Yamal (right) - a symbol of the current appeal of Spanish football - Photo: Reuters
This is because Mikel Arteta, the coach who led Arsenal to victory over Real Madrid, is Spanish. And in the early hours of April 10th (Vietnam time), another Spanish coach, Luis Enrique, made his mark.
Hats off to Enrique!
Interestingly, the two Spanish teams that reached the Champions League quarter-finals did not employ a Spanish coach. Conversely, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and PSG all used Spanish coaches.
With the PSG vs. Aston Villa matchup, it's almost certain that a Spanish coach will advance. Coach Luis Enrique has the advantage over his compatriot Unai Emery, with PSG winning 3-1 in the first leg. It's hard to blame Aston Villa, as their squad is significantly weaker than their opponents.
But we must take our hats off to Luis Enrique – the man who is helping PSG become a true continental powerhouse with his very unique football philosophy.
Possession, ball control, frequent passing, building an attacking style of play based on a technically gifted midfield, and sometimes not even needing a central striker – that has always been Luis Enrique's style throughout his coaching career, from AS Roma and Celta Vigo to Barcelona, the Spanish national team, and now PSG.
At the start of this season, PSG still had two genuine center forwards in their squad: Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos. However, in the winter transfer window, Muani was loaned out. Ramos, meanwhile, was almost completely sidelined by coach Enrique, starting only twice in the first half of the season. Ramos accepted a reserve role and was therefore kept on the bench, with only one start in the Champions League.
With a formation that doesn't require a central striker, coach Enrique has deployed Dembele as a "number 9" for almost the entire season. And perhaps only Enrique would dare to use Dembele – a star renowned for his speed – in that way.
When Dembele, along with Kvaratskhelia, Doue, and Barcola, were wreaking havoc in Ligue 1, the football world still doubted PSG, believing them to be too strong for the average French footballer. But after PSG successively defeated Atletico, Man City, Liverpool, and now Aston Villa, the football world had to acknowledge the talent of coach Enrique.
New features
Since the summer of 2024, the football world has been talking a lot about the return of Spain as they won the Euro, Real Madrid dominated the Champions League, and Barca once again produced top young stars.
Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Pedri, Cubarsi, Balde, Gavi, Fati, Eric Garcia – a total of eight young Spanish players were used by Barca in their emphatic 4-0 victory over Dortmund. All of them came through the La Masia academy (or were brought in at a very young age, as in Pedri's case) – a powerful statement of the return of the great Barca.
Despite facing financial difficulties, Barca has unearthed a generation of young players even larger than the Messi, Pique, and Busquets generation of nearly two decades ago.
The Spanish influence is also evident in representatives from other leagues. Arsenal boasts prominent Spanish players such as Merino and Raya, along with manager Arteta. PSG has midfielder Fabian Ruiz. Aston Villa also possesses a Spanish core, similar to Arsenal, with Pau Torres, Asensio, and manager Emery.
The possession-based style of play, once considered outdated, is making a strong comeback in continental competitions with a fresh new look. At PSG, coach Enrique possesses players with speed that he didn't have at Barca: the French trio of Dembele, Doue, and Barcola. Meanwhile, Barca employs a pragmatic coach in Hansi Flick.
Barca, Arsenal, PSG, Aston Villa, and even Real Madrid (if a miracle happens), the Champions League semi-finals will be clashes steeped in Spanish football.
Dortmund in despair, Aston Villa filled with regret.
In the early hours of April 10th (Vietnam time), Barca thrashed Dortmund 4-0, while PSG beat Aston Villa 3-1 at home.
It was unfortunate for Aston Villa that, despite scoring the opening goal, they couldn't withstand PSG's relentless attack. Furthermore, the goal conceded in the 90+1 minute put Aston Villa in a difficult position, trailing by two goals before the second leg.
In the other match, Barca were too strong for Dortmund. The superstar trio of Lewandowski (2 goals) - Yamal - Raphinha all scored directly for their team.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dau-an-tay-ban-nha-20250411103749359.htm
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