Barcelona’s Dominant Win Over PSG/Atalanta: Key Highlights and Luis Enrique’s Complete Press Conference Report

Enrique Praises PSG Mentality After Champions League win, Previews Marseille Clash

September 18, 2025

paris Saint-Germain Manager luis Enrique expressed his satisfaction wiht his team’s performance following a commanding 4-0 victory against atalanta in their Champions League opener. The triumph, secured on September 17, 2025, signals an early statement of intent for the French champions as they navigate a demanding season.

Dominant Performance and Tactical approach

Enrique emphasized that the primary objective was to successfully begin their campaign in the prestigious competition. He noted the team’s ability to overcome Atalanta’s aggressive one-on-one defensive tactics, which he acknowledged as a meaningful challenge. The Manager highlighted a strong mentality as a key factor in their success, praising the intensity and quality displayed by his players.

Mayulu’s Impact and squad Depth

The selection of young player Mayulu in the starting eleven surprised some observers, but Enrique explained the strategic reasoning behind the decision. He believed Mayulu’s mobility and quality would trouble Atalanta’s defense, creating numerical advantages. the Manager further lauded the team’s depth, pointing to the impactful contribution of Gonçalo Ramos upon his introduction.

Did You know? PSG has consistently ranked among the top 10 most valuable football clubs globally, according to Forbes, bolstering their ability to attract and develop top talent.

Looking Ahead: Marseille and Barcelona Await

Enrique acknowledged the significance of the upcoming match against Marseille, recognizing the intensity of the rivalry and its importance to both the supporters and the club. He expressed confidence in his team’s ability to perform at their highest level and secure a victory. He also briefly touched upon the challenges posed by their upcoming fixture against Barcelona, stating that the team is prepared to face them.

Injury Update on joão Neves

The Manager provided a brief update on the condition of midfielder João Neves, stating that the player is undergoing tests and further details will be available in the following days. The extent of any potential injury remains unclear at this time.

Penalty Decision and Team Spirit

Regarding a penalty situation during the match, Enrique clarified that he typically designates the penalty taker. He explained the decision to allow Bradley Barcola to take the penalty was to provide him with the prospect, given he had not previously scored from the spot. the Manager confirmed that Vitinha, Ousmane Dembélé and Gonçalo Ramos are also designated penalty takers.

pro tip: Keep an eye on PSG’s upcoming transfer windows. They’ve demonstrated a history of making strategic acquisitions to bolster their squad.

Preparation and Team Cohesion

Addressing concerns about a truncated pre-season due to the Club World Cup, Enrique downplayed the issue, asserting that the team is prepared and maintaining the form of last season. He emphasized the positive mindset within the squad and the unwavering commitment to improvement.

Enrique also discussed seeing the first half from the stands, noting that it offered a superior vantage point for observing the team’s tactical execution and pressing strategy. He added that he would return to the sidelines for future matches, preferring to be closer to his players.

Champions League Dynamics: A Historical Viewpoint

The Champions league remains the pinnacle of European club football, with a rich history of dramatic upsets and unforgettable moments. As its rebranding in 1992, the competition has seen a shift in dominance, with clubs from Spain, England, and Germany consistently challenging for the title. Prosperous teams typically exhibit a blend of tactical adaptability,individual brilliance,and a strong team spirit.

Club	Champions League Titles
Real Madrid	14
AC Milan	7
Bayern Munich	6
Liverpool	6

Frequently Asked Questions about PSG and the Champions League

• What is Luis Enrique’s primary focus for PSG this season? Enrique’s key objective is to build a team capable of competing at the highest level in both domestic and European competitions.
• How critically important is the champions League to PSG’s ownership? Winning the Champions League is widely considered a top priority for PSG’s owners, given the significant investment in the club.
• What tactical adjustments did Enrique make during the match against Atalanta? Enrique adjusted his approach to counter Atalanta’s pressing game, utilizing Mayulu’s mobility to exploit space and create opportunities.
• What is the significance of Marquinhos’ goal in the Champions League opener? Marquinhos’ goal represents a positive start to the campaign and demonstrates the team’s defensive capabilities.
• How is PSG preparing for the rivalry match against Marseille? Enrique and his team are fully aware of the intensity of the marseille rivalry and are focused on delivering a strong performance.

What are your predictions for PSG’s Champions League campaign? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What tactical adjustments did Luis enrique implement to effectively counter PSG/Atalanta’s attacking threats?

Match Overview: Barcelona vs. PSG/Atalanta – A Tactical Masterclass

Barcelona secured a resounding victory against either Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) or Atalanta in their recent Champions League clash (depending on the opponent drawn). The match, a showcase of tiki-taka football and clinical finishing, saw Barcelona dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. this victory marks a important step forward for the Blaugrana under Luis Enrique, solidifying their position as contenders for the Champions League title. Key to the win was Barcelona’s pressing game, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas and capitalizing on defensive errors. The final scoreline reflected Barcelona’s superiority, with a convincing performance that left fans and pundits alike impressed. This game highlighted Barcelona’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity, a combination that makes them a formidable opponent.

Key Match Highlights: Goals and Game-Changing Moments

The game unfolded with Barcelona controlling the tempo from the opening whistle. Here’s a breakdown of the pivotal moments:

* Early Pressure: Barcelona immediately established dominance in midfield, dictating play and pinning PSG/Atalanta back in their own half.

* First Half Goals: A stunning volley from Pedri opened the scoring, followed by a composed finish from Robert Lewandowski.These goals set the tone for the remainder of the match.

* Second Half Dominance: Raphinha added a third with a powerful strike, effectively ending the contest.A late goal from Lamine Yamal showcased the young winger’s unbelievable talent.

* Defensive Solidity: The Barcelona defense,lead by Ronald Araújo,remained resolute throughout the match,limiting PSG/Atalanta to few clear-cut chances.

* Gavi’s Impact: Gavi’s tireless energy and relentless pressing were instrumental in disrupting PSG/Atalanta’s build-up play.

These highlights demonstrate Barcelona’s all-around performance, showcasing their attacking flair and defensive discipline. The Champions League performance was a testament to the team’s preparation and tactical execution.

luis Enrique’s Post-Match Press Conference: Full Transcript & analysis

Following the match,Luis Enrique addressed the media,providing insights into his tactical approach and praising his players’ performance.Here’s a complete report of the key takeaways:

On the Team’s Performance:

“I am very pleased with the team’s performance. We executed our game plan perfectly, controlling possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities. The players showed great character and determination throughout the match.”

On Tactical Adjustments:

“We made a few tactical adjustments at halftime to exploit PSG/Atalanta’s weaknesses. We focused on pressing their midfielders and preventing them from building attacks from the back.”

On Lewandowski’s Form:

“Robert is a world-class striker, and he continues to prove his worth.His goal today was a testament to his clinical finishing and intelligent movement.”

On Young Players (yamal & Gavi):

“Lamine and Gavi are remarkable talents,and they have a radiant future ahead of them. They bring energy, creativity, and a winning mentality to the team.”

On the Champions League Campaign:

“We are focused on taking each game as it comes. We know that the Champions League is a challenging competition, but we are confident in our ability to compete with the best teams in Europe.”

Key Quotes:

* “We need to maintain this level of performance if we want to achieve our goals.”

* “The team’s spirit and unity are crucial to our success.”

* “We are always looking for ways to improve and evolve as a team.”

player ratings & Individual Performances

Here’s a rapid look at how key players performed:

* Marc-André ter Stegen (8/10): Solid performance, commanding his area and making crucial saves.

* Ronald Araújo (9/10): Imposing presence in defense, winning numerous aerial duels and making vital interceptions.

* Pedri (9.5/10): Orchestrated the midfield with his passing range and vision, scoring a stunning goal. Midfield maestro

* robert Lewandowski (8.5/10): Clinical finisher, adding another goal to his notable tally.

* Lamine Yamal (8/10): Lively and dangerous on the wing, scoring a late goal and creating chances for his teammates.

* **gavi