Luis Enrique's Standard Recipe Patented Again in England

LONDON, WEDNESDAY — Three consecutive visits to England during the knockout phase of the 2024-2025 Champions League, Luis Enrique has consistently succeeded in executing his tactical system. Ball dominance and quick goals have helped Paris Saint-Germain take a step closer to the final match.

Through the first touch strike of Ousmane Dembele in the fourth minute, PSG secured a 1-0 lead over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, London, Wednesday (30/4/2025 WIB). "Les Parisiens" followed a similar standard recipe when eliminating two previous English teams, namely Liverpool and Aston Villa.

Enrique initiated an attacking system based on superior ball possession. Not the tiki-taka he introduced with PSG. Enrique did not appear to be duplicating the style of play he had used to lead Barcelona to the treble in 2014-2015.

Instead of the typical compact Spanish playing style, Enrique has crafted a PSG that attacks in Europe with a more open approach. The movement is dominated from both flanks. Achraf Hakimi is positioned on the right wing, while Kvhicha Kvaratskhelia serves as a weapon on the left side.

Although it appears that there is a distance between the players, PSG still seems to cover every inch of the field. This is due to the freedom of movement and high mobility of the midfield trio consisting of Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz, and Vitinha. Consequently, PSG's short passes flow abundantly like a waterfall into the heart of Arsenal's defense.

PSG's playing system hindered Arsenal, which is inherently fond of ball possession. In the first half hour, PSG recorded 70 percent ball possession. A unique statistic that is impossible for other teams to present when visiting the Emirates.

The dominance in ball possession was complemented by a quick goal from Dembele. In the match at Anfield Stadium, Dembele also scored the only goal against Liverpool in the round of 16 just 12 minutes into the game. Les Parisiens were also able to score two goals against Aston Villa, guarded by Emiliano Martinez, the best goalkeeper in the world according to FIFA, within a span of 26 minutes.

"With high emotions, it is difficult to analyze the current game. We tried to play our style, score quickly, occasionally suffering greatly, and we should have been able to score a second goal. The second match will be very difficult," said Enrique at the press conference after the match.

"Our mission was achieved in the first match. Of course, we will also hunt for a win at home. We have not advanced to the final,"

Although not entirely confident about performing in Munich, Germany, the location of the final match, Enrique and the PSG squad should approach the second leg with high confidence. In their history in European club competitions, PSG has recorded 18 victories out of 19 matches won in the first leg away games.

Most recently, they beat fellow French side Brest in the playoffs 3-0, then completed the win in Paris with a 10-0 aggregate score. PSG's only defeat came against English side Manchester United in the 2018-19 season. After leading 2-0 at Old Trafford, PSG fell 1-3 at home and were eliminated on away goals.

Enrique continued, "We played very well, both individually and as a team. In defense, we have attacking players who work hard, midfielders who assist in the attack, and everyone defends when needed."

Samir Nasri, former midfielder of Arsenal and the French national team, praised the tactical approach brought by PSG in London. According to him, PSG excelled in executing their game system in the first match.

"I liked the performance of PSG tonight. There was no chance for Arsenal for 30 minutes. From there, they played calmly, withstood every pressure and ended the curse by beating Arsenal," Nasri told Canal+.

One thing that remains unchanged compared to the previous three away matches in England is the brilliance of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal. The Italian national team goalkeeper recorded five saves at the Emirates.

One of Arsenal's best chances fell to Gabriel Martinelli in the 45th minute. Donnarumma was able to parry the shot. In total, he prevented Arsenal's potential goals by 1.23 expected goals (xG).

"Is that just the goalkeeper's job? No. That is a team save; they work every day to create that moment. In the semifinals, you need every player to perform at a high level," said Enrique.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the difference presented by Donnarumma. "At the end of the match, we had two forwards facing one-on-one with Donnarumma. If they had scored, it would have made a difference. Donnarumma made saves against Liverpool and Villa as well; that is the difference needed in the Champions League," Arteta said as reported by the BBC.

Furthermore, Arteta stated that his players must demonstrate a different style of play compared to before. He mentioned that nothing is impossible in the semifinal round.

"To reach the Champions League final, we must do something special in Paris. We still have a chance to advance," said Arteta.

Amid the optimism that still surrounds the "Gunners" squad, they have a poor history when losing their first home match in European competition. On five occasions, Arsenal has always been eliminated after losing at home in the first game.