Hernandez silences Yamal and taunts him after decisive goal for PSG

Lucas Hernandez was PSG’s standout performer against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League league phase, scoring the 2-1 goal in the 72nd minute from a corner and neutralizing Lamine Yamal for virtually the entire match.

Unexpectedly started to cover for the absent Nuno Mendes on the left flank, the French international defender delivered a commanding performance. Yamal, rendered ineffective while Hernandez was on the pitch, only found the net after the Parisian was substituted off.

But it was a scene immediately after the goal that caught attention. As he headed back to his position, Hernandez tapped the cheek of the young Barcelona forward and reportedly said, according to the Catalan press: “Thank God, I’m a Madrilenian. Come on Madrid!” Trained at Atlético Madrid, the PSG defender knew exactly which buttons to push. Yamal stared back with a dark look before cracking a wry smile.

In his press conference, Luis Enrique lavished praise on his player. “Lucas is a player with experience, who is always ready, who has ambition and immense ability. We knew before the match that he was going to do very good work. He is aggressive and, at the same time, he doesn’t make unnecessary fouls. He had an incredible match against one of the best players in the world,” the PSG manager said.

Hernandez himself mentioned learning of his starting role that very evening, during the pre-match talk. “I did what I always do: give my maximum on the pitch. We sometimes have better evenings than others, but tonight it worked well. I’m not used to scoring much, but I was fortunate to do so on this corner. It remains a league phase match, but it was important to show the team we are,” he said. The World Cup winner concluded on a note of continuity: “I remain a player ready to give everything at any moment. That’s what I will continue to do at PSG.”