PSG Transforms Under Luis Enrique: A Display of Teamwork and Individual Brilliance
Luis Enrique is celebrated as the manager who transformed Paris Saint-Germain from a collection of talented individuals into a cohesive team. However, this transformation hasn’t stifled the players’ creativity, illustrated perfectly by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s audacious strike that gave PSG a well-earned lead heading into the second leg of the quarter-final.
Another moment of individual brilliance came from Désiré Doué, whose powerful shot ricocheted off the woodwork, adding to PSG’s dominance after Morgan Rogers unexpectedly put Villa ahead in the first half. By the game’s end, PSG led 3-1, having unleashed 29 shots compared to Villa’s six, making it hard not to wonder how many defenders Unai Emery would need to restrain PSG’s voracious attacking trio.
Amid this football drama in Paris, a select group of fans brandished a flag on the Pont d’Iéna near the Eiffel Tower, hinting that excitement was inevitable with Emery in the city. The presence of the Prince of Wales and his eldest son added to the event’s prestige. “I wanted George to witness a major European competition away from home,” the royal supporter said pre-match.
This quarter-final was indeed a grand occasion, marking Villa’s first at this level since 1983 and their first significant away clash in this competition at a European powerhouse. The PSG ultras unveiled a massive tifo in the Auteuil stand, referencing the TV show Peaky Blinders—a nod they perhaps overlooked originates in Villa’s rival town, Birmingham.
The French sports daily L’Équipe’s headline “Viser Juste,” meaning “aim accurately,” hinted at the intriguing challenge for PSG: overcoming Emiliano Martínez. Known for his audacity and mind games, Martínez had already stirred local animosity by wearing an Argentina cap celebrating their World Cup victory over France. His every move was jeered by the home crowd, who delighted when his initial kick misfired.
After this, PSG took command. Martínez expertly stopped attempts from Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi. Villa, switching to a defensive 5-4-1, struggled as PSG piled on the pressure. Despite PSG’s 77% possession, Villa surprised by taking the lead in the 35th minute. John McGinn’s tackle led to a sweeping ball to Marcus Rashford, who assisted Rogers’ goal at the far post, prompting Emery to celebrate quietly.
Yet, PSG soon regained dominance. Martínez barely kept out one effort, but could do nothing as Doué smashed a shot off the crossbar. Doué continued to test Martínez, keeping the goalkeeper busy until halftime.
PSG maintained their momentum in the second half. Axel Disasi, replacing the booked Matty Cash, endured PSG’s relentless attacks. Four minutes after the break, Kvaratskhelia outmaneuvered Disasi and scored with a sharp angle shot past Martínez’s near post.
The stadium erupted with energy. Emery introduced Marco Asensio against his parent club, but it was Kvaratskhelia who dazzled. He skillfully set up Doué, who in turn assisted Hakimi for another Martínez-save-defying goal. Finally, Mendes sealed the 3-1 win in stoppage time with stylish flair. Having recently secured a fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title, PSG is evidently aiming higher, toward the trophy that eluded them under Emery’s previous tenure. Judging by this performance, they might achieve it sooner rather than later.