Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has claimed its inaugural Champions League title in a remarkable fashion, defeating Inter Milan 5-0 in the final held at the Allianz Arena in Munich. This victory marks the largest margin in Champions League final history, with 19-year-old sensation Desire Doue scoring twice, while fellow French teenager Senny Mayulu also scored, alongside Achraf Hakimi and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Mark Bosnich, an esteemed Australian football commentator, described the match as “absolutely astonishing,” noting that PSG’s dominance could have resulted in an even greater scoreline. This triumph is significant for manager Luis Enrique, marking his second win in the competition, having previously led Barcelona to victory in 2015.
PSG’s journey to this title has been a long one, spanning 14 years since its acquisition by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011, which triggered a period of extravagant spending and marquee signings. Despite a roster that once featured stars like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe, it was only after their departures that PSG shifted focus towards team cohesion, culminating in this historic win.
Pundits noted that Doue is perceived as surpassing Mbappe’s potential at the same age, showcasing a bright future for PSG. His contributions were pivotal, allowing him to become one of only three teenagers to score in a Champions League final.
The match started strong for PSG, taking just 12 minutes to score through Hakimi, who tapped in a set-up from Doué. Doué then found the net himself with a fortunate goal that deflected past the goalkeeper, increasing the lead to two. He added a second goal in the 63rd minute, while Kvaratskhelia and Mayulu rounded off the scoreline at 4-0 and 5-0 respectively.
The magnitude of this victory was celebrated wildly by PSG supporters, who filled the stadium with cheers and lights, contrasting sharply with Inter’s subdued following. PSG’s captain, Marquinhos, proudly lifted the trophy amid a backdrop of fireworks and confetti, although celebrations nearly spilled onto the pitch.
Luis Enrique’s management has positioned him among elite company, being the seventh to win the Champions League with two different clubs, a feat previously achieved by notable figures such as Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola.
As the dust settles on this momentous triumph, questions linger about the implications of such victories for football, particularly concerning the influence of nation state ownership and the broader issues of identity in modern sports. Nonetheless, PSG’s achievement on the field has established the club as a legitimate powerhouse in European football, a title long awaited after years of near-misses.