After Barcelona’s dominant 4-0 win over Real Madrid in the season’s first Clásico, young Barcelona star Lamine Yamal showed his admiration for Madrid's veteran midfielder Luka Modric in a personal way. Despite celebrating his team’s major victory, Yamal made a point of seeking out Modric after the final whistle to request his shirt. This gesture underscored the deep respect Yamal, at only 17, holds for Modric, who has been an icon for young footballers worldwide.
In a game where Barcelona capitalized on Real Madrid’s defensive lapses, Yamal’s performance was particularly noteworthy. He not only scored but also proved a constant challenge to Madrid’s backline, exemplifying the energy and technical skill that define his play. His goal brought the score to 3-0, essentially sealing the win, and further established him as one of Barcelona’s emerging talents under Hansi Flick. His admiration for Modric, whom he has publicly called “an incredible player and a model for anyone in football,” reflects the influence Modric has beyond club rivalries.
According to *Defensa Central*, Yamal took a brief pause from his team’s celebrations to make this personal request, reinforcing the sentiment that Modric remains a highly respected figure—even among Barcelona players. While the Clásico defeat left Real Madrid six points behind their Catalan rivals, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti downplayed the loss, noting that the season is still long, and Real Madrid remains in contention for the La Liga title. The team is reportedly using the defeat as a point of reflection, looking to address the weaknesses that Barcelona exposed and strengthen their position in upcoming matches.
For Madrid, the gap is not insurmountable, but the loss highlighted areas for improvement in defensive coordination and strategy. The club recognizes that it will need to adjust quickly to prevent similar setbacks as the season progresses. This gesture of respect from Yamal, combined with Madrid’s resolve to bounce back, adds a layer of respect and rivalry to the ongoing La Liga season, showcasing both teams’ commitment to excellence.