Luis Enrique gives up unbeaten Ligue 1 status without hesitation for a Champions League final

Records are secondary, insisted Luis Enrique during Thursday afternoon’s press conference, as questions about Paris Saint-Germain’s remarkable unbeaten run in Ligue 1 continued to dominate the headlines.

"Titles, those are what matter," declared the Spanish head coach with conviction. "If someone could guarantee me that a defeat against Nice would give us a place in the Champions League final, I would sign immediately."

Luis Enrique’s pragmatic approach comes at a critical juncture in PSG’s season. With domestic glory already secured, as PSG were crowned Ligue 1 champions with several games to spare, the focus has naturally shifted to European ambitions – something the club has long pursued but never fully realized. PSG’s Champions League semi-final against Arsenal represents yet another chance to reach the final, a stage they have only visited once, in 2020, when they lost to Bayern Munich.

"But since no one can guarantee that – and because we are an ambitious team, capable of achieving this unbeaten record – I believe it’s important that we approach the match against Arsenal with full commitment," Luis Enrique continued, underlining the psychological aspect of maintaining momentum. "That’s important for our confidence."

The match against OGC Nice, scheduled for Friday, April 25, at 20:45, is more than just a league fixture. It serves as both a test and a tune-up for the crucial European clash. Nice, a solid side fighting for European qualification themselves, are unlikely to make things easy for PSG. Nevertheless, the Parisians remain focused on balancing their domestic dominance with European aspirations.

On Tuesday evening, PSG played out a 1-1 draw against Nantes, a result that slightly dampened the celebratory mood but preserved their unbeaten run. Luis Enrique took the opportunity to rotate his squad. Achraf Hakimi was rested completely, not even making the bench, while promising talents Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola began the game as substitutes. Despite fielding a largely strong starting eleven, PSG could not break down a determined Nantes side, who are still battling to avoid relegation. The draw, however, did little to harm PSG’s commanding position in the league and allowed Enrique to manage the fitness of key players.

Throughout the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season, PSG have been a dominant force, securing 24 victories and drawing six times in 30 matches. Remarkably, they have not suffered a single defeat in the competition. Such consistency has sparked discussions about the possibility of an unprecedented achievement: completing a full Ligue 1 season unbeaten. No team has ever accomplished this feat in the history of French football. With six games left to play, PSG are on the brink of rewriting the record books.

Beyond the numbers, the unbeaten run has served as a testament to the depth and resilience of Luis Enrique’s squad. From veterans like Kylian Mbappé, who continues to lead the line with his trademark speed and clinical finishing, to emerging stars like Warren Zaïre-Emery, the team has shown an impressive balance between experience and youth. The defensive solidity provided by the likes of Marquinhos and the reliability of Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal have also been critical in grinding out results even when performances dipped.

Yet, the unbeaten run also brings pressure. Every match now carries not just the weight of competition but the growing expectation of perfection. Luis Enrique’s comments reflect an understanding of the psychological burden that can come with chasing records. For him, the ultimate goal remains clear: European glory. The domestic unbeaten run, while historic, is seen as a bonus rather than the primary target.

Still, for the players, fans, and the club’s legacy, the chance to go down in history as the first team to complete a perfect Ligue 1 season remains an enticing prospect. As PSG prepare for both their encounter with Nice and the looming battle with Arsenal, the squad is faced with the delicate task of maintaining form, fitness, and focus.

Luis Enrique will have to carefully manage his roster over the next weeks, ensuring that the squad remains sharp without risking burnout or injury. The balance between rest and rhythm could prove decisive not just for the pursuit of the unbeaten season, but for PSG’s long-standing dream of lifting the Champions League trophy.

In the end, whether PSG can remain undefeated may hinge on more than just talent – it will be a test of mental fortitude, squad unity, and the leadership of a coach who knows that in football, it is the titles that truly endure.