PSG could make history by winning the Champions League for the first time. However, Luis Enrique's team faces a formidable opponent in Simone Inzaghi's Inter, who knocked out the tournament's main favorite, Barcelona.
The Champions League final will take place on May 31 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Inter was not an obvious contender for the final. Despite finishing fourth in the group stage and conceding only one goal, the Milanese were rated lower than Bayern Munich and especially Barcelona. Against PSG, the Italians will also be the underdogs.
PSG had a challenging start to the Champions League, but Luis Enrique's side eventually knocked out three Premier League teams and could become the second manager after Pep Guardiola to win a treble with two different clubs. Adding intrigue to the match is the fact that PSG could win the Champions League in their first season without Mbappe. There is a chance for this, as Luis Enrique has won his last ten finals.
PSG
The Parisians became the first French club to reach the Champions League final twice since the 1992/93 season. In the group stage, Luis Enrique's team collected 13 points (4 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses) and finished only 15th, but in the playoffs, they showed excellent results, winning six times and losing only twice. In the semifinals, they defeated Arsenal in both legs – 1-0 and 2-1. Notably, in the 2024/25 Champions League, PSG failed to score in just three matches, with a total of 33 goals, a tally surpassed only by Barcelona (43).
- The team has won 9 of their last 11 Champions League matches (2 losses).
- The Parisians have scored at least two goals in 8 of their last 11 matches in the tournament.
- In 8 of their last 9 Champions League games, the French have not conceded more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for PSG (4-3-3)
Gianluigi Donnarumma – Nuno Mendes, William Pacho, Marquinhos, Achraf Hakimi – Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Joao Neves – Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele.
Due to an injury, defender Presnel Kimpembe is likely to miss the game.
Inter
The Milanese have been consistent throughout the tournament. In the group stage, Simone Inzaghi's team remained unbeaten in 7 of 8 matches (6 wins, 1 draw) and finished fourth, conceding only one goal. Inter advanced through the playoffs without a loss, and their semifinal clash with Barcelona was a highlight of the tournament: both legs ended 3-3 in regular time, with Davide Frattesi's goal in the 99th minute sending Inter to their third Champions League final in the 21st century. Additionally, the team leads the tournament in clean sheets (8).
- Both teams scored in Inter's last five Champions League matches.
- The Italians are unbeaten in eight matches in this tournament (5 wins, 3 draws in regular time).
- In their last seven Champions League games, the club has scored at least two goals.
Predicted lineup for Inter (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – Yann Bisseck, Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi – Federico Dimarco, Hakan Calhanoglu, Nicolo Barella, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Denzel Dumfries – Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram.
Referee
Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
Matches – 12 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 38;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.2;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 17%.
Match Prediction: PSG vs. Inter
Simone Inzaghi's Inter is known for its solid defense. In this tournament, the Milanese matched their 2022/23 record for clean sheets in the Champions League. However, most of these were in the group stage. In the playoffs, the Italians kept a clean sheet only in the first leg against Feyenoord, conceding in five consecutive matches thereafter, while their clash with Barcelona, featuring 13 goals, equaled a Champions League playoff record. The recent defensive issues are offset by their high scoring ability: Inter's goal-scoring streak in the Champions League now stands at eight matches. Lautaro Martinez's contributions are noteworthy, as he became the first Inter player to score 20 goals in this European competition.
PSG also boasts a recognized scorer. Ousmane Dembele has been involved in 12 of PSG's goals in this tournament, setting a record for any player from a French club in history. Overall, the team's attack has been impressive, ranking second in scoring in the 2024/25 Champions League. Defensively, Luis Enrique's side has been consistently conceding this season. Notably, Arsenal managed a cumulative 4.53 xG against the French in their semifinal clash. Therefore, another team with no creative issues might also be able to challenge PSG's defense significantly.
Both teams are strong in attack, so I expect a high-scoring final. My prediction: Both teams to score – Yes
