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Champions League Final Preview: Can PSG win their first UCL title?
> Alessandro BastoniAllianz ArenaSoccerChampions League
> Alessandro BastoniAllianz ArenaSoccerChampions League
The Allianz Arena in Munich is set to ignite on May 31, 2025, as Paris Saint-Germain lock horns with Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final. For PSG, this is more than a match—it’s a chance to cement their legacy and claim the one trophy that has eluded them despite years of dominance and investment. With Luis Enrique’s tactical brilliance, a squad bursting with flair, and a fanbase ravenous for European glory, the Parisians are on the verge of history.
But Inter, with their storied European pedigree and Simone Inzaghi’s tactical nous, are no pushovers. This clash promises to be a thrilling blend of flair, grit, and high stakes. Let’s dive into why PSG could finally lift the big one—or why Inter might spoil the party.
Champions League Final – Everything to know
PSG and Inter Milan Matches: Long Road to Munich
PSG’s journey to the 2025 final has been a masterclass in dominance and defiance. They’ve toppled Premier League giants—Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal—with a blend of flair and resilience. Their semi-final against Arsenal was a defining moment: a 3-1 aggregate victory, sealed by a 2-1 win at the Parc des Princes, showcased their ability to grind out results under pressure. Ousmane Dembélé’s early goal in the first leg at the Emirates was a dagger to Arsenal’s hopes, his pace and trickery setting the tone for PSG’s campaign.
Inter, meanwhile, have carved their own path of destruction. Their quarter-final upset over Bayern Munich—a 4-3 aggregate triumph—proved they can shut down even the most potent attacks. Lautaro Martínez’s clinical finishing and Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s midfield mastery have been pivotal, with Inter losing just once in the competition. This is their second final in three years, a testament to their consistency on the big stage. Both teams have earned their spot, but only one can leave Munich with the trophy.
?⚔️ CLASH OF DESTINY ?⚔️
— 365Scores (@365Scores) May 7, 2025
PSG are back in the UCL Final for the 2nd time ever ?? chasing their 1st Champions League trophy ?
Inter return after 2023 heartbreak ?, hungry for redemption ⚫?
? Kvaratskhelia. Lautaro. Dembele. Barella.
One night. One cup. One shot at… pic.twitter.com/Tf3sW2Mtcu
PSG vs. Inter Milan Lineups – Who’s In, Who’s Out?
For PSG, the injury gods have been kind heading into the final. Luis Enrique has a near-full-strength squad, with no major absences reported. Key man Ousmane Dembélé is fit and firing, his hamstring niggle from the Arsenal tie fully resolved. Gonçalo Ramos, the spearhead up top, has shaken off a minor ankle issue and is expected to lead the line. The only question mark hangs over left-back Nuno Mendes, who tweaked his knee in training last week.
Reports suggest he’ll start, but Lucas Hernández is on standby if needed. In midfield, João Neves and Vitinha are locked in, with Warren Zaïre-Emery’s energy rounding out a dynamic trio. PSG’s bench is stacked, with the likes of Randal Kolo Muani and Marco Asensio ready to make an impact.
Inter, however, face a couple of concerns. Striker Marcus Thuram, who tweaked his ankle against Atalanta in Serie A, is expected to partner Martínez up top, with his status confirmed after full training this week. Defender Yann Bisseck was forced against Como on the weekend, meaning Francesco Acerbi will likely anchor the back three alongside Alessandro Bastoni and Benjamin Pavard. Inter’s depth, with Davide Frattesi and Piotr Zieliński as midfield options, gives Inzaghi flexibility.
The Enrique Revolution
Luis Enrique has turned PSG into a juggernaut that’s both dazzling and disciplined. His 4-3-3 system thrives on high pressing and fluid attacking patterns, with PSG leading the Champions League in high-intensity pressures. The Spaniard’s ability to adapt mid-game—whether switching to a 4-2-3-1 to shore up the midfield or pushing full-backs high to stretch defenses—has been a hallmark of their run.
Against Liverpool in the quarter-finals, PSG absorbed relentless pressure at Anfield before striking with a 2-0 second-leg win, a testament to Enrique’s tactical nous. His philosophy—control the ball, suffocate the opposition—could be the key to unlocking Inter’s defense.
Inzaghi, on the other hand, is a master of pragmatism. Inter’s 3-5-2 formation is built on a rock-solid backline and devastating counters. They’ve conceded just 11 goals in 14 Champions League matches, with Bastoni’s 88% pass accuracy anchoring their build-up play. Inzaghi’s ability to frustrate opponents—seen in their shutout of Bayern—makes Inter a nightmare to break down. The contrast in styles sets up a fascinating chess match.
Key Players and Stats to Watch
PSG’s attack is a three-headed monster. Ousmane Dembélé leads the charge with his electric pace and dribbling, constantly threatening defenders with his ability to unlock tight spaces. He’s nabbed eight goals and four assists. Gonçalo Ramos, the central striker, is a clinical finisher whose clever movement in the box makes him a nightmare for center-backs, as seen in his standout performances earlier in the competition.
Vitinha, the midfield engine, dictates the tempo with his vision and precise passing, knitting PSG’s play together. Defensively, Marquinhos is a rock, dominating aerial battles and reading the game to snuff out danger.
For Inter, Lautaro Martínez is the danger man, a striker who thrives in Champions League clutch moments with his knack for finding the net when it matters most. Hakan Çalhanoğlu runs the show in midfield, his range of passing and composure driving Inter’s transitions from defense to attack. Alessandro Bastoni anchors the backline, his ability to break up plays and win duels making him a defensive linchpin. Inter’s wing-backs, Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries, provide width and dynamism, stretching defenses and creating space for Martínez to exploit. It’s PSG’s firepower against Inter’s efficiency.
Inter’s Wall of Steel
Inter Milan are a club with a rich European history, having tasted Champions League glory multiple times. Inzaghi’s side is a tactical chameleon, adept at sitting deep to frustrate opponents before striking with lethal precision. Their semi-final performance saw them soak up waves of pressure while capitalizing on limited chances, a testament to their discipline and sharpness.
The midfield’s ability to disrupt play complements a backline that’s been near-impenetrable in the competition. The wing-backs’ overlapping runs create width, opening space for the forwards to exploit. Inter’s likely approach will be to cede possession, clog the central areas, and hit PSG on the counter.
The Tactical Chessboard
This Champions League final is a clash of philosophies. PSG’s high-pressing, possession-heavy style will test Inter’s defensive resolve. Enrique will likely push full-backs Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi high to create overloads, with Dembélé and Bradley Barcola exploiting the flanks. Inter, content with less possession, will look to frustrate PSG’s rhythm, with Çalhanoğlu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan tasked with disrupting Vitinha’s influence.
The key battleground? The flanks. If Dembélé can outpace Dimarco, PSG could find joy; if Dumfries pins Barcola back, Inter’s counters will flow. Enrique’s ability to tweak his system mid-game—perhaps dropping Vitinha deeper to combat Çalhanoğlu—could be decisive, but Inzaghi’s knack for game management makes Inter a tough nut to crack.
The Weight of History
PSG’s Champions League story is one of near-misses. Their 2020 final loss to Bayern (1-0) remains a raw wound, with subsequent exits in semi-finals and quarter-finals exposing moments of fragility. This year’s squad, with an average age of under 25, feels unburdened by past failures. Their domestic treble—Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions—has bred confidence. For Inter, the narrative is less pressurized. Their 2010 triumph under José Mourinho looms large, and their 2023 final run showed they thrive as underdogs. A win would reaffirm Serie A’s resurgence; a PSG victory would elevate Ligue 1’s global stock.
The X-Factor: The Fans
PSG’s ultras will transform Munich into a sea of red and blue, their chants and tifos creating an electric atmosphere. The Parc des Princes faithful have been a force this season, spurring comebacks against Liverpool and Arsenal. Inter’s Curva Nord will counter with equal passion, but PSG’s fans carry the weight of a decades-long wait for this moment. In a tight game, their energy could be the spark that lifts Enrique’s side. Inter, however, are battle-tested, their 2023 final run proving they can handle hostile environments.
The Key Player Matchups
Three duels could swing the Champions League final. Vitinha vs. Çalhanoğlu: Vitinha’s ability to find space will drive PSG’s attack, but Çalhanoğlu’s tactical fouls and positioning could neutralize him. Dembélé vs. Dimarco: Dembélé’s dribbling will test Dimarco’s defensive nous, but the Italian’s attacking runs could force Dembélé to track back. Ramos vs. Bastoni: Ramos’s movement thrives on service, but Bastoni’s aerial dominance makes him a formidable foe. These matchups will shape the game’s flow.
Recent Quote from Inter Milan Manager Simone Inzaghi
“It’s been a four-year journey during which the team has achieved great things. We’ve won and lost. However, we’ve always given everything on the pitch, and the fans have understood the players’ deep sense of belonging to the Inter shirt.
Simone Inzaghi, to FC Inter News
There are always tough moments in football, but the team has always responded in the best possible way.
I’m proud to be the coach of these players.”
“They absolutely have to stay calm and prepare well—it’ll be a slow build-up. They’re experienced players, they’ve already played in and won finals. I’ll try to prepare the match as best as I can, and on Saturday, we’ll try to deliver a great performance against a top-quality opponent.”
“I can only say thank you for the connection that’s developed between us and our supporters. It’s also thanks to them that we overcame difficult moments, and I’ll always be grateful for that. We’ll try to approach Saturday in the best way possible, knowing we can always count on them.”
How to Watch the Champions League Final?
The 2025 UEFA Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan kicks off on Saturday, May 31, at 3:00 p.m. ET (9:00 p.m. CEST) at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. Fans in the United States can watch the match live on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+ and Spanish-language broadcasts on TUDN and UniMás. In the UK, the game will be televised on TNT Sports and BBC One, with free streaming on Discovery+ and BBC iPlayer.
In France, Canal+ and M6 will broadcast the match, while in Italy, Sky Sports and Amazon Prime offer coverage. Indian viewers can catch the action at 12:30 a.m. IST on June 1 via Sony LIV. For global broadcast details, check UEFA’s official website for local partners.
A PSG triumph would be monumental, not just for the club but for French football. Ligue 1 has long played second fiddle to the Premier League and La Liga, and a Champions League title would shift the narrative. For Inter, a fourth European crown would cement their status as a continental force, proving Serie A’s resurgence is no fluke. Beyond the trophy, this final is a clash of ideals: PSG’s ambition and flair against Inter’s grit and guile. Win or lose, this match will be a defining moment for both clubs.
As the teams step onto the Allianz Arena pitch, the world will hold its breath. PSG have the talent, the manager, and the hunger to make history. But Inter’s resilience and tactical discipline make them a formidable foe. This final is set to be a classic, a 90-minute (or more) saga of drama, skill, and heart. Grab a drink, settle in, and watch as PSG chase their destiny—or Inter steal the Champions League spotlight.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter (X)
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