PSG Rescued Milan, Coach Luis Enrique Remains Pede In Champions League Falls

Pemain Paris Saint-Germain menyambut suporter usai memastikan lolos ke 16 besar Liga Champions 2023/2024 (X/@PSG_inside).

JAKARTA - Paris Saint-Germain received assistance from AC Milan when advancing to the last 16 of the 2023/2024 Champions League. Despite qualifying hard, PSG coach Luis Enrique remained confident in facing the knockout stages.

PSG almost eliminated in the Champions League preliminary. The team's fate had to depend on the results of other matches.

However, PSG finally managed to overcome the obstacles after playing the 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund in the match at Signal Iduna Park Stadium, Thursday, December 14, 2023, early morning WIB.

The draw is actually still not guaranteed PSG qualified for the last 16. Luckily, PSG got 'assistance' from AC Milan who beat Newcastle United 2-1.

PSG seemed lucky when they made the group stage. How not, when they hosted Newcastle in the previous match, Les Parisien almost lost.

However, PSG avoided defeat after receiving a penalty at the last minute or 90+8. Kylian Mbappe's penalty changed the score to 1-1.

The second rescue was carried out by Milan when they visited Newcastle's headquarters. The Magpies are really sad for the second time. In the match at St James' Park, Newcastle, who had already won, lost.

The defeat made PSG remain in second place with eight points. The collection is the same as Milan, but PSG is ahead on goal difference so they can qualify for the last 16 to accompany Borussia Dortmund.

"Of course, I feel happy because we managed to qualify. The team is also getting better. I like the attitude shown by the players and the ability to fight. I have no doubt we are growing," said Enrique.

Although PSG's steps have stalled a bit in the preliminary, Enrique remains optimistic about the round of 16. Even the former coach of the Spanish national team said PSG was the team that competitors wanted the most in the knockout round.

"We are still standing and have hope. I estimate that no team will want to face us in the next round even though we are in second place in the final standings," said the former Barcelona coach. It is not without reason that Enrique believes PSG will be the most avoided team in the round of 16. The reason is, PSG always plays offensively even though playing at home to opponents.

Against Dortmund, they were just unlucky to fail to win and score one goal. According to him, the team created many chances in that match.

"We are a team that creates many chances and always attacks. We have four or five chances that should have scored in this match. I'm sure when we appear in February, this team will be stronger," he said.

In the decisive match against Dortmund, Enrique's team fell behind through Karim Adeyemi's goal. However, PSG's young star, Warren Zare Emery, successfully equalized the score to 1-1.

PSG actually had a chance to win when Mbappe scored. However, after being reviewed through VAR, the goal was disallowed because it was in an offside position so they closed the match with a draw.

"There are many things that need improvement, especially in the final settlement. In addition, we have to improve our performance in away matches," said defender Marquinhos.