The upcoming UEFA Champions League final promises a captivating contrast between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. PSG`s presence in the final adds significant intrigue, as they have emerged as unexpected challengers for Europe`s most prestigious club trophy.
Few observers anticipated PSG reaching this stage, especially in their first season following Kylian Mbappé`s departure. Manager Luis Enrique opted for a gradual rebuilding approach, combining promising young French talent with experienced senior players. The initial phase of the season was marked by uncertainty; early defeats in the league stage against teams like Arsenal, Atlético Madrid, and Bayern Munich led many to view PSG more as a work in progress than a potential finalist.
A crucial turning point arrived in the winter period. The addition of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the squad`s successful adaptation to Enrique`s new tactical system proved transformative. PSG evolved into one of the most dynamic sides in Europe, built upon a distinctive pressing style that serves as the engine for their attacking football. Their commanding victory over English champions Liverpool in the Round of 16 was a clear statement of intent, a performance they replicated convincingly in subsequent ties to reach the Champions League final for the first time in five years.
As the anticipation for the final builds, let`s delve into the specifics of PSG`s journey to the Allianz Arena in Munich.
The League Phase
PSG began their Champions League campaign with a somewhat unconvincing 1-0 win against Girona, secured late via an own goal despite dominating possession and shots. A challenging run followed, seeing the French champions fail to win their next four matches, including defeats to Arsenal, Atlético Madrid, and Bayern Munich, alongside a draw with PSV. This left them in a precarious position, lying 25th with only four points from five games, just outside the qualification places.
Entering the final fixtures, their progression to the knockout rounds was far from assured. A comfortable 3-0 victory against bottom-placed Red Bull Salzburg in December offered a boost, but their fate hinged significantly on the pivotal January encounter with the previous year`s champions, Manchester City. Despite falling behind 2-0 in the second half, PSG displayed resilience, scoring four unanswered goals to claim a dramatic 4-2 victory – their first major statement win of the competition. This momentum carried into the final league game, a dominant 4-1 win away at Stuttgart, which comfortably secured their spot in the top 24, ultimately finishing 15th.
The Knockout Stages
The knockout phase commenced with a playoff tie against domestic opponents Brest, providing an opportunity for a fresh start after the mixed league results. Despite Brest`s strong league form, PSG asserted their dominance, securing an emphatic 10-0 aggregate win. Key contributions came from Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha, who each scored twice, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia registered his first European goal for the club.
Following the one-sided tie against Brest, PSG faced a considerably tougher test in the Round of 16 against an in-form Liverpool. Although they narrowly lost the first leg at home 1-0, PSG`s performance was encouraging. They capitalized on this in the return leg at Anfield, with Dembélé scoring early to level the aggregate score at 1-1 within twelve minutes. The tie remained fiercely contested throughout regulation and extra time, ultimately being decided by a penalty shootout, which PSG won 4-1.
In the quarterfinals, PSG were drawn against Aston Villa, led by their former manager Unai Emery. Villa were enjoying a remarkable deep run in their first Champions League campaign in four decades. PSG established a solid advantage in the first leg with a 3-1 home victory and further extended their lead to 5-1 on aggregate early in the second leg at Villa Park. Aston Villa mounted a spirited fightback, scoring three goals, but PSG managed to hold on for a thrilling 5-4 aggregate win to advance.
The semifinals brought yet another English opponent: Arsenal, who had recently overcome Real Madrid. Arsenal struggled to cope with PSG`s intense pressing tactics. PSG took an immediate lead at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg through another crucial goal from Dembélé. Although Arsenal pushed hard for an equalizer throughout the tie, PSG`s defensive shape, coupled with a strong performance from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Arsenal`s missed chances, proved resilient. PSG sealed their place in the Champions League final with a decisive 2-1 victory in the second leg at home, securing a comfortable aggregate triumph.
