Annihilated. Embarrassed. Intimidated. Overpowered. Undone. Even these words barely capture what Paris Saint-Germain did to Inter Milan under the Munich lights.
In a performance dripping with flair, precision, and aesthetics, PSG’s youthful, fearless squad tore through an ageing Inter team with such ease it felt less like a Champions League final and more like a routine training drill – or worse, a mismatch against a third-tier side.
This wasn’t just a victory; it was a public dismantling on the biggest stage in club football, culminating in a stunning 5-0 victory.
PSG’s Long Road to UEFA Champions League Glory
For over two decades, PSG assembled greatness on paper – legends, superstars, Ballon d’Or hopefuls – yet somehow the pieces never quite clicked when it mattered most.
There was the magic of the Ronaldinho era, dazzling but fleeting.
Then came the firepower of Cavani, Neymar, and a young Kylian Mbappé – a front three that terrorized Ligue 1 but repeatedly fell short on European nights.
Even the fantasy lineup of Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé – three of football’s most iconic names – couldn’t break the curse.
Year after year, the Champions League slipped through their fingers, leaving Parisians heartbroken and the club’s ambitions questioned.
But in Luis Enrique, PSG finally found more than just a manager – they found a footballing architect. With a squad built on energy, hunger, and fearless expression, he’s crafted a team that doesn’t just play; they flow.
This wasn’t a victory built on superstardom – it was built on cohesion, clarity, and relentless momentum.
And at long last, the dreams of every Parisian, from the Parc des Princes to the streets of Pigalle, were realised on a magical night in Munich.
An Unconvincing Start, a Turning Point Against Manchester City
PSG’s path to Champions League glory was far from smooth.
Their campaign began on shaky ground, missing out on automatic qualification past the league phase, and heading into the playoffs.
Despite being on a great run of form in the domestic league, they lost three of eight matches, sparking doubts about their chances.
But if there was one moment that sparked a seismic shift, it was the near-impossible comeback against Manchester City.
Trailing 2-0, PSG stunned the football world by turning the game around to win 4-2, igniting belief across the squad and fans alike.
From that night onward, confidence soared.
The team played with renewed flair and freedom, blending experience with the fearlessness of youth. The young talents, in particular, performed like seasoned Champions League veterans, moving with assurance and composure far beyond their years.
What once seemed fragile grew into an indomitable force, ready to conquer Europe.
Dominance from the First Whistle
That unstoppable energy carried into the final with relentless intensity. The first ten minutes felt like the tense closing moments of a match – PSG surged forward with urgency, as if desperate to break the deadlock and assert their dominance. But it wasn’t just urgency; it was control.
From start to finish, the Parisians dictated the rhythm, leaving Inter Milan chasing shadows.
PSG’s high press was suffocating, forcing Inter into constant turnovers and hurried clearances every time they dared enter their defensive third.
The ball rarely settled for the Italians, and when PSG had possession, their play flowed with dazzling creativity, as if every player wearing the blue shirt was mentally connected, anticipating each other’s moves with telepathic precision.
The pressure was so overwhelming that goalkeeper Donnarumma barely had a moment’s work, a stark reflection of Inter’s impotent attack and shaky defence.
Across the pitch, Inter Milan struggled on both ends, lacking the quality and cohesion to match PSG’s brilliance.
It was a masterclass in control and domination, from the first whistle to the final minute.
Young Stars Shine Bright: Desire Doue Leads the Charge
A defining feature of PSG’s triumph was the dazzling influence of their young talents, with Desire Doue emerging as the most pivotal figure on the pitch.
His intelligent movement into dangerous spaces consistently unsettled Inter Milan’s defence, culminating in a perfectly timed assist for Hakimi that opened the scoring.
Doue wasn’t just a creator; he was a clinical finisher as well, scoring two beautifully worked goals that showcased his technical skill and composure beyond his years. His performance was a masterclass in youth-led brilliance, driving PSG forward with energy and creativity.
But the impact of PSG’s young stars didn’t stop with Doue. When Yari Barcola replaced him, the threat to Inter’s backline remained constant.
Barcola’s direct running and sharp instincts immediately caused problems, and he quickly found the decisive pass to 19-year-old Mayulu.
The youngster made no mistake, expertly slotting the ball past Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer at the near post, further cementing PSG’s dominance.
This new generation of players proved that PSG’s future is as bright as their present, blending fearless ambition with raw talent to claim European glory.
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A Night to Remember: PSG’s Maiden UEFA Champions League Trophy
The 5-0 win not only secured PSG’s first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy but also set the record for the largest winning margin in a Champions League final.
This victory was far more than just a trophy – it was catharsis, a release from years of frustration and heartbreak.
For a club that had flirted with greatness but repeatedly fallen short, lifting the Champions League trophy was the exclamation point on a long and winding journey.
It symbolised the triumph of patience, vision, and youthful exuberance over the ghosts of past near-misses.
The youthful squad, guided by Luis Enrique’s steady hand, embodied a new identity for PSG – one built not only on star power but on collective spirit and resilience.
The sight of the young players celebrating, tears streaming down their faces, was a testament to the weight of history finally lifted.
For the Parisians, this was more than a win; it was a promise fulfilled to the city, the fans, and to themselves.
It marked the dawn of a new era where PSG are no longer just contenders but champions – a club now etched forever into the fabric of European football history.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Branislav Racko
Recording Date: 31.05.2025