Here is What Real Madrid Did Wrong Against My Team, Says PSG Coach

Here is What Real Madrid Did Wrong Against My Team, Says PSG Coach

In the wake of a pulsating Champions League clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, PSG head coach Luis Enrique didn’t hold back in his post-match analysis. Fresh off a thrilling 3-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu, Enrique took time to dissect what went wrong for the Spanish giants, offering a rare glimpse into his tactical mindset and revealing how his side managed to outmaneuver one of the most decorated teams in European football.

According to the former Spain and Barcelona manager, Real Madrid’s downfall began with a flawed tactical setup and a lack of discipline in the midfield. “They gave us too much space between the lines,” Enrique stated. “That allowed our playmakers, especially Vitinha and Asensio, to operate freely and transition quickly. Madrid are usually compact, but they lost that tonight.”

1. Lack of Midfield Control

Enrique emphasized how Real Madrid’s midfield trio — featuring Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde — failed to establish control or break PSG’s rhythm. He pointed out that Carlo Ancelotti’s men were too aggressive early on, trying to press high without the necessary coordination, leaving gaps behind them.

“They tried to press us high, but without coordination,” Enrique noted. “When you do that against a team like PSG with fast, technical players, you’re asking for trouble. We trained all week to exploit the half-spaces left behind their full-backs and midfield line.”

This tactical flaw became evident in PSG’s second goal, where a quick turnover in midfield saw Ousmane Dembélé sprint into space and deliver a clinical assist to Kylian Mbappé. The French forward’s speed combined with Real Madrid’s disorganized press proved fatal.

2. Underestimating the Wide Threat

Another major issue Enrique pointed out was Madrid’s failure to contain PSG’s width, especially through Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. “They didn’t respect the threat from our full-backs,” he said. “We knew their wingers wouldn’t track back for 90 minutes. That’s where we gained our edge.”

Indeed, both PSG full-backs had a hand in creating chances. Hakimi’s overlapping runs constantly pushed Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. onto the back foot, while Mendes’ pace kept Dani Carvajal hesitant to advance. The wide overloads stretched Real Madrid’s defense and created mismatches that PSG capitalized on.

3. Over-Reliance on Individual Brilliance

Enrique also criticized Real Madrid’s heavy reliance on individual quality rather than collective organization. “They were hoping for something magical from Bellingham or Vinícius,” he said. “But when a team defends as a unit, even the best individuals struggle.”

Real Madrid had their moments — Bellingham hit the post and Vinícius dazzled with some solo runs — but PSG’s disciplined structure kept the Spanish side at bay for most of the match. Enrique praised his players’ defensive focus and ability to close down spaces.

4. Complacency and Lack of Adaptation

Finally, Enrique pointed out that Real Madrid seemed overconfident, failing to adapt even as PSG grew into the game. “They didn’t expect us to press so high and so aggressively,” he explained. “Maybe they thought we would sit back and play on the counter, but we wanted to take the game to them. And we did.”

He also lauded his players’ ability to read the game and adjust on the fly, something he felt Madrid lacked on the night. “Football is a game of adjustments. We made ours; they didn’t.”

Conclusion

PSG’s dominant win against Real Madrid wasn’t just a product of star power — it was a masterclass in preparation, execution, and tactical awareness. Coach Luis Enrique’s post-match remarks laid bare the strategic errors made by Ancelotti’s side and highlighted the areas where PSG outclassed their opponents.

Whether Real Madrid will take these criticisms on board remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: if these two giants meet again later in the tournament, it will be under very different tactical conditions. For now, PSG walks away not just with three goals and a win, but with the satisfaction of having out-thought and outplayed one of Europe’s best.