Match Recap
Paris Saint-Germain delivered a historic 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final at Munich’s Allianz Arena, securing their first-ever European Cup with the largest margin of victory in a final. Achraf Hakimi opened the scoring in the 12th minute, followed by Désiré Doué’s deflected strike in the 20th. Doué added his second in the 63rd minute, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and substitute Senny Mayulu completing the rout in the 73rd and 86th minutes, respectively. PSG’s 23 shots and 3.23 expected goals (xG) overwhelmed Inter’s 8 shots and 0.7 xG, with Gianluigi Donnarumma rarely tested. Inter’s key players—Marcus Thuram, Lautaro Martinez, Nicolo Barella, and Denzel Dumfries—were neutralized by PSG’s relentless press and midfield control led by Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz.
Post-Match Analysis
PSG’s performance, under Luis Enrique, showcased a shift to a youthful, high-pressing unit, with 19-year-old Doué earning Man of the Match for his brace and assist. Social media on X praised PSG’s off-ball work, which forced Inter into errors and stifled their build-up. Inter’s aging squad struggled, with their 3-5-2 formation exposed by PSG’s pace and intensity, marking a second final loss in three years. A hypothetical PSG-Barcelona final would likely have been a high-scoring affair, but PSG’s tactical discipline and pressing would still give them the edge, potentially winning 3-2 or 4-3 by exploiting Barcelona’s defensive gaps.
Key Takeaways
- PSG’s New Era: Luis Enrique’s youth-driven strategy, with stars like Doué and Mayulu, sets a foundation for sustained success.
- Inter’s Struggles: The record defeat highlighted tactical and physical limitations in Inter’s veteran-heavy squad.
- Tactical Brilliance: PSG’s pressing and midfield dominance, effective against Inter, would likely challenge Barcelona’s open style similarly.