Who said PSG couldn't play defence?

Ousmane Dembele's early opener suggested another goal-filled thriller and a blockbuster clash between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, but it was only an optical illusion.

Last week, the Parisians showed they can play beautiful football. Last night, they wanted to prove they could play it smart, and, unfortunately for millions of football lovers worldwide, they did.

Unfortunately, not because the Parisians advanced, but because they set the pace for a rather physical, cautious duel that eventually brought them to another Champions League final.

Nevertheless, football fans, being football fans, always need to find a culprit and point their finger at him. On Wednesday night, it was Luis Enrique.

But the Spaniard shouldn't be blamed for what happened at Allianz Arena. He should be admired.

In a chess game with Munich, the PSG boss completely outsmarted the less experienced Vincent Kompany and made the team that scored 172 goals across all competitions this season look blunt, uninspired, and toothless.

The last time the Bavarians were held scoreless was last year, on July 5, at the FIFA Club World Cup in a 2-0 defeat against... of all teams, guess who? Paris Saint-Germain!

Lesson learned, victory earned: PSG stifle Bayern's attack and book their ticket to Budapest!

And last night, PSG were on the verge of keeping their net intact one more time. Harry Kane did net a late consolation goal in added time, but it will bring little comfort to the Munich side.

The Bavarians' offensive trident was totally blunted. The England captain didn't have a proper chance before the aforementioned equalizer. Michael Olise had to settle for a couple of long-range attempts, which all were easy prey for Matvey Safonov. Luis Diaz was the most active of all Vincent Kompany's forwards, but he couldn't do anything on his own.

"Some opinions are rubbish," Luis Enrique hits back at PSG critics

Unlike the showdown at Parc des Princes, Enrique opted for a low block rather than a constant pressing on Bayern's back line, which left too much space for the Bundesliga side's fast wingers and full-backs.

Dembele's early strike undoubtedly helped, but it doesn't change the fact that the 55-year-old strategist's tactic was almost impeccable.

Whenever Diaz received the ball on the flank, Marquinhos would step out to press him, Joao Neves would drop back to back up his captain, while Warren Zaire-Emery would slide across as cover.

The same thing happened on the other side with Olise as an offensive threat. Nuno Mendes would press, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia would sprint back to help, while Fabian Ruiz would provide support.

That left Kane cut off from the rest of the team and forced Bayern to rely on Manuel Neuer's long balls, which were "meat and drink" for the towering Willian Pacho.

For quite some time now, everyone has noticed PSG's strategy from kick-off - a long ball towards the touchline and deliberately out of play. The opponents would have to take a throw in deep inside their own half, creating a perfect pressing trap and a stolen ball. Last night, the visitors constantly used that pattern!

Practically every goal kick from Safonov went high up the pitch and out for a throw-in, but every time down Olise's flank. As a result, the Frenchman was swarmed as soon as he received the ball and largely nullified.

Given the advantage on aggregate and Dembele's early goal, the Parisians could sit deep and hit on the counter. As the match approached its end, the home team grew increasingly nervous and had to take more risks, leaving huge gaps for Khvicha and Desire Doue, who broke forward at pace whenever they felt space.

That's why - although Kompany's team was the one who had to pursue goals - PSG looked like a more dangerous rival throughout the game. That's why the Ligue 1 side looked so dominant on the pitch. That's why Luis Enrique is a tactical mastermind. And that's why Paris Saint-Germain will play their second consecutive Champions League final.

The Spaniard once said in a press conference: "I have no intention of explaining my tactical plans, because you wouldn't understand them."

At that point, he seemed cocky and arrogant, but now... Now, it's clear.

You were right, Luis. We wouldn't understand.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - SEMI-FINALS

Return leg

Tuesday

Arsenal - Atl. Madrid 1-0 (1-0)

/Saka 45/

Arsenal win 2-1 on aggregate

Wednesday

Bayern Munich - PSG 1-1 (0-1)

/Kane 90+4 - Dembele 3/

PSG win 6-5 on aggregate