The win over FC Porto away from home is indeed a massive one for FC Barcelona. Xavi’s men were determined until the very last whistle to ensure that they took away all three points against the Portuguese giants in the Estadio de Dragao.
Ultimately, the first-half strike from Ferran Torres would be the one to seal the deal. Just before the half-time mark, Torres managed to give Barcelona all three points. However, it would not be fair to credit only the goal for such an integral victory.
Instead, it was the Barcelona defense that was responsible for most of the heroics. As stated by Mundo Deportivo, it was the partnership of Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde that ultimately took Barcelona over the line and ensured that it was nothing less than three points that La Blaugrana returned home with.
Unsung heroes
Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo were the specific protagonists that enabled Barcelona to walk away with three points. They also maintained their clean sheet, which already guaranteed at least a point but due to their dependable presence and Ferran’s goal, Barcelona now stand top of Group H.
French guardian
It was not easy at all, however, as both defenders were tested continuously. Kounde’s moment of brilliance came in the 53rd minute when he ended up saving Ter Stegen from having to deal with a massive threat. Rushing back to catch up with the previously unmarked Pepe, Kounde ended up making a goal-saving tackle.
Even afterward, the pure display of emotion from the Barcelona defense showed what it meant. Statistically, the Frenchman was brilliant as well. With 94 touches (the most) to his name, the defender also gave the most passes (78) in the game with a 93% success rate. He also won five aerial duels and took back possession five times from Porto.
The returning Uruguayan warrior
His partner as a center-back, Ronald Araujo, was not far behind either. Again with Pepe, the Uruguayan defender made a clean sliding tackle to prevent Porto from taking advantage of an unfavorable Barcelona positioning.
In terms of his statistical display, Araujo was impressive as well. With the second-highest number of passes (64) coupled with a success rate of 88% as well as 78 touches during the game, Araujo was sublime in his own right.
The great Kounde-Araujo wall
Considered by many to be the best two-man defense for Barcelona at this moment, the Kounde-Araujo partnership has flourished. Having played together a total of 25 games, the duo has managed to record 17 wins, 5 draws, and only 3 defeats.
The defeats came against Manchester United in the Europa League, Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League, and against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga. A great record in itself, but their partnership has been thwarted by injuries, however. Due to Araujo’s absences both last season and during this campaign, the duo have not had the opportunity to play together as much as Xavi would ideally like.
Defensive ‘family’
After the game, Araujo even commented on this new defensive ‘family’ that Barcelona has. He heaped particular praise towards both Kounde and Andreas Christensen:
“He (Kounde) is a great player, just like Christensen. We have formed a good group. Defensively we have formed a family.”
Their next challenge will be to take on Granada on Sunday. With Robert Lewandowski out injured and most likely not going to feature, the Barca defense will have to ensure they do not concede any unwanted goals to better give their attackers a chance to win three points for the team.
