PSG’s Luis Enrique Exposes Barcelona Star’s Key Defensive Weakness
Earlier this year, FC Barcelona played Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. Despite winning the first leg, the Catalan side imploded in the second leg as the Parisians overturned the aggregate score.
One of the players who had a terrible night was Ronald Araújo. Recently, Enrique noted the player’s weakness, which he wanted his squad to exploit. Araújo handed PSG a lifeline in the second leg by committing a foul that led to his direct red card. Nonetheless, Enrique noted what flaw the Uruguayan has in his game.
“Ronald Araújo is a top player, but he has the most problems with ball output,” Enrique said. “Every time he gets the ball, we block one passing line and we’re in.”
Luis Enrique (PSG coach) at half time during FC Barcelona – PSG last season: "Ronald Araújo is a top player, but he has the most problems with ball output. Every time he gets the ball, we block one passing line and we're in." Via @sport
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 14, 2024
Following the red card, the Catalan side was left with ten men for the remaining hour of the match. PSG took advantage of this situation, scoring four unanswered goals. The first goal came from Ousmane Dembélé, who again haunted his former club late in the first half.
Vitinha scored in the 54th minute to even the aggregate score at 4-4, putting the Ligue 1 side ahead 2-1 in the match. Kylian Mbappé followed up with a penalty kick goal in the 61st minute and sealed the deal with another goal in the 89th minute, securing a 6-4 aggregate victory.