Luis Enrique has admitted that Arsenal’s sixth-minute opener in the Champions League final handed Paris Saint-Germain the toughest possible mountain to climb — yet the Parisians still scaled it, winning 4-3 on penalties in Budapest to seal back-to-back European glory.
Champions League Final Drama: How the Lucky Goal Changed Everything
Kai Havertz raced clear to break the deadlock inside six minutes, giving Arsenal — chasing their first-ever Champions League title — the perfect platform to sit deep and make PSG’s life hell. Luis Enrique pulled no punches in his assessment. “They scored in a lucky action,” he told TNT Sports. “After that it was pressure for them because they know how to defend. They are strong physically. Very tough.”
Nevertheless, PSG refused to buckle. Ousmane Dembélé converted a second-half penalty to haul the French giants level, and from there the tie went to spot-kicks — where PSG’s nerve held firm. As Luis Enrique himself put it: “I think we deserved to draw the match and at the end, we are very happy winning that trophy.” You can read more about how this result shapes the modern European landscape in our analysis piece here.
Luis Enrique Joins Elite Club — But Refuses the ‘Legend’ Label
With this victory, Luis Enrique joins Pep Guardiola, Zinedine Zidane and Bob Paisley on three Champions League titles as a coach. Only Carlo Ancelotti sits above him with five. Furthermore, PSG became just the second club in the Champions League era — which dates back to 1992 — to win successive titles, following Real Madrid’s dynasty. That is rarefied air. Truly historic.
Yet despite all that, Luis Enrique swatted away any suggestion he deserves legendary status. “Legend? I’m not interested in that. I have only three, so I have to improve — but I will sign up for four.” Classic. The man just won consecutive Champions Leagues and he is already hunting the next one.
Meanwhile, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi moved quickly to calm speculation over his manager’s future, with Luis Enrique’s contract set to expire at the end of next season. “He’s the best coach in the world,” Al-Khelaifi said. “I’m really confident” he will stay. Contract talks are ongoing, but on this evidence, PSG would be absolutely mad to let him walk.