Portuguese international praised Lamine Yamal, highlighting the genius of the opponent, but recalled that PSG is prepared to deal with Barcelona. Vitinha also came out in defense of João Neves.
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19/10/2026
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Vitinha attended, this Monday, in a press conference to make the preview of the game between PSG and Barcelona, concerning the 3rd day of the single league phase of the Champions League. The Portuguese international left torn praise to Lamine Yamal, the great figure of the blaugranas, but ensured that the French ensemble is prepared to deal with the incursions of the opponent player.
“I wouldn’t say we’re afraid. He's one of the best players in the world. What you do is amazing, it's exceptional. It's interesting to play against players like this, but not just against him. Let’s face a great team, not just Lamine”, started by saying Vitinha.
Yamal has been pointed out as one of the great favorites to win the Golden Ball, but for Vitinha the award should be handed to one of his teammates, saying that winning the Champions League must have a decisive weight in the election.
“ I've told you before that I believe the Champions League is what counts most, and a PSG player should win the Golden Ball. But there are other very good players: Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Michael Olise... Still, the fairest thing would be that the prize was for a player from Paris Saint-Germain ", defended the Portuguese international.
Vitinha also took the opportunity to praise Ousmane Dembélé, who last season was elected the best player in the world, highlighting his leadership capacity.
“You’ve been the team leader for some time. In the big games, he was always up to it. What you give us is unique. I hope that tomorrow it will bring back chills and emotions. He deserves more praise, because we know what he is capable of,” he said.
In the last round, the PSG went to England to defeat Manchester City (4-2) and Vitinha wants to apply the same recipe in front of Barcelona, refusing, however, the label “early end”.
“As with Manchester City, it’s a great game we want to play. Even though it is not decisive, it arises at a stage where the three points can make a difference. We are still anxious to show our level ", admitted, pointing to the importance of pressing the opponent.
“ In the first part, we managed to do it very well in Manchester. Sometimes, playing back, sometimes higher, changing positions... Let’s see”, stressed.
In defense of João Neves
Vitinha was also confronted with the current moment of compatriot João Neves, who seems to be losing the lead in Luis Enrique's choices, as well as in the national selection, now guided by Jorge Jesus. The 26-year-old player recalled that all players go through highs and lows and that the squad is very strong, and it is normal that some do not have that much game time.
“As with Kvaratskhelia, there are ups and downs. People start talking when there's a game he doesn't play. It's normal, it's the competition, like Unai Emery used to say when he was here. We have many good players and, this summer, we hired some more ", shot Vitinha.
The game between PSG and Barcelona is scheduled for 8:00 tomorrow, Tuesday. Both the Parisians and the Blaugrans won the first two games in the Champions League.