.png)
3 days ago
6 ARTICLE AD
Leganes defender Yvan Neyou is gearing up for another clash with Barcelona, this time at Montjuic.
Having already defeated Hansi Flick’s side in the first leg of their encounter this season, Leganes remain one of only three teams to have beaten Barcelona at home.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the defender was asked about the possibility of repeating their first-leg victory. He acknowledged the challenge but also recognised the unpredictability of football.
“Yes, we know it’s going to be very difficult, but in a match, you never know what can happen. We’re not thinking about their run, just about doing things well ourselves,” he said.
Leganes’ victory earlier in the season caught many by surprise, but Neyou insists that the team’s preparation and focus are the key to facing such formidable opponents.
“It’s going to be hard, but we’re going into the match with the belief that anything is possible.”
Barcelona’s strengths and Neyou’s respect
Yvan Neyou has already beaten Barcelona once. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Despite Leganes’ underdog status, Neyou has great respect for Barcelona, particularly for the way they operate as a team.
He pointed out that while the attacking trio of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Pedri gets plenty of attention, it is Barcelona’s collective effort that makes them such a tough opponent.
“I see a team that plays very well together, as a team, that knows what it has to do and does it spectacularly, regardless of the individual strengths of the three up front.
“You can’t let up on the accelerator because danger can come from anywhere,” Neyou explained.
Though he does not typically ask for shirts from players unless they are personal friends, Neyou confessed he admires certain Barcelona stars.
“I like Barça players like Lamine, Raphinha, and Pedri, players with innate talent who didn’t learn it playing football,” he shared.
Praise for Pedri
Yvan Neyou has praised Pedri. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
As a midfielder, Neyou often faces off against Barcelona’s own midfielders. When asked about Pedri, he admitted that it is difficult to focus solely on one player during a match because of how fluid Barcelona’s midfield play is.
“I can’t really focus on them because they move around a lot. In the first leg, I had Casado first, then Pedri, then a centre back, so they force you to defend as a unit,” he explained.
Although he admires Pedri’s skills, Neyou is humble about his own game in comparison.
“They’re better than me; each has their own unique qualities. I really like Pedri, but we don’t have the same strengths,” he said, acknowledging that Barcelona’s midfielders offer a level of talent that is hard to match.
Looking ahead, Neyou also sees Barcelona as strong contenders for the treble this season.
“Yes, they have a chance of winning the treble because they are well-positioned in all three competitions,” he stated, recognising their strength in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey.
