Luis Enrique believes Paris Saint-Germain deserved to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League, especially after their pre-season games.
The reigning champions eliminated fellow Ligue 1 side Monaco in the play-off, winning 5-4 on aggregate after a 2-2 draw at the Parc des Princes in the second leg.
Monaco initially led 1-0 in Paris through Maghnes Akliouche, but a red card for Mamadou Coulibaly allowed PSG to dominate the match as goals from Marquinhos and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia provided Jordan Teze’s injury-time consolation.
PSG have now reached the last 16 stages of the Champions League in every season since 2012/13.
The league holders have also reached this stage every season since 2013/2014, with Chelsea being the last not to do so in 2012/2013.
With Barcelona or Chelsea awaiting PSG in the round of 16, Luis Enrique stressed that his side are ready to compete against anyone in the competition.
“It was very tough. Despite the atmosphere in the stadium and all the fans, it is a very difficult scenario after winning the first leg,” said the Spaniard.
Thank you for your support from start to finish. pic.twitter.com/Jxu9vNGxkZ
— Paris Saint Germain (@PSG_English) February 25, 2026
“In the first half we were not good enough, we made too many mistakes and Monaco, on the other hand, had a very good half.
“We talked about that at half-time and we started playing a little bit simpler, and I think the second half was very different.
“We deserved to qualify, but we had to suffer all the time. If there is one team that is used to doing it tough, it is us.
“We had the worst group [league phase fixtures]We had to play against Qarabag or Monaco and of course it was Monaco, and now between Chelsea and Barcelona they are both great teams.
“We are ready and we are used to playing in these types of matches.”
And when asked if he would rather face Chelsea or his former side Barça, Luis Enrique added: “It’s easy, Chelsea or Barcelona.
“You’ll see that I’m telling the truth. And the first one is playing here at home. We’ll see on Friday. [Champions League draw].”
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