Luis Enrique praises PSG's back-to-back Champions League title win

Luis Enrique hailed his team's second UEFA Champions League triumph as "even bigger" than their maiden European title a year ago, after Paris Saint-Germain edged Arsenal on penalties in a tense final on Saturday. The Spanish coach became only the fifth manager to win three European Cups as PSG triumphed 4-3 on penalties at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, after the match ended in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes and extra time.

"It is even bigger because we knew of the difficulties of playing against Arsenal, and for us as a team and a city, it is incredible to win it," Enrique told broadcaster Canal Plus during the celebrations. Arsenal started strong with Kai Havertz giving them an early lead in the sixth minute. However, PSG managed to level the score when Ousmane Dembélé converted a penalty in the 65th minute after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was fouled.

In a dramatic turn, Kvaratskhelia later struck the post, and the match continued into extra time before penalties were required. Nuno Mendes failed to score during the shoot-out for PSG, while Eberechi Eze had already missed for Arsenal, and Gabriel's last attempt sailed over the bar. "I think we have deserved it over the course of the season even if the final was really close-fought," added Enrique. PSG's victory marked a significant achievement, as they became the first team to retain the Champions League title since Real Madrid did so between 2016 and 2018.

Enrique, who had previously led Barcelona to a Champions League title in 2015, is now alongside Carlo Ancelotti, Bob Paisley, Zinedine Zidane, and Pep Guardiola as one of only five managers to have won three European Cups. PSG's journey in the competition had seen them crowned champions for the first time last year, defeating Inter Milan 5-0.

Captain Marquinhos remarked, "It is a different emotion this time; it is incredible that we have done it back to back." He noted that the team's mentality was crucial in achieving this goal, stating, "The coach said right at the start of the season that it is hard to win it, but it is even harder to win it twice."

Dembélé expressed pride in their hard work throughout the season, describing the win as exceptional. Having already secured the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and French Champions Trophy this season, PSG concluded their campaign with five trophies, including the French Ligue 1 title. Following Saturday's victory, PSG will begin the next season by facing UEFA Europa League winners Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg on August 12.