As the 2025 UEFA Champions League final approaches, all eyes turn to Munich, where Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan will clash on Saturday, 31 May, in what promises to be a high-stakes, emotion-filled showdown between two European giants.
Held at the iconic Munich Football Arena, the match kicks off at 21:00 CET and brings together two clubs on contrasting journeys but united in their hunger for continental glory. For Paris, this final represents a chance to finally claim the Champions League trophy that has eluded them for so long. Their only previous final appearance came in 2020, when they were narrowly beaten by Bayern München in Lisbon. Now, under the guidance of Luis Enrique, they believe they have the squad, momentum, and belief to go one better.
Inter Milan, on the other hand, arrive with pedigree and purpose. The Nerazzurri are no strangers to this stage, having won the European Cup three times. Their most recent title came in 2010, and while they reached the final again in 2023, they fell short against Manchester City. With Simone Inzaghi at the helm, Inter have shown resilience and tactical intelligence throughout this campaign and now aim to finish the job.
Paris endured a turbulent group stage, qualifying in 15th place after recovering from early setbacks. But once the knockout phase began, they were a different beast. A stunning 10-0 aggregate demolition of Brest in the play-off set the tone. They went on to eliminate league-phase leaders Liverpool on penalties, edge past Aston Villa in a tight quarter-final, and gain revenge on Arsenal with a composed 3-1 aggregate semi-final win. Their blend of attacking verve and defensive grit has made them one of the most dangerous sides in Europe.
Inter, by contrast, were one of the most consistent teams in the new league format. They finished fourth, suffering just one defeat—a narrow 1-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen, which was also the only goal they conceded in the entire phase. In the knockouts, they swept past Feyenoord, won a thrilling two-legged battle with Bayern Munich 4-3, and edged out Barcelona in an epic 7-6 aggregate semi-final that showcased their experience and composure under pressure.
Both teams are at near full strength for the final. Paris boast a vibrant forward line with Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, and Barcola, while midfielders João Neves, Vitinha, and Fabián Ruiz offer balance and creativity. The leadership of Marquinhos at the back could be vital. Inter, meanwhile, rely on the formidable partnership of Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram up front, supported by a seasoned midfield including Çalhanoglu and Mkhitaryan. Their defense, marshaled by Acerbi and Bastoni, has been rock-solid all season.
The coaches, too, bring compelling narratives. Luis Enrique has molded a confident and fluid Paris side that has evolved dramatically over the season. “We’ve grown a lot,” he said. “The strength of the team is the most important thing.” Inzaghi, reflecting on his second Champions League final in three years, remarked: “We need to face Paris knowing there will be moments in which we’ll suffer, and others where we’ll dominate. It’s all about the details.”
This will be the first-ever Champions League meeting between Paris and Inter, and only the second final between clubs from France and Italy—evoking memories of Marseille’s win over Milan in 1993, also played in Munich. For Paris, it’s an opportunity to break new ground. For Inter, it’s a shot at redemption and resurgence.
With history, pride, and the most coveted prize in European football on the line, the 2025 Champions League final is set to deliver drama, passion, and possibly, legacy-defining moments.
