Achraf Hakimi greeted “genius” Luis Enrique after Paris Saint-Germain had booked their place in the Champions League final with a 3-1 total victory over Arsenal.
The Treble-Chasing Ligue 1 champions will play Inter in the showpiece on 31 May, because they finally look to get the trophy in their hands that originated in the course of the years, after a 2-1 victory over the Gunners on the night on Wednesday.
PSG, who was 1-0 for the good of the first stage of last week, expanded their benefits in the draw thanks to the excellent strike by Fabian Ruiz in Parc des Princes.
Despite David Raya, who saved Vitinha's Penalty and 3.14 expected goals – the highest XGA they admitted in a match in the Champions League of this season – the hosts eventually have the draw beyond Arsenal in the 72nd minute, then Hakimi Briljant Curled House.
Bukayo Saka made things interesting, but then wasted a great chance to set up a grandstand final.
Luis Enrique, who turns 55 on Thursday, wants to lift the trophy for the second time, 10 years after the led from Barcelona to Glory in Berlin. That is despite losing people like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the past seasons.
“It's incredible. If you see the atmosphere, we have worked hard for the moment,” Hakimi told Canal+.
“Many did not believe in us, but we have worked hard. We are a family, we earn this moment. All fans, the Parisians, our families, everyone who supported us.
“We are very proud of this competition. Luis Enrique has done it incredibly. Since he arrived at PSG, it has cost him a year to build a great team. There is a lot of work behind it. He is a genius.”
The moment! pic.twitter.com/netlfsdrqk
-Paris Saint-Germain (@psg_englait) 7 May 2025
PSG is only the third side that reaches a Champions League final after losing five games en route, together with Bayer Leverkusen in 2001-02 and Juventus in 2002-03.
It will be their fourth major European final, which can also be seen in the showpiece of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1995-96-96-97, as well as the 2019-20 Champions League final, which was played behind closed doors.
Marquinhos, who was part of Bayern Munich in Lisbon five years ago, keeps his feet on the ground because he and his teammates are going better this time.
“It's a great feeling. We did great,” he told Canal+. “The road was difficult, slow, we had some very difficult competitions.
“We have to make the best of it and prepare ourselves in the best possible way. The way to the final is clear, but it is not over yet.”