Secret mission to stop Yamal! Luis Enrique's surprise gamble pays off against Barcelona
A secret mission against Barcelona's biggest star! Luis Enrique reportedly stunned Lucas Hernandez with a last minute decision before PSG's Champions League showdown, handing the defender one clear responsibility: stop Lamine Yamal.
Details: According to CentreGoals, citing RMC Sport, Hernandez only discovered he would start against Barcelona during PSG's pre-match team talk at 6:30pm on October 20. Luis Enrique reportedly instructed the French defender to deny Yamal space from the opening minutes and prevent the Spanish sensation from influencing the game. The unexpected selection was part of a specific defensive plan against one of Europe's most dangerous young attackers.
The decision was particularly surprising because Hernandez had not been widely expected to start. Enrique wanted an experienced, physically strong defender capable of challenging Yamal immediately. Rather than giving the Barcelona winger freedom to build confidence, the PSG coach reportedly demanded aggressive defensive pressure from the beginning.
Hernandez responded with an influential performance. The Frenchman battled with Yamal throughout the encounter and even scored PSG's second goal in the 71st minute. Remarkably, it was his first competitive goal since February 2024, ending a drought of approximately two years and eight months.
Although Yamal eventually found the net, PSG emerged victorious with a dramatic 4-2 result. Hernandez's surprise inclusion became one of the most interesting tactical stories of the evening, demonstrating Enrique's willingness to make unexpected decisions before major European fixtures.
It's worth noting that Hernandez was part of PSG's starting lineup rather than a substitute. His unexpected assignment against Yamal was reported by RMC Sport, while the Frenchman's goal and Paris' 4-2 victory are confirmed match events.
Reminder: Lucas Hernandez finally scores after two years and eight months without a goal.
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
