Enrique Braced for Arsenal Battle as PSG Reach Champions League Final

Luis Enrique has warned his Paris Saint-Germain side to expect a stern examination when they meet Arsenal in the Champions League final, with the PSG boss full of respect for what awaits them.

The Parisians booked their spot in the showpiece with a 6-5 aggregate triumph over Bayern Munich, drawing 1-1 away at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday to progress. Arsenal, meanwhile, brushed aside Atletico Madrid 2-1 across two legs to reach their first continental final since 2006, when Barcelona claimed a 2-1 victory over them in Paris.

Speaking after PSG's Bayern exit, Enrique took time to acknowledge his Spanish compatriot Mikel Arteta's achievements in North London. "I appreciate Mikelito Arteta," he remarked. "We used to be teammates when we were kids, he did a great job at Arsenal. It will be difficult, hard game but we believe in our football style."

The PSG manager expanded on his side's semi-final performance, praising their intensity against the Bundesliga champions. "Good memories. We could leave the match with a lot of intensity," he said. "The defence were better than the attack. The character we showed against a team like Bayern is so positive. We're so happy to reach a second Champions League final in a row."

Enrique reflected on the gruelling nature of the contest: "It was very intense. Very difficult. They play football at the highest level. Both teams are similar, we love to press higher. We are very happy."

With his birthday approaching, the PSG boss added a touch of levity to proceedings. "In two days I'm going to celebrate my birthday. I'm very happy. We're in the next phase of the competition, the final of the Champions League. We want to give our supporters that kind of gift."

Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia echoed his manager's cautious optimism, insisting PSG will focus on their own game rather than dwelling on their opponents. "We respect all of the teams," Kvaratskhelia explained. "For us, it's important to play our game. We don't really think about who is going to be our opponent, we just prepare our game and give everything on the pitch. It will be difficult – it's the Champions League final – and we just have to go and enjoy it."

Bayern boss Vincent Kompany, meanwhile, cut a frustrated figure in defeat, believing his side had been on the wrong end of several officiating decisions across both legs. "We have to look at some of the phases that were decided by the officials across the two games which … it's never an excuse for everything but it matters," Kompany said. "If we look at both legs probably too much went against us."

The Bayern manager highlighted a specific incident involving João Neves's handball. "His hand is in the air, it hits it. Because it's from his own teammate it's not a penalty. But if you look at both situations, a little bit of common sense and it's just ridiculous," Kompany lamented. "Whatever needs to happen but it's ridiculous. It doesn't tell the whole game but it's a one-goal game in the end."