It is the chief's surprise. When you unveil its composition for the Champions League final against Inter Milan, Luis Enrique has decided to create the event. The Spanish coach dared a daring bet in attack, spreading a player who is essential in the European campaign. Instead, it is a young talent who is entrusted with the keys to an offensive corridor this evening in Munich. A strong, unexpected decision, which could well shake up the established balances … or create a previous one.
Favorite Barcola in Doué: a strong signal from Luis Enrique
The “surprise” in question is called Bradley Barcola. The young winger trained in Lyon is preferred to Désiré Doué, however holder during the last major meetings of the Champions League. A choice that some will consider risky, but which is undoubtedly explained by the excellent final of the Coupe de France delivered by Barcola. Decisive, stirring, inspired: the winger scored points. Luis Enrique, faithful to his moment logic of the moment, therefore decided. A strong choice, but not totally devoid of logic.
Alongside Barcola, it is Ousmane Dembélé who will evolve in the axis in the number 9 position, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will hold his left corridor. A mobile, fast, technical trio, capable of putting on torture of interteement defense. Behind them, the middle does not move: Vitinha, João Neves and Fabián Ruiz form the usual trio. Ruiz, once again preferred to Zaire-Emery, embodies experience and serenity, precious qualities for a major final.
Luis Enrique surprises: Barcola holder in the final
An eleven of ambitious PSG, between daring and continuity
In defense, again, no surprise: Marquinhos and Pacho form the central hinge. The Brazilian, a longtime captain, will once again carry the armband, with the obligation to deliver a flawless match after several mixed performances in the major meetings. Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi, both very offensive, will occupy the sides. In goals, the inevitable Gianluigi Donnarumma will take care, once again, to hold the barracks.
This eleven Parisian, if it retains the main lines of the type training used in the Champions League, sends a clear message: the time is no longer for calculations. With Barcola in the eleven, Luis Enrique assumes a share of risk. But he also knows that the player can make a difference in a big night. As for Désiré Doué, he will certainly be called upon to enter into a match to tip the scales if necessary. It remains to be seen whether this bet will pay.
The eleven of PSG: Donnarumma – Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Hakimi – Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz – Kvaratskhelia, Barcola, Dembélé.
