Despite a career filled with significant moments, even Luis Enrique, the 55-year-old coach of defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, found himself in disbelief after an extraordinary Champions League night.
«Without a doubt, this was the best game I’ve ever been a part of as a coach,» gushed the Spaniard following the historic 5-4 first-leg semi-final victory against FC Bayern.
«I have never witnessed such intensity, pace, and physical level. We must congratulate everyone,» Enrique stated. «Today, we deserved to win, we deserved a draw, and we deserved to lose. It was a fantastic game.» He further elaborated to CBS Sports, «It was a party the whole time.»
FCB coach Vincent Kompany, however, saw things differently, though his perspective was somewhat limited by his inability to be on the sidelines. When the two coaches met in the corridors of the Parc des Princes after the match for a cordial exchange, they shook hands. As they parted ways, Enrique asked Kompany if he had enjoyed it. The Belgian responded with a broad grin, «No! I really didn’t like it.»
With the 5-4 win, Enrique also secured a record, overtaking Pep Guardiola as the fastest coach to achieve 50 Champions League victories. Guardiola needed 80 games with Barcelona and Bayern, while Enrique reached the milestone in just 77.
PSG Stars Also Enthusiastic: «We Dream of Games Like This All Year»
Even his players were satisfied despite Bayern’s late comeback, having come back from a 5-2 deficit. «All football fans surely enjoyed the game,» said captain Marquinhos to Canal+. «On the pitch, it was a true joy to play in this match. We dream of games like this all year round, since we were children.»
«Bayern is a great team, it was an incredible game,» echoed Ousmane Dembélé, who scored twice (45.+5, penalty / 58.). Looking ahead to the return leg next Wednesday, he added, «Now we go to Munich to try and win another game. And to qualify for the final, we need to stay focused.»
Paraphrased English Text:
Luis Enrique expressed his awe after an incredible Champions League encounter, calling the 5-4 victory over FC Bayern the pinnacle of his coaching career. The Paris Saint-Germain manager was particularly impressed by the match’s intensity, speed, and physicality. He felt his team deserved the win, acknowledging that the game’s nature could have led to any outcome.
In contrast, FC Bayern coach Vincent Kompany humorously admitted he «really didn’t like» the game. The coaches shared a lighthearted moment post-match, highlighting their differing experiences.
Enrique’s triumph also marked a personal record, as he became the quickest manager to reach 50 Champions League wins, surpassing Pep Guardiola’s previous mark.
PSG players shared their coach’s enthusiasm. Captain Marquinhos described the match as a dream for any footballer, while Ousmane Dembélé, a double scorer, acknowledged Bayern’s strength and emphasized the team’s focus on securing qualification for the final in the upcoming return leg.