Luis Enrique Faces Real Madrid for First Time as PSG Manager in High-Stakes Club World Cup Semifinal Showdown

This marks the inaugural encounter between Luis Enrique and Real Madrid since his arrival in the French capital, as he prepares to guide Paris Saint-Germain into battle.
Enrique assumed control of France's premier club before the 2023–24 season began, more than twelve months following his second tenure leading Spain's national squad. During his brief two-year period at PSG, the 55-year-old manager has secured seven trophies for the Parisians, notably their maiden Champions League championship.
Currently, Enrique has his focus on claiming the Club World Cup this summer, though he must first navigate his squad past Real Madrid. The Spanish tactician is well-acquainted with the La Liga vice-champions; he both represented and competed against the Madrid powerhouse during his playing career, and has also confronted Real Madrid throughout his distinguished coaching journey.
Spanning from his initial period leading Celta Vigo through his successful era at Barcelona, we'll examine Enrique's coaching performance against Los Blancos.

Luis Enrique's Coaching Performance Against Real Madrid
Throughout his tenure managing Celta Vigo and Barcelona, Enrique has encountered Real Madrid on eight occasions in various competitions. The 55-year-old maintains a positive record against the Spanish powerhouse, which he aims to improve at the Club World Cup.
Review Enrique's complete statistics against Real Madrid below:
Encounters vs. Real Madrid | Wins | Ties | Losses |
---|---|---|---|
8 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
Enrique guided his previous teams to four wins, one tie, and three defeats against Real Madrid. During his three-year tenure as Barcelona's manager, the Spanish coach experienced only two La Liga Clásico losses, an outstanding streak that contributed to the Catalans claiming the Spanish championship in his initial two campaigns.
The most unforgettable triumph over Real Madrid in Enrique's coaching career occurred on November 21, 2015. Barcelona crushed Real Madrid 4–0 at the Santiago Bernabéu with a double from Luis Suárez and strikes from Neymar and Andrés Iniesta.
Enrique's last El Clásico as manager was equally remarkable. Lionel Messi scored a dramatic late winner at the Santiago Bernabéu to seal a 3–2 triumph for Barcelona.
Despite his achievements against Real Madrid, the former Barcelona manager also experienced setbacks against the 15-time Champions League champions. Even during the Catalans' historic treble-winning 2014–15 campaign, Los Blancos still managed a 3–1 victory over Enrique's squad.
Real Madrid will aim to deliver another commanding display against Enrique more than ten years later, this time facing PSG. The Parisians, however, benefit from having a manager who understands precisely how to overcome the Spanish giants.