The UEFA Champions League final is confirmed: Inter Milan will face Paris Saint-Germain on May 31st at Munich`s Allianz Arena. This matchup presents a fascinating clash of styles. Inter secured their place after a dramatic 7-6 aggregate victory against Barcelona in the semi-finals. They arrive at the final as one of Europe`s top defensive units, reaching the showpiece event for the second time in three seasons. Paris Saint-Germain, in contrast, has honed a potent attacking system over the winter and has been formidable ever since. This is their first return to the final since 2020 and comes in their inaugural season following Kylian Mbappé`s departure.
This Champions League final represents a significant moment for both clubs, albeit at different stages of their ambitious trajectories. For Inter, it might signify a culmination or `last dance` for their current squad. For PSG, it could mark a perfect beginning to Luis Enrique`s distinct tactical approach in his debut season. A win would end a 15-year wait for Inter to lift the trophy, while for PSG, it would be their historic first Champions League triumph.
With the final on May 31st approaching, here are the key factors and storylines to watch for.
How to watch the Champions League final, odds
- Date: Saturday, May 31
- Location: Allianz Arena — Munich, Germany
- TV: CBS | Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Paris Saint-Germain +105; Draw +240; Inter +270
1. Paris Saint-Germain`s press
Paris Saint-Germain`s journey to the final was challenging. Luis Enrique`s new tactical approach faced early tests, but the system began to coalesce around January. The addition of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia seemed to make them virtually unstoppable, leading to knockout wins against Brest, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal. Enrique`s high-pressing system has been fundamental to their success, enabling them to overwhelm opposing defenses with numerous attacking threats. This tactical setup has not only showcased Kvaratskhelia`s exceptional abilities but has also brought out the best in several less-heralded players. Ousmane Dembélé has enjoyed a standout season, while youngsters like Désiré Doué, along with Fabián Ruiz and Vitinha, have been crucial contributors. This rapid evolution from a group of individual talents into a cohesive unit has been remarkable and could be the decisive factor in their quest for the title.
2. Inter`s defensive resolve
Given Paris Saint-Germain`s formidable attacking prowess on their path to the final, it`s fitting they will face a team primarily built on defensive solidity in Munich. While their thrilling 7-6 aggregate win against Barcelona in the semi-finals might imply otherwise, the bedrock of Inter`s journey to the Champions League final has been their robust defense. Simone Inzaghi`s squad has been among Europe`s most resolute defensive sides, conceding only five goals in their 12 matches leading up to the semi-finals. Even in the high-scoring semi-final clash, goalkeeper Yann Sommer played a pivotal role, making 14 saves across both legs and proving decisive as Barcelona pressed for a late equalizer. Inter`s defensive strength extends beyond the back line, notably involving their dynamic wingbacks, Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco. This pair exemplifies the multi-functional nature of Inter`s defense-first strategy, contributing significantly to both defensive shape and initiating attacks. Their impact was particularly evident against Barcelona, where both were involved in creating several goals, with Dumfries having an exceptional tie, contributing five goal involvements overall, including two goals from set pieces in the first leg.
3. PSG`s youth, Inter`s experience
Beyond their contrasting tactical approaches, the teams also differ significantly in experience at this level. Inter`s return to the Munich final continues the narrative of the Simone Inzaghi era, which includes their appearance and loss in the 2023 final against Manchester City in Istanbul. Six players who started Inter`s semi-final second leg against Barcelona were also in the lineup for the 2023 final, highlighting their recent experience in the showpiece event. This current iteration of Paris Saint-Germain, however, is markedly different from the squad that lost the 2020 Champions League final to Bayern Munich in Lisbon. Only one player, Marquinhos, started both that 2020 final and the recent semi-final second leg against Arsenal. The present PSG team is built around emerging French talents such as Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola. While these young players have demonstrated they are ready for the challenge in the preceding knockout rounds, the crucial question is whether they can maintain composure in potentially the most significant match of their careers, particularly when facing an Inter side that has recent experience of a Champions League final.
