PSG and Barcelona book Champions League semi-final spots despite second-leg defeats

Luis Enrique hails PSG squad as 'best in the world' after 5-3 aggregate win while Serhou Guirassy hat-trick in vain for Dortmund

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender Marquinhos celebrates after the second leg against Aston Villa as PSG advanced 5-3 on aggregate. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique hailed his players as the “best squad in the world” after the French champions booked a place in the Uefa Champions League semi-finals for a second successive season, despite a 3-2 second-leg defeat to Aston Villa on Tuesday night.

The result saw PSG advance 5-4 on aggregate, with early goals from Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes proving vital. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a standout performance to deny Villa from taking the game to extra time, prompting special praise from his manager.

“I think I have the best squad in the world, not only the goalkeeper,” said Luis Enrique. “Gigi is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. And I have to say that match, for us, allows us to grow up and compete even better.”

Having already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title, the Qatar-owned club now sets their sights on a maiden Champions League triumph. This marks PSG’s third appearance in the last four of the competition in five years, signalling the success of a recent policy shift away from superstar signings toward a more balanced, youthful team.

“We are really confident right now,” said Hakimi. “We are again in the semi-finals and we want to show PSG is a big team, a big club, and we want to fight for all the titles we can.”

Despite conceding twice in three minutes during a second-half resurgence from Villa, Luis Enrique remained calm.

“This is the Champions League and you have to accept that the opposition team has a lot of quality,” he said. “I think, over the two matches, we deserved to win.”

PSG will now face either Arsenal or Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez celebrates at the final whistle as his side advanced to the semi-finals 5-3 on aggregate. AFP

Barca bag place in last four

Elsewhere, Barcelona also secured a place in the last four, progressing past Borussia Dortmund on aggregate despite a 3-1 defeat in the second leg.

A dominant 4-0 first-leg win at the Olympic Stadium proved enough for Hansi Flick’s side, who reach the semi-finals for the first time since the 2018/19 season.

“We played two games and it's justified that we're through,” said Flick. “They made our lives very hard but what was important is we made it to the semi-finals.”

Serhou Guirassy scored a hat-trick for Dortmund in a spirited second-leg performance, but Barcelona's early advantage held firm. Midfielder Fermin Lopez, who played a key role in forcing an own goal from Ramy Bensebaini, said the experience would benefit the team moving forward.

Borussia Dortmund's Guinean forward Serhou Guirassy scores his team's third goal. AFP

“We’re now in the semi-finals and can draw a lot of strength from this game today because it was a big task,” said Lopez.

With a Copa del Rey final ahead and a four-point lead in La Liga, Barcelona remain on course for a potential treble under Flick.

“Now's the time to celebrate what we've done,” the German coach said. “Then we can get back to analysing what's ahead of us.”