Billions have been invested and countless elite players have graced the pitch, yet Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has yet to capture the coveted Champions League title. This could change soon as PSG prepares to face Inter Milan in the final this Sunday in Munich, with the French club being the favourite, thanks to their electrifying performances that eliminated powerhouses like Manchester City and Liverpool. Many believe it’s finally PSG’s moment.
However, Inter represents a formidable challenge, having reached their second final in three years and displaying resilience by overcoming Barcelona in a thrilling semi-final, winning 7-6 on aggregate. This serves as a warning for PSG, as they would need to stay vigilant.
Recently, PSG’s approach has seen a strategic shift. Instead of focusing solely on high-profile signings, the club has begun investing in young French talent. Owned by Qatar Sports Investments since 2011, PSG has previously acquired stars such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar, and Lionel Messi but has failed to secure the Champions League trophy. With the departure of these iconic figures, the team now appears more cohesive than ever, despite having spent an astounding $375 million on new talents like Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
In contrast, Inter Milan has adopted a shrewd market strategy, signing experienced players and utilising free agents, which has contributed to their recent successes, including reaching two Champions League finals in three years and securing an Italian title.
PSG has faced its share of near misses in the Champions League, coming second in 2020 to Bayern Munich and reaching the semi-finals in 2021 and 2022. A shift in strategy followed two consecutive early exits in 2022 and 2023, prompting president Nasser Al Khelaifi to reevaluate their approach. Inter, on the other hand, last lifted the trophy in 2010 under José Mourinho, and this year marks their best run in the competition since then.
Key players for PSG include Dembele, who has netted an impressive 30 goals this season, and Kvaratskhelia, whose arrival has revitalised the team’s Champions League campaign. Vitinha and Joao Neves play crucial roles in midfield, effectively linking defence and attack. For Inter, Lautaro Martinez shines as the club’s all-time leading scorer in the Champions League, while Denzel Dumfries and goalkeeper Yann Sommer have made significant contributions in defence.
Coaching the two teams adds another intriguing layer to the final. PSG’s Luis Enrique, a previous Champions League winner with Barcelona, seeks to join an elite group of coaches who’ve won with two different clubs. Meanwhile, Simone Inzaghi aims for his first Champions League title after narrowly missing out to Manchester City two years ago. The underdog status of Inter could prove pivotal as they prepare for the showdown.