French champion pragmatic despite win

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique hailed his "incredible" team after Ousmane Dembele's early goal gave his side a 1-0 first-leg away win against Arsenal, but insisted there would be no euphoria in their ranks ahead of next week's return fixture.

"I think we showed the mentality that we show in every match, and that mentality is a great pleasure for me to see as coach of Paris Saint-Germain," the Spaniard said.

Dembele's goal was all that separated the teams, although substitute Goncalo Ramos hit the bar late on, while Mikel Merino had an effort disallowed for offside at the other end early in the second half.

"I can't complain, because it was a game with a lot of strong emotions," Enrique said when asked if he regretted Ramos not converting his late opportunity.

"It is difficult to play in that atmosphere, which was incredible. I think the goal early in the game was important for our confidence, and I am happy, because you can win or lose a game, but the mentality and ambition that our team shows is incredible."

PSG now knows that a draw in Paris next week will be enough for it to advance to a second Champions League final in its history, a year after it lost to Borussia Dortmund in the final four.

"The players will not get carried away," insisted Enrique, who won the Champions League as coach of Barcelona in 2015.

"They know how difficult it is to win a game like this. We need to try to control our emotions, and play our game in front of our supporters; make the most of the strength they give us. It will be tight, but we will be ready."

AFP