizer, showcasing his ability to influence the game on both ends of the pitch. His duel with Yamal was one of the most anticipated matchups, and Mendes ensured the young Spaniard had little impact throughout the game.

Reflecting on his performance, Mendes stated that he had faced many technically gifted players throughout the season but was determined to prevent Yamal from making a difference in the final. His defensive discipline and tactical awareness allowed Portugal to maintain control, frustrating Spain’s attacking efforts.

With this victory, Portugal claimed their second Nations League title, further cementing their status as one of Europe’s elite teams. Mendes’ standout performance not only contributed to the triumph but also reinforced his reputation as one of the best full-backs in the game today.

Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana

Forwarder

SpainSpain

Age: 18

178 cm

kg

Season 2024/2025
Played 35 3 Missed
Minutes 2864 81.8 Avg
Goals 9 0.3 Avg
Assist 14 0.4 Avg
Attempt 279 8.0 Avg
Passes 1414 40.478.1% AvgSucc
Yellow 3 0.1 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 35 times for 2864 minutes for La Liga.

Lamine Yamal scored 9 goals for FC Barcelona. He procured 14 assists. He received 3 yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 1st in La Liga. In the last match FC Barcelona won 3-0 against Athletic Club.

FC Barcelona performance and stats

FC Barcelona

Manager: Hans-Dieter Flick
Rank 1st
Win 28
Draw 4
Loss 6
Goals 102-39
Diff 63
Rank 2nd
Win 6
Draw 1
Loss 1
Goals 28-13
Diff 15

FC Barcelona is currently 1st in the La Liga with 88 points.

In the last 38 games, it has won 28 times, drew 4 times, and lost 6 times. In its last match, FC Barcelona won 0-3 against Athletic Club.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 102 goals and conceding 39.​