Luis Enrique returns to the Champions League final: Is this PSG as fearsome as its Barça 2015?

He May 31, 2025, Luis Enrique It has a new one quot with history: Convert a PSG In UEFA Champions League champion for the first time. A decade after lifting the trophy with Barcelona In Berlin, the Asturian coach Go back to a European finalthis time in command of a team that He learned to compete without depending on routilating names. The final against Inter It begins at 4:00 p.m. (Arg/Uru), 15:00 (Chi), 14:00 (Col/Per/ECU) and you can See Disney+ live (Only for South America).

From Barcelona to PSG, from the stars to the structure

In 2015, Barça de Luis Enrique It was a legendary teamled by the MSN trident (Messi, Suárez and Neymar) and sustained by a elite midfield with Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets and Rakitić. In defensenames like Pique, Mascherano, Jordi Alba and Dani Alves completed a structure that razed in Europe. That final won 3-1 against Buffon, Pirlo, Tevez and Vidal Juventus.

Ten years later, the context in Paris has been diametrically opposite. Luis Enrique inherited a PSG without Messi or Neymarand with a Kylian Mbappé on the output ramp. Without great figures, but with a clear plan and a firm commitment to the collective, the PSG He went from more to more. In this Champions, rivals such as Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal (the executioner of Real Madrid) have eliminated with authority, and now seeks to make history.

PSG collective merit

This version of PSG It does not depend on a single name. Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz and João Neves They have controlled the times in the midfield. In attack, Imbélé, BARCOLA, Doué and the signing of Kvarathskhelia -Who arrived to replace Asensio- they have given verticality, creativity and goal.

In defensethe team remembers at times the Barça of 2015: Hakimi and Nuno Mendes They offer constant projection, while Marquinhos and the Ecuadorian Pacho They have been solid on the axis. In the arc, Gianluigi Donnarumma He has recovered his best level and has become the wall that Barça had in Ter Stegen, the only survivor of that Barca title.

Yes indeed, Imbélé He has been his most prominent player. The French end relocated it on the field, now plays closer to the rival arch and as a result has led him to become even Candidate to win the Golden Ball: With 35 goals In this season.

An emotional final for Luis Enrique

Beyond football, this final has a Very intimate component for Luis Enrique. In the 2015 consecration, he celebrated on the grass with his daughter Xana, who died in 2019 for leukemia. “I have the desire to be able to do the same with Psg. My daughter will not be physically, but it will be spiritually, and that for me is very important,” said the technician, visibly excited.

After leaving Barça in 2017, he moved away from football completely to focus on his family. As a Spanish coach, he returned strongly: he reached semifinals in the 2020 Eurocup, a final at the Nations League (2021) and played the World Cup in Qatar 2022, although he was eliminated by Morocco in penalties. His departure marked the end of a cycle that left a mark for his commitment to young talent and offensive football.

PSG has only one goal: the Champions League

In his first season in Paris, Luis Enrique won Ligue 1 and the France Cup. In the second, he repeated the title in the local championship, but for the club and his hobby, There is only one goal: the Champions League. This final not only represents a Historical opportunity for PSGbut also a redemptive chapter in the career of the Asturian coach.

What if Barça played in the final?

Fate almost puts it in front of its past: the Barcelona of Flick and Lamine Yamal touched the final, but fell into the extension against Inter. For Luis EnriqueNot facing the club of his life was a relief. “For me, Play a final against Barça would have been the worst, the worst “he confessed.

Now, only one step separates him from writing a new gold page in his career. From Berlin to Munich. From Messi to Dembélé. From Barça to PSG. Luis Enrique, a decade later, dream again with Europe.