SOCCER: Neves praises PSG spirit as holders hang tough against Bayern to reach final

Paris St Germain have shown their resilience under pressure, according to midfielder Joao Neves, after the holders secured a place in the Champions League final by holding off a relentless Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

A 1-1 draw in Germany in the semi-final second leg gave PSG a 6-5 aggregate victory. The French side relied on disciplined defending to withstand sustained attacks from Bayern throughout the match.

PSG will face Arsenal in the final in Budapest on May 30, marking not just a tactical triumph but also a milestone in their mission to build a lasting European legacy.

“We know how to suffer. We're ready for what's coming. Even with injuries, all the players are ready to play; that's how you build a great team,” Neves said.

Teammate Desire Doue shared similar sentiments.

"It was an exceptional match, another magical night in Munich against a great team. We have to congratulate them. These are the kinds of matches we've dreamt of playing since we were little," Doue said.

Club President Nasser Al-Khelaifi welcomed the victory as a continuation of PSG’s growth following their first European Cup win last season.

“We made history here last year, and we want to keep writing the history of PSG. It’s our dream to win it a second time. The star is the team. Everyone wants to fight. That’s football, that’s PSG,” Al-Khelaifi said.

“It’s magnificent. We have the best coach in the world, the best supporters. Tonight, we only heard our supporters. They are the best.”

Manager Luis Enrique praised his squad for their performance.

"In two days I'm going to celebrate my 56th birthday. I'm very happy. We're in the next phase of the competition, the final of the Champions League. We want to give our supporters that kind of gift," he said. -Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk, editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters