Paris Saint-Germain asserted swift control over the Champions League final, netting two goals within the opening 20 minutes. Achraf Hakimi and Desire Doue were the beneficiaries, capitalizing on hesitant defending from Inter inside their own penalty area.
The first goal exemplified the attacking quality PSG has shown throughout the season. The move originated on the left flank with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia driving towards the box. The ball was then moved centrally via Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha, who expertly threaded a pass to Desire Doue in space. With options available, Doue unselfishly rolled the ball across the goalmouth for Hakimi to comfortably finish into an open net. This marked Hakimi`s fourth goal of the season, adding to crucial strikes in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Hakimi, who played for Inter in 2020-21, opted not to celebrate against his former club.
This goal holds historical significance as PSG`s first-ever scored in a Champions League final, a step up from their 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the 2020 showpiece. It was a fitting reward for PSG`s aggressive, high-pressing, and technically sharp beginning to the match.
PSG`s dominance continued. Their second goal highlighted another strength: the fluid interchanging of their forward line. Nominal center forward Ousmane Dembele initiated a counter-attack down the left wing. The ball eventually reached the impressive Doue, whose shot took a deflection that left Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer with no chance.
Inter, particularly defender Federico Dimarco, will likely reflect on opportunities missed in defending both goals. For the opener, Dimarco was caught out of position, trailing behind the defensive line as he tracked Hakimi`s run, inadvertently playing the Moroccan onside. While Doue`s shot for the second goal was powerful, Dimarco turning his back resulted in the decisive deflection. That critical touch wrong-footed Sommer and doubled PSG`s advantage, a moment Dimarco may ponder for years to come.
