This Saturday evening, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan will meet in the final of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25. The venue is the Allianz Arena in Munich. While PSG have the chance to win their first title in the top flight, Inter are aiming to ascend the European throne again after 15 years.
Two finalists with contrasting paths
Paris Saint-Germain reached the final after a mixed start in the league phase. After a clear 10:0 aggregate victory over Brest in the play-offs, coach Luis Enrique's team beat Liverpool, Aston Villa and, most recently, Arsenal (3:1 on aggregate). The offense led by Ousmane Dembélé and new signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was in particularly strong form.
Inter Milan impressed with defensive stability and tactical discipline. With only one goal conceded in the league phase, Simone Inzaghi's team first defeated Feyenoord and then Bayern Munich (4:3 on aggregate). In a spectacular semi-final, FC Barcelona were beaten 4:3 after the first and second legs. Despite missing out on the Scudetto against Napoli, the focus is now on the European title.
Key tactical duels and expected line-ups
PSG will probably line up with an attacking formation. Wingers Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia are expected to put Inter Milan's defense under pressure, while João Neves and Vitinha will control the game in midfield. Full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes could provide additional danger with their forays forward.
Inter Milan have opted for a tried-and-tested 3-5-2 system with a stable back three consisting of Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni. Wingers Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco are expected to provide both defensive cover and offensive impetus. In attack, hopes are pinned on Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram.
The duel between Hakimi and Dimarco on the right is particularly exciting, as is the execution of set-pieces, where Hakan Çalhanoğlu for Inter and Marquinhos for PSG could make a decisive impact.
Historical significance and general conditions
The final marks the first competitive match between PSG and Inter. It will be Paris' second appearance in the final since 2020, when they lost to FC Bayern in Lisbon. Inter are in the Champions League final for the seventh time and are aiming for their fourth title, their first since 2010.
The match will kick off at 21:00 CEST. Sky Sport Uno and NOW TV will broadcast the match live in Italy. Romanian István Kovács has been nominated as referee. The band Linkin Park will provide musical entertainment before kick-off.
The 2025 Champions League final promises to be an exciting clash between two top teams with different playing philosophies. While PSG is hoping to win its first title in the top flight, Inter wants to build on its successful record. The soccer world is looking forward to Munich.
