(REUTERS)

After being a key player in the Champions League semifinal return leg at Bayern Munich's stadium, Fabian Ruiz dispelled any doubts about his physical condition.

Last season, PSG won the first Champions League title in its history by crushing Inter Milan (5-0) at the Allianz Arena. It was in that same stadium that Luis Enrique's men obtained, a little less than a year later, their ticket to another final. This Wednesday night, a draw (1-1) was enough for them, as they had a one-goal lead after the historic first leg (5-4).

For this match on Bavarian soil, the Parisian coach decided to start Ruiz in midfield, undoubtedly taking advantage of Warren Zaïre-Emery's move to the right flank of the defense due to Achraf Hakimi's absence. And if some doubted the Spanish international's physical condition, he convinced everyone.

It did not take long for Ruiz to show all Parisian observers that he had both the level and the physical capacity to meet the demands of such a match. Author of a remarkable opening that led to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's goal in the 3rd minute of play, Ruiz was "tactically immensely rich," according to L'Equipe.

His physical condition is no longer a subject of discussion among the Parisian staff, who are now convinced that the Spaniard can finish the season at his best. A fine response to those who accused the midfielder of not pushing himself, of listening to himself too much, and of preserving himself for the 2026 World Cup.

Author of three successful tackles out of three attempted, the former Napoli player also won more than half of his duels (5 out of 9), a sign of his reassuring physical involvement. He is, in any case, confirming his comeback, thanks to a progressive return to competition masterfully managed by Luis Enrique and his staff since the end of his recovery from a knee injury.