Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has explained his decision to substitute Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal during Spain's UEFA Nations League final defeat to Portugal on Sunday, citing the teenager's fatigue as the primary reason.
The 17-year-old Barcelona star was replaced by Yeremy Pino in extra time at the Allianz Arena as Spain sought to inject fresh energy into their performance. Despite the substitution, the match ended in a 2-2 draw before Portugal claimed a 5-3 victory in the penalty shootout after Alvaro Morata missed his spot kick.
Fatigue Concerns for Young Star
"We wanted to give the game a bit more energy," de la Fuente told journalists at his post-match press conference when questioned about Yamal's substitution. "The introduction of Yeremy Pino and Alex Baena gave us that energy, that control of the game that we had lost, as well as our finishing and shooting."
The 63-year-old coach emphasized the need to manage Yamal's workload given his age and recent schedule. "Yamal is tired because he has been competing since Thursday, there has been little rest. He has had a very difficult year. He's 17 years old and we've to behave accordingly," de la Fuente explained.
The decision highlights the careful management required for young talents like Yamal, who has emerged as one of football's brightest prospects despite his tender age. The Barcelona winger has been carrying significant responsibilities for both club and country throughout the season.
Penalty Heartbreak for Spain
Despite Spain's efforts to regain control of the match with fresh legs, they ultimately fell short in the penalty shootout. Galatasaray striker Alvaro Morata's missed penalty proved costly as Portugal secured the Nations League trophy with a 5-3 shootout victory.
Following the defeat, reports suggest Morata expressed uncertainty about his future with the national team, adding another layer of complexity to Spain's disappointment.
Meanwhile, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated the victory with characteristic enthusiasm, noting that his children, who are Spanish, would now have to respect him after Portugal's triumph over Spain.
The Nations League final marked another chapter in the storied rivalry between these Iberian neighbors, with Portugal emerging victorious on this occasion despite Spain's talented squad featuring rising stars like Yamal.
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