- 30
- May
- 2025
The stage is set! The 2025 UEFA Champions League final is set to take place tomorrow, Saturday, May 31, at the Allianz Arena in Munich. This year’s showdown features two teams that few predicted would reach the final at the start of the campaign: Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
This match marks PSG’s second-ever appearance in a Champions League final, while Inter returns to this stage for the second time in just three seasons. Before discussing each team’s chances of lifting the trophy, let’s take a look at their road to the final.
Turning Tides
PSG’s last appearance in the Champions League final was in 2020, where they fell short against Bayern Munich. In the seasons that followed, despite boasting a star-studded squad, including Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos, the club consistently failed to reach similar heights.
That began to change when Luis Enrique took over as head coach at the start of the 2023/2024 season. However, things got worse before they got better. A season-long conflict with Kylian Mbappé ultimately led to his departure to Real Madrid. While his exit initially seemed like a devastating blow, it became a turning point. Stripped of their reliance on individual brilliance, PSG began to evolve into a more cohesive, balanced and tactically disciplined side, proving that a united team can outperform raw star power.
PSG’s Holy Grail
Through collective and tactical discipline, PSG looked like a far better side. The club’s journey to the final began with a challenging start, as it barely qualified for the knockout stages. However, the players found their form soon afterward: a 10-0 aggregate win over Brest. They then proceeded to impressively eliminate English teams Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal to secure their spot in the final.
It is still hard to predict how PSG will perform against Inter, as set-piece defense has been a concern this season, while their opponents excel at this from the attacking side. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that the French wingers Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué will cause Inter Milan problems at the back.
The Italian Block
Inter Milan’s last Champions League final also ended in a heartbreak against Manchester City in 2023. While their game may not be as flashy and entertaining as PSG, the Italian side always remained solid and organized.
Contrary to their opponents, Inter’s starting lineup barely changed since their last final appearance, and this showcases one thing the team embodies: consistency.
Inter Milan showcased consistency throughout this year’s Champions League. After some tough matchups in the first games, the Italian side defeated Feyenoord and Bayern Munich in the knockout stages. Their semifinal against Barcelona was particularly dramatic, with the unlikely hero Davide Frattesi scoring the decisive goal in extra time.
There’s no doubt Inter Milan is an extremely tough side to beat. However, they have shown defensive vulnerabilities in high-scoring games, which can see them struggle in the final if PSG find their killer instinct.
Nonetheless, Inter’s narrow shape could overcrowd PSG’s midfield, making it hard for their opponents to progress through the field.
This year’s final means a lot. Paris Saint-Germain could be the second French team to win the Champions League. Inter Milan could snatch their fourth title, edging closer to fellow Italian teams like Juventus (5 titles) and rivals AC Milan (7 titles).
As both finalists lost their previous finals, they’ll be looking to get revenge and finally get their hands on this prized trophy.
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