Refereeing rows, Kvaratskhelia and Luis Enrique hailed after PSG reach Champions League final | OneFootball

Refereeing rows and lavish praise framed global reaction as PSG reached the Champions League final, with Kvaratskhelia and Luis Enrique lauded for cutting edge and defensive control after a 5-4 first leg.

Bild claims that it was a refereeing scandal, putting Portuguese official Joao Pinheiro, in his first Champions League semi-final, under the spotlight. Flashpoints included a possible second yellow for Nuno Mendes on 29 minutes and a 31st-minute handball shout against Joao Neves. Others in Germany argued the officials reached the right decisions.

Before the arguments, PSG had struck inside three minutes, Ousmane Dembélé finishing from Kvaratskhelia’s pass. The Georgian has contributed to at least one goal in each of his last seven Champions League knockout matches, seven goals and three assists, a competition record.

British and Italian coverage hailed Kvaratskhelia’s form and even floated Ballon d’Or talk, while underlining a Paris side built on strengths across the pitch.

Spanish reaction dwelt on a collective masterclass at the Allianz Arena, with PSG compact and relentless, at times defending with ten, and Bayern unable to pierce the block as their attacking edge faded from last week.

The final will pit Luis Enrique against Mikel Arteta, marking an unprecedented Champions League showpiece with two Spanish managers.

Source: L'Équipe