Latest news with #ParisSaintGermain
New York Times
40 minutes ago
- Business
- New York Times
How does this PSG victory compare with other Champions League winners?
All things considered, it will go down as one of the great football performances. Paris Saint-Germain's 5-0 victory over Inter on Sunday night in Munich is the biggest winning margin in the history of the European Cup final. And it was fully deserved. European Cup finals aren't meant to be won like this. Previous standout performances this century were won by comparatively modest scorelines: Barcelona's win over Manchester United in 2011, and also their victory over Juventus four years later, were both 'only' 3-1. Jose Mourinho's Porto beat Monaco 3-0 in 2004, but were on the back foot for most of the first half. Real Madrid have tended to pile up late goals, which has put some gloss on their performances. You have to go back to Milan's legendary 4-0 thrashing of Barcelona in 1994 for something comparable. But this was 5-0, and showed all the facets of PSG's game. They went ahead with a slick passing move, demonstrated their quality in possession, and once ahead were rampant on the counter-attack, sprinting past Inter's midfielders and defenders with ease. It's incredible how quickly things can change in football. Inter went into the game feeling like they had a serious chance of becoming European champions, and now suddenly they seem light years away. Their system looked outdated. Their players felt past their best. Those things aren't necessarily true, and Inter would be foolish to overreact to one defeat. But this was a truly thumping loss, the type that takes years to get over. It was striking, after full time, to see scores of Inter supporters in floods of tears; almost aggressive crying you associate with Brazil's 7-1 loss to Germany in 2014. Advertisement From PSG's perspective, such a momentous victory means various individuals have to be considered in a different light than a few days ago. Luis Enrique has now led two different sides to European Cup glory, 10 years apart, and both his Barcelona side of 2015 and his PSG side of 2025 will live long in the memory. In between, he was rather unfortunate not to win Euro 2020, too. His Spain side outplayed Italy in that semi-final, losing only on penalties. As it happens, the man who thwarted him that night at Wembley four years ago is now on his side. Gigi Donnarumma has won both the European Championship and the European Cup, and given his penalty saves in both competitions, and his displays against Arsenal in the semi-final, can claim to have been his side's best performer in both. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has had a major impact in ending both Napoli's long wait for a Serie A title, which came in 2023, and PSG's long wait for a European Cup. This season, he has managed to win both Serie A and Ligue 1, and now the Champions League, too. Fabian Ruiz was probably Spain's best player as they won the European Championship last year, and is now also a European champion at club level. Maybe only Lamine Yamal has enjoyed a better 12 months for club and country. Ousmane Dembele's transformation into a world-class centre-forward has been completely unexpected — both the 'world-class' and 'centre-forward' aspects of that equation. Last night, Luis Enrique suggested he should win the Ballon d'Or, not merely for his goals, but also for his pressing. Elsewhere, players such as Vitinha and Joao Neves could play at this level for several years. And as for the likes of Desire Doue and Senny Mayulu, who knows? Both could become legends of the game. Even if they do nothing else, they will forever be heroes in Paris. Advertisement But this wasn't, by and large, about individuals. Like all the best sides, PSG are stronger than the sum of their parts. Their midfield rotation, in particular, has been magical to watch throughout this Champions League knockout stage. The way Vitinha prompted a passing move from deep, then ran through the Inter defence to tee up Doue for the third goal, showed the understanding in the middle of the pitch. Fabian often dropped into defence to allow Achraf Hakimi to fly forward down the opposite wing. The right-back's attacking bursts are risky, and have nearly cost PSG on a couple of occasions this season in the Champions League, but he justified his positioning by scoring the opener. Up top, the attackers varied their position without ever losing balance, with Doue and Kvaratskhelia appearing as centre-forwards, and Dembele effective both when coming deep and when drifting wide. It does feel like PSG are playing a slightly different genre of football to that perfected by other front-foot, possession-based sides in recent years, based less around positional play and more around clusters of players combining. They aren't the only ones doing that, but they're clearly the best at it. It's too much to suggest that this is a new era of PSG dominance — people always say that about young teams that explode into winners. Ultimately, it's simply not how knockout competition works in a sport based around fine margins. Indeed, PSG needed penalties to get past Liverpool and plenty of Donnarumma saves to eliminate Arsenal. They didn't breeze through the knockout stage, and their results back in the league phase were even worse. But that doesn't matter now, the same way no one remembers Milan scoring just six times, and winning only twice, in their six group games in 1993-94 before their 4-0 win over Barca. The performance in the final is what we remember, and this one will be remembered forever.
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Dembele says PSG players will report for France duty in ‘strange state'
PSG crushed Inter Milan 5-0 to record the biggest winning margin in the Champions League final. (AP pic) MUNICH : France coach Didier Deschamps will find some of his players in a strange state when they return from Paris St-Germain's weekend celebrations, forward Ousmane Dembele said following the club's first Champions League triumph. PSG crushed Inter Milan 5-0 in the final in Munich today, recording the biggest winning margin in the showpiece match of the continent's premier club competition. France players, including PSG's Lucas Hernandez, Warren Zaire-Emery, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue and Dembele, are due to rejoin the national squad at Clairefontaine from tomorrow to prepare for Friday's Nations League semi-final against Spain. 'There you go, we've made a whole nation, a whole city proud. And, like they say, the party is just getting started. Didier is going to find us in a strange state,' the 28-year-old joked during an interview on French television channel M6. The France international described the festivities as a long-awaited release after years of heartbreak. PSG's previous Champions League final appearance was in 2020, when they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Bayern Munich. 'It's exceptional, what just happened. Winning finals is great, but doing it in this way is even better, it's even more thrilling,' said Dembele. 'Honestly, we deserve it. After so many years of hardship and battles, I think Paris St-Germain truly deserves this victory.' There has been rejoicing in Paris as fans await the team's arrival today but Dembele urged supporters to keep the festivities peaceful. More than 500 people were arrested by police and two people were reported dead during wild celebrations in France.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Doué's sensational Champions League performance for PSG launches him into a new dimension
PSG's Desire Doue poses with the trophy after the Champions League final soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) PSG's Desire Doue, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Champions League Final soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Inter at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Saturday May 31, 2025 . (Spada/LaPresse via AP) PSG's Desire Doue celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Inter Milan during the Champions League final soccer match at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) PSG's Desire Doue scores his side's third goal during the Champions League final soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Inter Milan, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP) PSG's Desire Doue celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the Champions League Final soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Inter at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Saturday May 31, 2025 . (Spada/LaPresse via AP) PSG's Desire Doue celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the Champions League Final soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Inter at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Saturday May 31, 2025 . (Spada/LaPresse via AP) PSG's Desire Doue poses with the trophy after the Champions League final soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) PSG's Desire Doue, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Champions League Final soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Inter at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Saturday May 31, 2025 . (Spada/LaPresse via AP) PSG's Desire Doue celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Inter Milan during the Champions League final soccer match at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) PSG's Desire Doue scores his side's third goal during the Champions League final soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Inter Milan, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP) PSG's Desire Doue celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the Champions League Final soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Inter at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Saturday May 31, 2025 . (Spada/LaPresse via AP) PARIS (AP) — Translate Désiré Doué's name into English and you get the words 'coveted' and 'gifted.' Both seem highly appropriate, considering how the 19-year-old's stunning performance for Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday's Champions League final launched him into soccer's stratosphere, making Doué a player every team would love to have. Advertisement Doué scored with two clinical finishes in a 5-0 rout of Inter Milan after setting up PSG's first goal with a remarkable piece of close control. Controlling the ball on his left foot and spinning in one swift movement inside the penalty area, he then effortlessly switched feet and passed with his right to Achraf Hakimi. 'I really don't have the words to describe how I feel. What we did is magical. We showed we are a great side collectively,' said Doué, who turns 20 on Tuesday. 'There are a lot of young players in the side who still need to improve, I am among them." Doué improving is quite a scary thought, given how good he already is. A game-changing ability Advertisement When Doué joined PSG from Rennes for around 50 million euros ($55 million) in the offseason, it appeared a hefty fee for an unproven young player. Except for the fans who closely followed Ligue 1, he was largely unknown in France and beyond. Furthermore, his return of eight goals in 76 games hardly suggested he would become a dangerous scorer. But Rennes is one of the best youth academies in European soccer. Doué's PSG teammate Ousmane Dembélé came through the ranks there as did Mathys Tel before joining Bayern Munich. PSG coach Luis Enrique, who coached Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar when Barcelona won the Champions League in 2015, saw a game-changing ability in Doué. Advertisement He was proved right. Doué's emergence in the second part of the season saw him take goal-scoring winger Bradley Barcola's place in the starting lineup. It also coincided with PSG's revival in the Champions League after a difficult group stage where the club lost to Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Bayern. Doué held his nerve in the penalty shootout win against Liverpool in March, scoring the decisive kick in emphatic style to send PSG into the quarterfinals. Later that month, he also scored for France in a penalty shootout win in the Nations League. Doué kept improving in the big games Doué equalized in the quarterfinal first leg against Aston Villa in Paris and scored five goals in the competition. Advertisement Overall he scored 15 goals for PSG this season, including spectacular curlers from outside the penalty area with his right foot. His silky close control, allied to an ability to wrong-foot defenders, made him a vital part of PSG's intricate approach play, particularly in confined spaces. His unorthodox dribbling is often brilliant, but does not always come off, so he reigned it in. 'I sometimes overdo it a bit, but I try to keep my personality. When you play, you know there are areas where you have to build, release the ball, and others where you have more freedom,' Doué said. "I analyze my matches and my training sessions a lot. I try to always maintain my discipline, and I hope that will take me to the very, very high level.' Doué said that back in April. Advertisement On Saturday night he achieved it, and joined Barcelona's 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal among the most coveted young players in world soccer. They could face each other on Thursday, when France plays Spain in the Nations League semifinals. Both have the soccer world at their feet. ___ AP soccer:
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Luis Enrique moved to tears by PSG fans' touching tribute to late daughter
Luis Enrique was reduced to tears as Paris Saint Germain supporters paid a heartfelt tribute to his late daughter during the pinnacle of their club's history. PSG fans unveiled a poignant banner showing Enrique's nine-year-old daughter Xana moments after skipper Marquinhos hoisted the club's inaugural Champions League trophy. Xana tragically lost her life in 2019 following a brave fight with cancer, and prior to kickoff, Enrique had remarked, "My daughter won't be there at the final physically, but she will be there spiritually. And that, for me, is very important." The emotional weight of the scene was clear as more than 30,000 PSG faithful applauded Enrique. On the touching banner crafted in his honour by the devotees, he commented: "It was very emotional. It was beautiful to think the fans had thought about me and my family." However, he continued: "I didn't need to win Champions League to think about my daughter. I always think about her. I feel her presence", reports the Mirror. "She's always with me and my family. It's about taking the positive from a negative situation. That is my mentality. I was delighted to see the banner, but I didn't need a trophy to think about my daughter, she is always here." Reflecting on Xana ahead of the game, Enrique fondly recalled, "I have incredible memories because my daughter loved parties, and I'm sure she's still throwing them wherever she is. "I remember an incredible photo I have with her at the Champions League final in Berlin, after winning the Champions League, planting an FC Barcelona flag on the pitch. "I hope to be able to do the same with PSG. My daughter won't be there, she won't be there physically, but she will be there spiritually, and that's very important to me. I'm motivated to continue moving forward with what life gives me, sharing it with my family." Two goals from teenager Desire Doue capped off a stunning show from PSG. Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and sub Senny Mayulu also made the scoresheet. On TNT Sports, Rio Ferdinand expressed his admiration for Enrique's resilience, commenting: "Luis Enrique is a remarkable human being. "I have been in a position where you've had loss and it is difficult to know how you're going to react. He has continued and gone from strength to strength." Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard spoke highly of the PSG gaffer post thrashing by the Italians saying: "Does Luis Enrique deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola? The answer is yes. "This team he has crafted and devised over the last year or two can beat you in any way you think. It's a phenomenal lineup - it is a unique troupe of players, led by an extraordinary individual indeed." The PSG manager was full of praise for his team's performance, saying: "I don't know if we can call it a masterpiece but we got off to a brilliant start. My team was exceptional this evening. We didn't give Inter any room to breathe." He also expressed his ambitions following their success: "The only trophy missing from our cabinet was the Champions League. Now we have it - but we want to keep on conquering the football world."
Wall Street Journal
2 hours ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
The Coach Who Took a Cursed Job and Became a European Champion
Over the past decade, coaching Paris Saint-Germain had turned into one of the most cursed jobs in sports. Even though the club showered its managers with cash and armed them with superstar players, the bar for success seemed unattainably, impossibly high. PSG's ownership, a branch of the sovereign-wealth fund of Qatar, had made things brutally clear: It was Champions League or bust.
