One of the most painful episodes that FC Barcelona experienced in the 2023-24 season was the defeat to Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, which eliminated the Blaugranes from the premier European competition.
The Catalans were able to win the first leg of the tie, as they won the match 3-2 with a brace from Raphinha and another goal from Andreas Christensen. The Brazilian again sent Barcelona ahead early in the second leg, but the red card shown to Ronald Araujo in the 29th minute proved to be decisive as PSG were able to score four goals and advance to the semi-finals.
As SPORT has reported, the documentary series ‘You don’t have a clue’ has shed some light on what went on in the PSG dressing room ahead of this game. The documentary shows that Luis Enrique, the PSG head coach, was convinced of beating Barcelona at that time, and was looking to exploit one particular weakness in the Blaugrana team.
This weakness was Ronald Araujo, whom the former Barcelona coach recognized to be a very good player, but believed he was a weak link in ball output.
The documentary shows that during the break in the first leg, the Spanish coach can be seen asking his players to make it difficult for Araujo to get the ball out of the defensive line:
“Araujo is a top player, but he has the most issues with playing out from the back. Every time he receives the ball, we block a passing lane and we’re in position.”
Ultimately, Araujo did emerge as the weak point for Barcelona, but not exactly for his ball playing, but for his challenge on Bradley Barcola that led to his expulsion from the game. That red card provided PSG with an extra man on the pitch, and took one of the leaders of the Barcelona defense out of the game, giving the Parisians a clear advantage on the pitch.