Luis Enrique’s serenity and the secret behind PSG’s penalty supremacy | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain again owned the penalty spot, seeing off Arsenal in the Champions League final to complete a back to back European triumph, sealed when Gabriel missed. Matveï Safonov’s presence loomed large as Paris made it six shoot-out victories in succession.

According to L'Équipe, this is no lottery for PSG, it is built on analysis, repetition and elite mental preparation. After the match, Luis Enrique said six takers were identified, those most ready stepped up, and he described Safonov, nicknamed Mocha, as a specialist who unnerves opponents. He experienced the shoot-out calmly and wanted it finished quickly because it was so tight.

The ritual held. Enrique addressed the huddle with a short, sharp message that ended in a laugh, easing tension before the final act. Fatigue was heavy after 120 minutes at the Puskas Arena and regular takers Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had already gone off.

On the bench, goalkeeper coach Borja Alvarez pored over notes with his keepers, the now-fabled towel close by, a totem since December’s Intercontinental Cup win over Flamengo, 1-1, 2-1 on pens. Safonov made four saves that night, a memory unlikely to have soothed Arsenal minds.

Enrique and assistant Rafel Pol chose the quintet: Ramos, Doué, Nuno Mendes, Hakimi and Lucas Beraldo, with Bradley Barcola omitted. The first four are specialists, and the end behind the goal erupted when it became clear PSG would shoot their way.

Doué and Ramos converted, then Eberechi Eze erred. Nuno Mendes missed the chance to press home the advantage, but Beraldo’s composure restored it. Gabriel then lifted over, Paris exulted, and a drained Safonov sat, their penalty craft etched into club history.

Source: L'Équipe