The Champions League quarterfinal game between Paris St. Germain and Borussia Dortmund provided a great deal of entertainment, and PSG manager Luis Enrique stated on Tuesday that the semifinal matchup should provide even more of the same.
After suffering first-leg losses in Paris and Barcelona, PSG and Dortmund respectively, recovered to get to the semifinals. PSG defeated Atletico Madrid 4-2 in Barcelona, while Dortmund defeated them 3-2 in Paris.
Read Also:UCL: Vinicius Jr. Brace Rescue Point For Madrid In Allianz Arena
“I think that is the way it went in the quarter-finals based on the playing style of Dortmund and the way that we play,” Luis Enrique told a press conference.
“I think it could be a wonderful spectacle, not just for the two fan bases, but for everybody who loves football.
” I think there will be goals, given the quality and the ability to reach the opposition goal on both teams.”
The coach realises that history doesn’t mean much at this point, even though he thinks it can benefit his team.
PSG have never before overcome a first-leg loss at home in the Champions League.
“I do hope it liberates us because this is something that we haven’t done before after losing the first leg.
“I also have experience that shows how important it is to be competitive tomorrow,” Luis Enrique said.
“What we achieved previously doesn’t matter.
” History is great, but our goal is to win tomorrow.
“We don’t want to leave it to chance and think about the second leg at the Parc des Princes.”
In their previous meeting of the competition this season, Dortmund defeated PSG in Paris and drew the away match.
However, the German team won their group. After winning the Ligue 1 championship on Sunday, Luis Enrique believes his club has progressed since then and still has more to offer.
“We have improved in all areas. We are better defensively, better going forward,” the manager said.
“We can keep improving for sure. And that is one of the characteristics of our way of managing the club and the team, by trying to be demanding, not thinking that everything is done.”
Based on their recent performance and the teams’ past outcomes, the media has deemed PSG the favourites to advance; however, Luis Enrique downplayed this talk prior to their first-leg match on Wednesday in Dortmund.
“That shows that the press doesn’t know much about football,” the PSG boss laughed.
“I have said that for a long time. What is great about being here is enjoying a really special game at a unique stadium in Europe and having the chance to make our fans really happy by reaching the final.”