BUDAPEST, Hungary — Luis Enrique described Arsenal’s “lucky” sixth-minute goal in the Champions League final as a formidable obstacle for Paris Saint-Germain in their quest for back-to-back titles, ultimately prevailing with a 4-3 victory in a penalty shootout.
The Premier League champions, Arsenal, aiming for their first Champions League title, took an early lead when Kai Havertz broke free to net the opener.
PSG managed to equalize in the second half through a penalty from Ousmane Dembélé before securing the win in the shootout after dominating the match.
Following the victory, PSG coach Luis Enrique, now a three-time Champions League winner alongside Pep Guardiola, Zinedine Zidane, and Bob Paisley—while Carlo Ancelotti holds the record with five—remarked that Arsenal’s goal was an unfortunate start for his squad.
“I feel the match began in the best way for them [Arsenal],” Luis Enrique stated to TNT Sports. “They scored due to a fortunate situation. After that, it was very pressuring for them since they are adept at defending.”
“It was quite challenging. We’re accustomed to attacking with many players behind the ball, but against Arsenal, they are physically strong and capitalize on every opportunity. It was very demanding.”
“I believe we deserved the draw, and ultimately, we are thrilled to have won the trophy.”
PSG became only the second team, after Real Madrid, to secure consecutive Champions League titles since the tournament’s inception in 1992.
Despite the victory and his milestone of a third Champions League win as a coach, Luis Enrique dismissed the notion of being a “legend.”
“Legend? I’m not concerned with that,” he asserted. “I’ve won three, so I have room to improve, but I would gladly aim for a fourth.”
“My feelings are mixed: excitement, fatigue, everything. Yet, this is the highlight of the season. We’re still champions, two in a row—it’s wonderful.”
“We earned this. Our fans have supported us all season. We deserved to reach the final, but it was definitely tough and challenging.”
“Kudos to Arsenal; they played exceptionally well. It’s only natural for them to try and dictate play to their strengths.”
“We aimed to control the ball and apply pressure, and in the end, we secured the title.”
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PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi expressed confidence that Luis Enrique will remain with the club as contract negotiations are ongoing, with the former Barcelona coach’s current contract expiring at the conclusion of next season.
“He’s the best coach, and while I can’t say too much, I feel very confident,” Al-Khelaifi affirmed. “It’s all about the project, and he’s the perfect fit for it.”
“He’s incredibly special—both as a coach and a person. Truly outstanding. He has achieved remarkable things with this young team, and I want to acknowledge all the PSG players as well. This victory is also for them. Their contributions to this project have been invaluable.”