The curtain is about to rise on the final act of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League. On stage, two teams that embody different ambitions, histories, and styles: on one side, Simone Inzaghi’s Inter, returning to a continental final after 2023 with renewed hunger; on the other, Paris Saint-Germain, still in pursuit of their first Champions League trophy, but perhaps now more mature, complete, and credible than ever, especially with the Donnarumma factor, who was outstanding against Liverpool in the Round of 16 and Arsenal in the semifinals.
The setting is one for the ages, charged with tension and meaning. But it’s not just the atmosphere that makes this clash one to remember.
All or Nothing
Inter arrive at this final with a mix of experience and a desire for redemption. After their defeat to Manchester City in the 2023 final, the Nerazzurri have built a solid European campaign.
Their journey began with a goalless draw against City in the new Champions League league-phase format, followed by matches against Red Star, Young Boys, Arsenal, Leipzig, Leverkusen, Sparta Prague, and Monaco. They finished fourth in the standings, securing a direct spot in the Round of 16, where they knocked out Feyenoord, then Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, and Barcelona in the semifinals.
Tactical Shift and Self-Awareness
PSG, on their end, have finally found their balance. Without the likes of Mbappé, Messi, and Neymar, Luis Enrique has crafted a younger, more dynamic squad, less “galactic” and far more cohesive.
Their European campaign started with a narrow win over Girona but was followed by a string of inconsistent results. PSG finished 15th in the league-phase standings and had to face Brest in the playoff round an assignment they handled with ease. It wasn’t an ideal start, but they grew into the tournament.
A Desire for Revenge
While Inter’s European season has been mostly positive, their domestic campaign ended with regrets. After dominating Serie A for much of the year, they surrendered the title to Antonio Conte’s Napoli in the final rounds, a bitter pill to swallow for a team that seemed in control until late April.
This final offers a shot at redemption. Not just for the lost Scudetto, but also for the heartbreak of the 2023 final in Istanbul. Inzaghi has built a tight-knit squad, where veterans like Lautaro, Barella, and Çalhanoğlu are backed by the reliability of Pavard, Bastoni, Sommer, and the physical strength of Thuram.
The key will be their ability to stay compact, strike at the right moments, and make the most of set-pieces and the unpredictability of their wide men.
Watch Out for These Four
Unlike in years past, PSG are no longer defined by a single star like Mbappé. In fact, they may be one of the teams that has best distributed offensive responsibility and talent across the squad.
- Ousmane Dembélé
A mix of genius and unpredictability, but with far more substance this season. Finally free from injuries, Dembélé has found in Luis Enrique a coach who knows how to manage him. He was devastating in the first leg of semifinals vs Arsenal and his pace could be a major threat to Inter, especially if he finds space to run into.
2. Bradley Barcola
The 2002-born former Lyon winger has truly broken out in this Champions League. With dribbling skills, vision, and an ability to find space, Barcola has become a key figure in offensive transitions. He’s contributed 3 goals and 3 assists and is often the spark behind PSG’s best moves.
3. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
The Georgian winger, formerly of Napoli, is a top-tier technical and tactical talent. Equipped with explosive dribbling and excellent vision, his versatility allows him to operate in multiple attacking roles, making him unpredictable. Inter know him well, but perhaps not well enough.
4. Vitinha
One of the most consistent and impactful players in PSG’s campaign. The Portuguese midfielder has become the metronome and heartbeat of the team. Excellent tactical reading, technical clarity, and notable mental growth. His battle with Barella will be one of the defining matchups of the final.
The Wildcard
Doué, just 19 years old, was plucked from Rennes and thrown into action during the season’s most crucial stretch. Luis Enrique has used him both as an attacking midfielder and a winger. Fast, creative, with a fierce shot and lethal dribbling. He’s the kind of player who can break open a game whether he starts or comes off the bench. Underestimating him would be a mistake.
Tactical Keys
Expect a high-intensity match, but not necessarily a frantic one. Inter will look to slow the tempo, control transitions, and prevent PSG from catching fire down the wings. Acerbi’s positioning at the heart of the defense, alongside Bastoni and Pavard, will be crucial to anticipating PSG’s attacking runs.
In midfield, the trio of Çalhanoğlu, Mkhitaryan, and Barella must maintain balance to contain the central creativity of Fabian Ruiz, João Neves, and Vitinha. Up front, Lautaro and Thuram must be clinical chances could be few and messy.
Luis Enrique, meanwhile, will rely on high pressing and deep buildup play to lure Inter out and strike quickly. PSG will likely look to isolate wingers like Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé in one-on-one scenarios and exploit Barcola’s creativity centrally. Goncalo Ramos, with his more traditional center-forward profile, remains a potential surprise starter.
The Big Picture
This isn’t just a Champions League final, it’s a clash of identities, approaches, and stories. Inter come with hunger and the dream of lifting a European trophy again, fifteen years after the triumph of 2010. PSG arrive obsessed with the cup, still haunted by their near miss against Bayern Munich in 2020.
In a one-off match, anything can happen. But this time, neither side feels like a guest at the party. Both Inter and PSG deserve to be here. Now, the Allianz Arena in Munich is ready to light up. Once again, a European final pits Italy against France. And history is waiting to be written.