Lamine Yamal vs Nuno Mendes: Spain advance but Barcelona star endures difficult night | OneFootball

The biggest talking point ahead of Spain vs Portugal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 was always going to be the battle between Lamine Yamal and Nuno Mendes. 

It was another opportunity for the Barcelona star Lamine Yamal to prove himself against a defender who had already caused him problems in previous meetings.

However, the latest chapter of the Lamine Yamal vs Nuno Mendes rivalry once again favoured the Portuguese defender, even though Spain booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

It was not the most memorable performance from the Barcelona star, but Spain ultimately found a way to progress without relying on the brilliance of their teenage sensation.

Nuno Mendes leaves little room for Lamine Yamal

From the opening whistle, Nuno Mendes made life difficult for the Barcelona winger. 

The PSG defender stayed tight to his marker, denied him space to turn and ensured that Spain’s most dangerous attacker remained on the fringes of the contest.

Much of the evening saw Yamal receiving possession with his back to goal, unable to drive forward in the way fans have become accustomed to seeing.

The Barcelona youngster struggled to influence the game and was visibly frustrated whenever his dribbles failed to come off. 

It was an unusual sight for a player who normally thrives in one-versus-one situations.

The statistics showed that the Spain international still contributed. By half-time, Lamine Yamal had completed two dribbles, won five duels, registered 27 touches and maintained a perfect success rate in tackles. 

Yet those numbers did little to disguise the fact that this was one of the quieter nights of his recent career.

For long periods, Yamal’s struggles were evident, with Nuno Mendes refusing to allow the Barcelona forward any freedom in dangerous areas.

Yamal finds relief after Nuno Mendes injury

Yamal picked up the pace after Nuno Mendes’ injury. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Spain did not require a decisive contribution from Yamal to advance, but there was a sense of relief when the complexion of the duel changed in the second half.

Until the 54th minute, the Portugal defender had largely controlled proceedings. Then came the moment that altered the dynamic of the contest.

Mendes suffered an injury during a challenge involving the Barcelona star and was unable to continue. 

For the first time all evening, Yamal looked capable of finding more space, although by then his overall influence had already been limited.

Despite the outcome of Spain vs Portugal, it was clear that Mendes had once again succeeded in restricting one of the most exciting attackers in world football.