October 19
Nuno Mendes’ Absence Opens the Door to a Lamine Yamal-Induced Nightmare
Luis Enrique faces a genuine tactical dilemma just hours before the highly anticipated clash against Barcelona at the Parc des Princes. The Spanish manager—who commands one of the strongest squads in Europe—suddenly finds himself without the most crucial component of his defensive setup for neutralizing the greatest threat: Lamine Yamal.
Portuguese full-back Nuno Mendes, widely regarded as the best left-back in the world today, sustained a serious injury during a match against Strasbourg that will sideline him for several weeks, leaving a gaping void on the left flank for Paris Saint-Germain.
Although the Parisian club bolstered this position over the summer by signing the experienced Frenchman Lucas Digne from Aston Villa for €7 million to serve as cover for Mendes, his presence has become a major source of concern for the coaching staff ahead of tomorrow’s showdown.
Spanish media have pointed out that 33-year-old Digne carries a painful memory involving this same opponent; he was responsible for conceding a penalty that paved the way for a Spanish victory during the 2026 World Cup—a match in which he endured a true nightmare while facing Lamine Yamal.
It was a night the French defender has not forgotten. Afterward, he released a poignant statement on social media, writing: "I feel deeply disappointed in myself, in this team, and in all the effort we put in. My thoughts are with everyone who traveled with us and everyone who supported us from France and around the world. Despite this immense disappointment, I remain proud to have represented our country." Luis Enrique fears a repeat of this nightmare at the Parc des Princes—especially given that the Barcelona star is currently in the best form of his career, as evidenced by his stunning goal, precise assist, and all-around performance under the guidance of Hansi Flick.
Faced with this reality, the Asturian coach is weighing his difficult options. One alternative is Lucas Hernández (30), though he has rarely been used this season and typically plays as a center-back. Another possibility would be shifting a midfielder like Warren Zaïre-Emery to the full-back position—a solution that seems unlikely when tasked with containing a winger of Lamine’s caliber.
Luis Enrique is keen to avoid a repeat of the scenario from the World Cup semi-final against France. Consequently, Digne will require extra support from the midfield—specifically from Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz—as well as from the winger on the opposite flank, Kvaratskhelia, who is expected to start.
While Enrique certainly has a squad capable of fielding a competitive team—leaving no room for excuses—the absence of Nuno Mendes remains a crushing blow. The Portuguese defender was the only player who managed to keep pace with Lamine during their Round of 16 clash at the World Cup, thanks to his persistent individual challenges; in fact, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente remarked at the time that Mendes had "got the better of him."
Now, the confidence Lamine has gained from knowing he previously faced—and overcame—an opponent like Digne could make him more dangerous than ever.
