In a night that will be etched into the memory of Paris Saint-Germain fans, manager Luis Enrique hailed his side’s resilience and tactical maturity after a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Barcelona in the Champions League group stage at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium.
Despite missing several key players—including captain Marquinhos, Ousmane Dembélé, Desire Doué, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—PSG showed grit, depth, and tactical flexibility to overturn an early deficit and secure a crucial win in hostile territory. The victory marked PSG’s third consecutive triumph in the Catalan capital, a feat that speaks volumes about the club’s evolving mentality under Enrique’s stewardship.
⚽ A Match of Two Halves
Barcelona struck first through Ferran Torres, who capitalized on PSG’s early defensive lapses to put the hosts ahead. For the first 20 minutes, the Parisians looked overwhelmed, struggling to contain Barcelona’s fluid attacking movement and high press.
Luis Enrique admitted as much post-match: “(Barcelona) were superior until they scored the goal, but we recovered. Nuno made an incredible play. I think we were better in the second half”.
That turning point came in the 38th minute when 19-year-old Senny Mayulu, one of PSG’s rising stars, equalized with a composed finish after a dazzling run down the left flank by Nuno Mendes. The goal not only shifted momentum but also showcased the depth of PSG’s youth talent.
Enrique was effusive in his praise for Mayulu: “He has a lot of power, he brings so much to the table. He has a lot of quality and can play both inside and outside. I’m very lucky to have him”.
🔄 Tactical Adjustments and Ramos’ Decisive Strike
With the score level and the game hanging in the balance, Enrique made a bold substitution, bringing on Gonçalo Ramos to inject pace and directness into PSG’s attack. The move paid off in dramatic fashion as Ramos latched onto a counterattack in the dying minutes and slotted home the winner.
“It was an excellent match,” Enrique told Movistar Plus. “When you see two teams playing clean, trying to hurt each other by playing football, it’s a very complete match”.
The tactical shift in the second half—from a cautious buildup to a more aggressive counter-attacking style—was a masterstroke. PSG began to dominate possession, press higher, and exploit Barcelona’s defensive gaps. Enrique’s ability to adapt mid-game, especially with a depleted squad, underscores his value as a top-tier manager.
💬 Enrique’s Philosophy: Problems Don’t Matter
What stood out most in Enrique’s post-match comments was his unwavering belief in the squad’s character. “I’m happy because the problems don’t matter. It’s an important victory. Playing against Barca is always difficult. This result is important for our confidence”.
That sentiment reflects a broader shift in PSG’s culture. Under Enrique, the club is moving away from reliance on individual brilliance and toward a more collective, resilient identity. Injuries and absences are no longer excuses—they’re opportunities for young players to step up and for the team to show its depth.
🌍 Implications for the Champions League Campaign
This win not only boosts PSG’s standing in the group but also sends a message to Europe’s elite: the Parisians are no longer just star-studded entertainers—they’re contenders with tactical grit and mental fortitude.
With players like Mayulu emerging and veterans like Ramos delivering in clutch moments, PSG’s squad balance looks promising. The return of injured stars will only strengthen their campaign, but the real story is the rise of the next generation.
🧠 Enrique’s Legacy in the Making
Luis Enrique’s tenure at PSG is still in its early stages, but matches like this one are defining. His ability to inspire belief, manage adversity, and elevate young talent is reshaping the club’s trajectory.
For a manager who once led Barcelona to a treble, this win in his former home city carries emotional weight. But Enrique’s focus remains firmly on the future: building a PSG side that can win not just matches, but hearts and trophies.
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