According to reports, on a night when Paris Saint-Germain took a big step toward the Champions League final in Munich with a 1-0 win over Arsenal, Nasser Al-Khelaifi showed no signs of pride or excessive joy despite his team’s victory. He left the stadium alongside Vincent Labrune, the president of Ligue 1, and only said briefly in the parking lot: “This is just the first half; there’s no room for celebration.”

Despite securing a valuable result in the first leg, there was no sign of celebration or excitement after the match. Luis Enrique immediately went to shake hands with Mikel Arteta, and players like Désiré Doué, João Neves, Vitinha, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia simply shook hands with the referees and opponents without any display of emotion. It seemed as if everyone had already set their sights on the second leg—this time in France.

Neves told Canal+: “We are very happy, but there hasn’t been any celebration in the dressing room yet. It was only the first game. We know nothing is finished yet.”

William Pacho confirmed his words: “There was no room for celebration. Everyone was sitting calmly, focused on the return leg. We know next week’s game won’t be easy.”

Gonçalo Ramos, who could have doubled the lead in the 85th minute with a shot that hit the post, added: “The job isn’t done. This was only the first leg. We stood up to Arsenal, played our football, and won.”

In the Parisian training camp, Enrique had emphasized days before that whatever happened in the first leg would not be the end of the story, and the players needed to stay fully focused. He said after the match: “This team has an incredible mentality, which is a joy for me as a coach. I can’t complain. It was an emotional match. Scoring early was crucial for our confidence. This team truly has a winning mentality, regardless of the result.”

In the pre-match press conference, Enrique had strongly criticized journalists who, in his opinion, had created a negative atmosphere against his team. But it seems his words have resonated with the squad.

Vitinha said after the match: “Some people didn’t believe in us, but we don’t care. We’re just focused on our amazing fans, both here and at the Parc des Princes. This game isn’t over yet. We have to play a big match next week.”

Nuno Mendes added: “We took a big step. We’re ahead by one goal, and that gives us confidence. But we have to stay focused because there’s still one more match left.”

And perhaps most of all, Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made several brilliant saves to keep a clean sheet. Alongside him, a brave midfield, a united team, and a prepared mindset have turned Paris Saint-Germain into a team that, despite minor concerns like Dembélé’s slight injury, has maintained its confidence.

Enrique concluded: “We are a real team. If Ousmane can play, that’s great. If not, we’ll still be a real team.”

Paris Saint-Germain has found a formula they must repeat in the next eight days, and only then can they truly celebrate in Munich.