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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Lamine Yamal 'cancelled out' by Mendes in Portugal win</li><li>Mendes claims Dembele better positioned for Ballon d'Or</li><li>Spain superstar goes missing in the Nations League final</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Portugal hero Nuno Mendes revels in 'cancelling out' Lamine Yamal as PSG star keeps Barcelona wonderkid quiet in Portugal's Nations League triumph over Spain

<p>Mendes had the task of battling Barcelona wonderkid Yamal during Portugal’s Nations League final against Spain, and came out on top as Selecao das Quinas won the clash in a penalty shootout. The Paris Saint-Germain left-back managed to do what a lot of defenders have failed to do over the course of the last year, as he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/portugal-player-ratings-spain-cristiano-ronaldo-delivers-again-nuno-mendes-lamine-yamal-diogo-costa-heroics-nations-league-final-victory/blt98783aec76680f62" target="_blank">managed to keep Yamal quiet through the clash</a>. Mendes has revelled in the fact that he 'cancelled out’ the 17-year-old, which helped Portugal win their second Nations League title.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Speaking to the media, Mendes said: "It was a clash [with Yamal] like many others I have had during the season. I have faced up to many great players, very technically skilled players who can make a difference, but today I cancelled out Lamine and [did] not let him do what he does best.</p><p>"This helped the team, and I am happy I helped the team win this trophy. It's all about being consistent. I have played many good games, and it's about the work I do individually and with the coaches at PSG and Portugal."</p>

WHAT MENDES SAID

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lamine-yamal-statement-stunning-performance-france-spain-boss-barcelona-deserves-ballon-d-or/blt16db67fcdbec7318" target="_blank">Yamal is currently considered one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or</a> this year, alongside Mendes’ PSG team-mate, Ousmane Dembele. However, the Portuguese left-back has claimed that the France superstar is in a better position to win the coveted title.</p><p>He said: "The Ballon d'Or? I play with Ousmane [Dembele], and he had a wonderful season. Lamine also had a wonderful season. But Ousmane will be in the Club World Cup and Lamine won't, so I'm very happy for Ousmane.</p><p>"He had a lot of injuries at Barca before arriving at PSG, but he is an amazing player. I like him very much as a player and a man. I wish him the best for the Ballon d'Or, and I and his teammates will help him get there."</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The 22-year-old has been in fine form for both Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal. However, he will not be able to have a proper rest this summer, with Les Parisiens set to participate in the Club World Cup later this month.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR MENDES?

Portugal hero Nuno Mendes revels in 'cancelling out' Lamine Yamal as PSG star keeps Barcelona wonderkid quiet in Portugal's Nations League triumph over Spain | Goal.com

Portugal’s Nuno Mendes has claimed that he ‘cancelled out’ Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal during the Nations League final win.

Portugal hero Nuno Mendes revels in &apos;cancelling out&apos; Lamine Yamal as PSG star keeps Barcelona wonderkid quiet in Portugal&apos;s Nations League triumph over Spain