Luis Enrique Tips PSG As Champions League Contenders After Beating Barcelona

Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique believes his side have what it takes to go all the way in this season’s UEFA Champions League after their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Barcelona on Wednesday night.

The former Barcelona coach, who knows what it takes to win Europe’s biggest prize, watched his team battle back from behind at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys to secure an important win that could mark them out as genuine contenders.

Ferran Torres had given Barcelona the lead midway through the first half, but teenage midfielder Senny Mayulu equalised just before the break.

The game looked destined to end in a draw until Goncalo Ramos struck late on, punishing Barcelona’s high defensive line to seal all three points for PSG.

Enrique, reflecting on the performance, suggested that the Parisians proved they can match the very best in Europe.

“It was an excellent match. When you see two teams playing clean, trying to hurt each other by playing football, it is a very complete match,” Enrique told Movistar Plus.

“They [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. We played well. It was difficult at the beginning.

“They have a lot of quality players. The first 20 minutes were tough, and we made mistakes. In the second half, we were better, and we deserved the win.”

The Spaniard also heaped praise on 19-year-old Mayulu, whose energetic display gave PSG a lifeline after Barcelona’s opener.

“Mayulu has a lot of power, he brings so much to the table,” Enrique said, according to Reuters. “He has a lot of quality and can play both inside and outside. I am very lucky to have him.”

PSG will now switch focus to domestic duty when they travel to face Lille in Ligue 1 this weekend.