Luis Enrique in his post-match comments shared by Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, after Paris Saint-Germain’s dramatic 5–4 victory over FC Bayern Munich in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Semi-final, described the contest as one of extraordinary intensity and physicality.
Speaking after the match at Parc des Princes, the PSG manager praised both teams and admitted the game was so balanced that either side could have won, drawn, or lost.
Romano shared:
Luis Enrique: I’ve never seen such an intensity and physical level. We have to congratulate everyone. We deserved to win, we deserved to draw and we deserved to lose today. It was a fantastic game.
Luis Enrique also revealed he had “never seen a pace like that,” referencing the relentless speed and end-to-end nature of the encounter. The match featured constant transitions, attacking brilliance, and moments of defensive vulnerability from both clubs.
Luis Enrique: I’ve never seen a pace like that.
Softfootball understands that the nine-goal spectacle is already being regarded by many supporters and analysts as one of the most entertaining matches of the season and an instant Champions League classic. It also became one of the highest-scoring semi-final clashes in the competition’s history.
Luis Enrique went even further by calling it the best match of his coaching career, congratulating both teams for delivering a night of elite entertainment.
Luis Enrique: It’s been the BEST match I’ve been in as a manager. No doubts. Congrats everyone!.
Meanwhile, Romano also reported that Ousmane Dembélé was officially named Man of the Match after scoring twice and providing one assist. The winger added another major European performance to a season already full of decisive contributions, having won the title in Paris Saint-Germain’s commanding victory over Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg.
OFFICIAL: Ousmane Dembélé wins UEFA Man of the Match Award for PSG-Bayern. Who’d you pick as personal MOTM?
However, debate quickly followed the award, with many fans also praising Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, João Neves and Désiré Doué for standout displays.
With only one goal separating the sides, attention now turns to the second leg at Allianz Arena, where Bayern will hope home advantage and greater defensive control can overturn the deficit.
