Football

Luis Enrique reveals who he believes is Europe’s best after PSG defeat

The French giants, last season’s Champions League winners, were left stunned by a 2-1 home loss despite playing most of the match against ten men.
Bayern’s Luis Díaz struck twice before halftime, silencing the crowd with two sharp finishes that exposed PSG’s defensive frailty.

Then came a twist — the Colombian forward was shown a red card for a reckless challenge just before the interval. Even with the man advantage, PSG struggled to make it count. João Neves pulled one back midway through the second half, but Bayern’s disciplined back line soaked up wave after wave of pressure to secure their first European win in Paris since 2020.

Group standings tighten

That victory leaves Bayern and Arsenal level at the top of their Champions League group, both with perfect records after four matches.
While Bayern have scored 14 goals, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal remain the only side yet to concede — a defensive record that keeps them narrow favourites among bookmakers, according to UEFA data.

Enrique’s verdict: Bayern top the pile

Speaking after the defeat, Enrique brushed aside comparisons with Arsenal’s form and instead hailed Bayern’s dominance.

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“At 11 against 11, Bayern were stronger [than us], without a doubt,” he said, as reported by The Metro. “You play against the best team in Europe, with the best results, and they pressed us at a high level.”

The former Barcelona and Spain coach notably didn’t mention Liverpool, despite facing them in last season’s round of 16 — a tie that ended in high drama.

Looking back: Liverpool’s heartbreak

Last season, PSG knocked out Liverpool on penalties after a tense 1-0 second-leg win at Anfield. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was the hero, denying Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones in the shootout before Désiré Doué sealed the victory.

Liverpool, heavily favoured to progress at the time, were left to rue a string of missed chances across both legs. They’ll hope to turn that painful memory into motivation in this season’s campaign, which once again promises fierce competition among Europe’s elite.

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Kompany’s delight — and Bayern’s momentum

For Bayern boss Vincent Kompany, the result in Paris marked his 16th consecutive win across all competitions — an extraordinary run since taking charge. The Belgian praised his players’ commitment and hinted at the thrill of watching his defence in full flow.

“I would have loved to have played in the second half,” Kompany told Sky Sports Austria. “Defending everything away and always putting pressure on the man. Every situation is dangerous, but as a defender, you’re naturally trained for these moments.”

The former Manchester City captain, known for his own defensive grit, grinned as he spoke — a sign of satisfaction with how far his new side has come. “It was a proper battle,” he added. “Exactly the kind of match that builds champions.”

What’s next

Bayern will travel to London to face Arsenal at the Emirates on November 26, a clash likely to decide who finishes top of the group.
PSG, meanwhile, will host Tottenham Hotspur in their next European fixture as they attempt to regain momentum and remind the continent why they were kings of Europe only a season ago.

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It’s still early days, but one thing feels certain — Bayern’s relentless form has turned Europe’s balance of power once again.

Sources: The Metro, Sky Sports Austria, UEFA, Reuters, BBC, AP

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Oliver Obel

Oliver Obel – Sports Content Creator & Football Specialist I’m a passionate Sports Content Creator with a strong focus on football. I write for LenteDesportiva, where I produce high-quality content that informs, entertains, and connects with football fans around the world. My work revolves around player rankings, transfer analysis, and in-depth features that explore the modern game. I combine a sharp editorial instinct with a deep understanding of football’s evolution, always aiming to deliver content that captures both insight and emotion.