Following Paris Saint-Germain's remarkable Champions League comeback win against Barcelona, PSG forward Bradley Barcola has lifted the veil on how he strategically outwitted Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, ultimately triggering a dramatic implosion from the Catalan giants.
Barcelona's European woes continued as they squandered a two-goal lead to succumb to a 6-4 aggregate defeat to PSG in their quarter-final clash earlier this month. The turning point of the match came with Araujo's dismissal just before the half-hour mark, a pivotal moment orchestrated by Barcola's tactical brilliance.
"I knew that Araujo was going very quickly," Barcola revealed in an interview with French publication RMC Sport. "On this action, I told myself that I was going to pass in front of him because in the first leg, I had a somewhat similar action, but I hadn't passed well in front."
Barcola's anticipation of Araujo's movements proved decisive, as he strategically positioned himself to exploit the Uruguayan defender's vulnerability. "I knew that he could either make a mistake or I would go one against one," Barcola added, illustrating his astute understanding of the situation.
The PSG star's calculated approach not only resulted in Araujo's red card but also paved the way for PSG's astonishing comeback. Moments after the sending off, Barcola turned provider, setting up former Barcelona player Ousmane Dembele for the equalizer, igniting a four-goal rally that secured PSG's passage to the semi-finals.
While Kylian Mbappe's brace rightfully garnered attention, it was Barcola's strategic maneuver that shifted the momentum in PSG's favor and ultimately sealed their victory. The 21-year-old's pivotal role in Luis Enrique's squad this season underscores his growing influence and tactical acumen on the pitch.
As PSG sets their sights on domestic glory, with a crucial fixture against Le Havre looming on Saturday, April 27, Barcola's performance against Barcelona serves as a testament to his ability to thrive under pressure and make game-changing contributions when it matters most.