English football news: Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal have been knocked out on Paris Saint-Germain’s path to the 2024/25 Champions League final. This is not just a rare achievement but a resounding response to critics who have questioned the quality of Ligue 1.
PSG’s Conquest of England
PSG’s journey this season showcases their remarkable growth in tactical maturity and mental fortitude. In the group stage, they stunned Manchester City—the reigning European champions—with an impressive tactical display that neutralized Pep Guardiola’s midfield.
Moving to the round of 16, PSG outclassed Liverpool with a sharp defensive-counterattacking approach. In the quarterfinals, they dispatched Aston Villa over two convincing legs. The pinnacle came in the semifinals, where they defeated Arsenal with a 3-1 aggregate score, including a 2-1 victory in the return leg at Parc des Princes.
Gone is the PSG that leaned heavily on stars like Neymar or Mbappé. Under head coach Luis Enrique, the current squad plays with cohesion, discipline, and efficiency. This shift from individual flair to collective strength has transformed PSG into a genuine European powerhouse.
Enrique’s tactics revolve around high pressing, purposeful possession, and rapid transitions. Players like Donnarumma, Hakimi, Fabian Ruiz, Zaïre-Emery, and Dembélé have delivered peak performances, ensuring PSG’s dominance in crucial matches.
Luis Enrique: The Premier League’s Nemesis
A Defiant Statement on Ligue 1
After the Arsenal victory, Enrique boldly addressed the stereotypes surrounding Ligue 1. When asked about the “farmers’ league” label, he smirked: “We’re from the farmers’ league, right? Yet here we are in the Champions League final.” This mix of sarcasm and pride underscores PSG’s transformation into a team no longer easily dismissed on the continental stage.
Beyond Europe, PSG has dominated domestically. They clinched the Ligue 1 title early and reached the French Cup final against Reims. The prospect of a treble—Champions League, Ligue 1, and French Cup—has never felt so within reach for the Parisian club.
Enrique has also silenced doubts about his coaching career, which faced scrutiny after less successful stints at Barcelona and with the Spanish national team. “We’re a young team, but our resilience and spirit are second to none,” he emphasized.
PSG’s opponent in the 2024/25 Champions League final is Inter Milan, a team also in top form. It promises to be a formidable challenge, but Enrique and his players are ready. “The final will be tough but exciting. Now is the time to savor the moment and prepare thoroughly,” Enrique said.