Lamine Yamal has revealed he is drawing inspiration from LeBron James as Barcelona attempt to overturn a two-goal deficit against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Barca head into Tuesday’s quarter-final second leg trailing 2-0 after a disappointing first-leg performance, leaving them with a significant task at the Metropolitano.

In the build-up, a viral meme comparing Barcelona’s situation to Cleveland’s historic NBA comeback in 2016 resurfaced online, and Yamal appeared to embrace the narrative by switching his social media profile picture to James.

“LeBron is one of the references that is inspiring me for the game,” Yamal said. “I put it as my photo for that reason. I am thinking about how he did it and hoping for the same result for us.”

Barcelona and Yamal’s challenge

Barcelona’s record against Atletico in knockout ties has added to the sense of difficulty surrounding the fixture.

The Catalan side have struggled historically over two-legged encounters against Diego Simeone’s team, and must now produce a near-perfect performance away from home to keep their European hopes alive.

Despite the challenge, Yamal insisted the mindset within the squad remains very clear.

“We have to do what we have done all season, fight for the badge and give everything,” he said.

“We can’t think we need a miracle to come back. It’s one game. We know it starts at 2-0, but we will play the way we know and give absolutely everything.”

Yamal embracing Barcelona responsibility

Still only 18, Yamal has been one of Barcelona’s standout performers this season, registering 22 goals and 18 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.

His influence has grown rapidly, but the forward says he is comfortable with the responsibility placed on him.

“Since I was a kid, I have taken on a lot of responsibility, so I am used to it,” he explained.

“I don’t see it as a problem. It’s a virtue. I enjoy going out with my teammates and luckily I play for Barcelona, so we have world-class players across the side.

“But if that is the case, I don’t mind, but it’s about the team. And I have full confidence in the team.”

Flick backs Barcelona to deliver UCL response

Head coach Hansi Flick acknowledged the scale of the task but remains confident his side can get the job done, even if history is against the Blaugrana.

“It’s tough for us, but I believe in my team, that we can make it happen,” Flick said in his pre-match press conference on Monday.

“It’s possible. Why not? We know we are playing a strong team with fantastic players, so we need a strong and stable defence, but we have to be brave in offence.

“Maybe we have to use every chance. When you see the last game, that’s the difference. Maybe tomorrow it is totally different and the momentum will be with us.”

Barcelona will be without Raphinha and Andreas Christensen through injury, while Pau Cubarsi is suspended.

That puts more weight on young Yamal, who will have to be at his very best if Barca are going to turn the tie around.