"Erase the nightmare of Lisbon" Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is challenging for their first UEFA Champions League title. Their opponent in the final is Serie A's pride, Inter Milan.
PSG and Inter Milan will face off on June 1 at 4 a.m. (Korea time) at the Fußball Arena München in Munich, Germany, for the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League final.
The UEFA posted an official preview of the match on its website on the 31st, one day before the game. This final will mark the first encounter in the Champions League between the two teams and the second Champions League final between French and Italian clubs since the Marseille-AC Milan match in the 1992-1993 season.
◆ The journey of both teams to the final
PSG faced severe struggles in the group stage, barely advancing to the tournament in 15th place, but then wrote a drama of reversal. They achieved a 10-0 victory over Brest, passed the playoffs, defeated top league team Liverpool in the round of 16, and knocked out Aston Villa (5-4) in the quarterfinals, as well as Arsenal (3-1) in the semifinals, reaching the final stage. This is an opportunity to wash away the pain of the Lisbon defeat (a 0-1 loss to Bayern Munich in 2020).
In contrast, Inter Milan recorded only one loss (0-1 against Bayer Leverkusen) in the group stage, proving their consistency by finishing in 4th place. In the tournament, they successively defeated Feyenoord, Bayern Munich (4-3), and Barcelona (7-6) to enter the final stage. This is a re-challenge two years after their loss to Manchester City in 2023.
◆ Expected starting lineups
PSG (Coach Luis Enrique): Gianluigi Donnarumma – Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Paredes, Nuno Mendes – João Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola
Inter Milan (Coach Simone Inzaghi): Yann Sommer – Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni – Denzel Dumfries, Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco – Lautaro Martínez, Lilian Thuram
◆ Recent atmosphere for both teams
PSG has secured a domestic treble, winning two consecutive Ligue 1 titles along with the French Cup and Super Cup. In the French Cup final just before the showdown, they defeated Reims 3-0. They have recorded 5 wins and 1 loss in their last 6 matches, with 9 wins (2 losses) in 11 matches, scoring the first goal in 7 of those matches.
Inter Milan handed the Serie A title to Juventus, but in the Champions League, they recorded 10 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss, making it the highest number of victories in a UEFA-organized tournament this season. The dramatic equalizer by Acerbi in the semifinals against Barcelona symbolized the team's determination. They have 4 wins and 2 draws in their last 6 matches, going unbeaten in 8 matches.
◆ Coaches and players' resolve
Luis Enrique, PSG's coach, said, "Being with players who grow every day is a motivation in itself. I want to gift PSG their first Champions League title." Marquinhos also emphasized, "We must seize this opportunity. I will bring the trophy to Paris."
Simone Inzaghi, Inter's coach, stated, "It's not an obsession with winning. However, this final is a stage to prove our identity and pride. The moment and details are important." Lautaro Martínez declared, "I have yet to hold the Champions League trophy. I will bring the trophy back to Milan with a perfect game."
◆ Point: PSG has become a 'team', and Inter prepares for 'revenge'
PSG reached the final not through flashy individual skills, but through teamwork. The speed of Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, and Barcola, coupled with the control of the midfield by João Neves and Vitinha, and the leadership of Marquinhos, has aligned seamlessly, bringing them closer to being a 'complete team.'
Inter Milan has returned after overcoming the pain of their 0-1 loss to City in the 2023 final. They have minimized their goals conceded, remaining unbeaten in 8 matches and achieving 8 clean sheets, proving their defensive strength. Experienced core players and Inzaghi's flexible tactics are expected to be a significant asset once again.
◆ European club competition final records
PSG: 1 appearance in the UEFA Champions League final (2020), 0 wins and 1 loss (0 goals scored and 1 conceded)
Inter: 6 appearances in the UEFA Champions League final, 3 wins and 3 losses (7 goals scored and 6 conceded), most recently a 0-1 loss to Manchester City in 2023.
◆ Summary
The title of the 2024-2025 European champion will be decided between PSG, aiming to complete the treble, and Inter Milan, striving to reclaim lost glory. The flow of the match will hinge on the battle for midfield control, flank breakthroughs, and the 'experience' of both teams will be the key to victory.
The decisive battle is now just one day away.
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