Luis Enrique Breaks Silence After Arsenal Scare: ‘It Could Have Been Worse!’ Ahead of Paris Showdown

Arsenal fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal, and as the second leg in Paris approaches, PSG manager Luis Enrique has reflected on the performance and what to expect next week.

PSG struck early through Ousmane Dembélé, whose goal in the opening minutes set the tone for a first half dominated by the French champions. The Ligue 1 leaders capitalized on a high press and exposed Arsenal’s backline before the Gunners had a chance to settle into their rhythm. That early strike was all that separated the two teams on the night, but Luis Enrique believes it was a defining moment.

“It was wonderful for us, we got off to a flying start with the goal that we scored,” he said. “There was a high press and the goal actually gave us a boost of confidence that we needed in the first half.”

That confidence was evident throughout the first 45 minutes as PSG controlled possession, dictated the tempo, and limited Arsenal to sporadic counterattacks. Enrique’s side showed a sharpness in midfield and constantly sought to exploit the flanks, especially through Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé.

“We had a hand over the game and I think following this the second half was littered with chances,” Enrique added. However, despite their dominance, PSG were unable to extend their lead, with Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya making several crucial saves to keep the Gunners in the tie.

Arsenal came out with renewed intent in the second half, shifting momentum their way as Mikel Arteta’s men searched for an equalizer. Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice began to exert more influence in midfield, while Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli posed greater threats out wide.

“In the second half Arsenal dominated a bit more,” Enrique admitted. “They were dangerous, especially at set-pieces, with the fouls, with the corners and with those long balls.”

Indeed, Arsenal nearly found a breakthrough from a well-worked corner routine and had a goal ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Despite their improved showing after the break, the Gunners ultimately couldn’t break down PSG’s resilient backline and were left frustrated at full-time.

For Enrique, it’s a case of job half done. “It could have been worse, it could have been better,” he said. “You know what, let’s wait for the second leg.”

With just one goal separating the two sides, the second leg at Parc des Princes promises to be a thriller. Arsenal will need to be more clinical in the final third and shore up defensively against PSG’s pace and creativity. Mikel Arteta has a week to rally his players and prepare for what could be one of the defining matches of his tenure.

For PSG, the advantage is slim, but with their home crowd behind them and confidence from the first leg, they’ll fancy their chances of booking a spot in the Champions League final. Arsenal, however, will believe they’re still very much alive in the tie.