Lucas Hernandez explains aggressive approach against Lamine Yamal in Barcelona win: ‘I knew that if I stayed close…’

Lucas Hernandez explains aggressive approach against Lamine Yamal in Barcelona win: ‘I knew that if I stayed close…’ Lucas Hernandez delivered a decisive performance against Barcelona, helping Paris Saint-Germain secure a 4-2 Champions League victory while keeping Lamine Yamal under pressure throughout the contest. The French full-back not only scored for Luis Enrique’s side but also drew praise from his manager and teammate Desire Doue for his display against Barcelona’s teenage winger.  Notably, match footage also captured a tense but playful exchange between Hernandez and Yamal during the match. Hernandez explains his aggressive approach against Yamal Yamal and Hernandez were involved in a heated duel, with the French defender determined to limit the Barcelona forward’s influence.  After the Spaniard exchanged a nudge and a shove with his opponent, Hernandez appeared to deliver a light slap to the back of Yamal’s head. The tension later gave way to a more playful moment, as Hernandez nudged Yamal and laughed in his face, drawing a smile from the Barcelona youngster. After the final whistle, Hernandez explained the thinking behind his defensive approach and acknowledged the quality of the player he had been tasked with containing. “Lamine Yamal? A brilliant player. I knew that if I stayed close and played aggressively, he’d find it difficult,” he said, as per MARCA . PSG defender makes the most of surprise start Hernandez also revealed that he had only learned during the pre-match team talk that he would be starting against Barcelona in place of injured Nuno Mendes.  The opportunity proved fruitful, with the defender contributing at both ends of the pitch during PSG’s victory. “During the pre-match team talk, I found out I was going to start. As I’ve always done, I gave it my all on the pitch.  “It’s true that some nights are better than others, but that desire to give my all on the pitch has never left me, and today it’s paid off.” Luis Enrique and Doue single out Hernandez Lucas Hernandez was on the scoresheet against Barcelona. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images) Hernandez’s contribution did not go unnoticed within the PSG dressing room, as Doue went as far as naming the defender his standout performer. “For me, Lucas Hernandez was the man of the match,” said the PSG forward, who scored and assisted in the win. Furthermore, Luis Enrique was equally enthusiastic about the Frenchman’s display, praising both his influence within the squad and his execution on the pitch. “I’m really happy for him; he’s a player who brings a great atmosphere to the squad and who was excellent today.  “He marked Lamine Yamal incredibly well and also scored a goal. He deserves it,” noted the former Barcelona boss.