What Luis Enrique thought was incredible about Tottenham during PSG match
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique was full of admiration for Tottenham Hotspur after their thrilling Champions League encounter in Paris, singling out Spurs’ “incredible” opening goal and praising their “excellent” defensive structure during the first half. Although PSG eventually ran out emphatic 5–3 winners at the Parc des Princes, Enrique made a point of acknowledging the quality Thomas Frank’s side brought to the contest.
Tottenham twice shocked the reigning European champions by going in front, first through Richarlison and then through Randal Kolo Muani — the latter scoring against the club that actually owns his contract. However, PSG’s firepower ultimately proved too much. A ruthless hat-trick from Vitinha swung the momentum firmly in favour of the hosts, while further goals from Fabián Ruiz and Willian Pacho ensured the French giants maintained their position as one of the favourites for this year’s competition. Kolo Muani also netted again for Spurs, capping what was a dramatic and emotionally charged night for the forward.
Tottenham’s first goal, arriving in the 35th minute, was a thing of beauty — a moment that even Luis Enrique could not help but applaud. It began with a slick passage of play involving teenage talents Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall. The 19-year-old Swede showed exceptional awareness to flick a back-heeled pass into Gray’s path, continuing Spurs’ quick transition. The former Leeds United youngster then floated a delicate cross to the far post, where Kolo Muani rose above his marker and headed the ball back across the face of goal. Richarlison arrived perfectly to nod it home from close range, finishing off what was undoubtedly one of Spurs’ best team goals of the season.
“Incredible,” Enrique said of the move, before admitting that PSG’s defensive work left something to be desired in that moment. “We didn’t defend very well, but the goal was extremely well played. That was the first one. The second came from a set piece, and the third was an assist from Vitinha.”
The PSG boss went on to commend Tottenham’s overall approach, especially during the opening period when the visitors frustrated his side with their structure and discipline. “There are no easy matches in the Champions League,” he said. “Tottenham played a really good game. Their defensive organisation in the first half was excellent.”
Enrique, who has coached at the highest level with Barcelona and the Spanish national team, was also asked whether a match like this provides a useful measure of how Ligue 1 compares to the Premier League. He chose not to be drawn into comparisons between Europe’s top divisions.
“I’m not here to judge any teams,” he responded. “The Premier League teams are at a very high level, but it’s a long competition. Let’s see in March which teams remain in the fight. Arsenal are currently top in both competitions, they don’t concede many goals, and they’re performing at a very high standard — but we must be cautious.”
With Spurs showing their own moments of brilliance despite the defeat, and PSG demonstrating their devastating attacking quality, the night served as a reminder of just how fine the margins can be at the elite level of European football.