Champions League Final: PSG vs Inter, Preview and Predictions

Champions League Final: PSG vs. Inter Milan, Clash of Titans in Munich

The 2024-25 European club season comes to an end with the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League final. This year, Munich will be the stage for a matchup that few anticipated: the “revived” Paris Saint-Germain, led by coach Luis Enrique and a young and hungry team, will face an Inter Milan with astute veterans, a unique formation, and experienced stars under the direction of Simone Inzaghi.

Both teams left giants behind to reach the final. PSG eliminated Liverpool and Arsenal in the knockout rounds, while Inter Milan overcame Barcelona and Bayern Munich to secure their place. Now, they face each other in a decisive duel.

Youth vs. Experience: An Obvious Contrast

The age difference is notable. Inter’s starting eleven averages 30 years and 4 months, while Paris Saint-Germain’s is 24 years and 7 months. Inter has eight players who were in the Champions League final two years ago; Marquinhos is the only PSG starter with experience in a final of this tournament.

A higher game tempo would favor PSG, while a slower, more tense game could give Inter the advantage, at least in theory. Both teams are versatile. They can maintain possession and look for the opportune moment, as Ousmane Dembélé demonstrated against Arsenal, or be direct and attack quickly. PSG has the speed of Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and Bradley Barcola; Inter, the connection between Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez.

Perhaps, precisely because these teams are led by two of the best coaches, we will see how some myths are debunked. Inter could demonstrate that the parameters of physical condition and athleticism have changed and that high-level professionals can stay strong until their 30s. PSG could show that experience is overrated in relation to game intelligence and tactical instruction.

Gab Marcotti

Star Goalkeepers Duel

Although the Champions League is usually starred by the star forwards, this time it could be decided between the goalkeepers. Yann Sommer of Inter and Gianluigi Donnarumma of PSG were key in the semifinals.

Yann Sommer and Gianluigi Donnarumma will seek their first Champions League title in Munich. Sommer was the hero of Switzerland in the penalty shootout against France in the Euro 2020, while Donnarumma has won six out of seven penalty shootouts for club and country. Sommer and Donnarumma have had to recover from difficult moments in their careers to establish themselves as two of the best in the world, and both will seek to win their first Champions League title in Munich.

Will Luis Enrique win another treble?

In 2015, Luis Enrique won the treble with Barcelona. Ten years later, he has the opportunity to repeat the feat, equaling what only Pep Guardiola has achieved: winning two trebles with two different clubs.

This PSG is his project, built by him. Luis Enrique got rid of players who didn’t fit his scheme and signed the right ones to implement a game of high pressure, intensity, fluidity, and attack. His team has been the best in Europe in 2025; now they just have to finish the job.

The Road to the Final

PSG dominates the field, while Inter stands out for its structure and substitutions. The statistics support this impression. PSG averages the most points per game, with the most goals and the best goal difference since December. Inter wins with quality over quantity, forcing rivals to wear themselves out trying to surpass them.

PSG plays like a young and aggressive team, while Inter presents itself as a veteran collective. PSG will create many opportunities, but Inter is prone to scoring on set pieces and creating high-quality chances.

The History of Munich and the New Champions

Munich has been the scene of four European Cup/Champions League finals, and the German city has been favorable for teams seeking to be crowned champions for the first time. This could be a good sign for PSG.

The Nottingham Forest, Olympique de Marseille, and Borussia Dortmund won their first title in Munich. Chelsea, in 2012, was also crowned champion for the first time in the Bavarian city. Will Inter be able to deny PSG their first title in Munich?

Marseille won in Munich in 1993, defeating a Milan team. PSG faces another Milan team, which is also looking to win the Champions League in its second attempt.

Hakimi vs. Dumfries: Duel of Full-backs

Achraf Hakimi and Denzel Dumfries are two exceptional full-backs. Hakimi, who played for Inter in the 2020-21 season, will face Dumfries, his replacement. Both have been standouts in the tournament. Dumfries was key in Inter’s victory over Barcelona in the semi-finals, while Hakimi has had an outstanding season at PSG. Although their trajectories are different, the statistics show them to be close in many aspects. Who will have the decisive moment?

Predictions

• Inter Milan 2, PSG 1
• Inter Milan 2, PSG 0
• Inter Milan 3, PSG 2
• PSG 1, Inter Milan 0