Paris Saint-Germain Are European Champions at Last

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A Treble for PSG

The Allianz Arena bore witness to a historic night as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) emphatically outclassed Inter Milan 5-0 to claim their maiden UEFA Champions League title. In a thrilling final that showcased determination, tactical prowess, and the brilliance of a vibrant young squad, PSG etched their name into the annals of European football, ending years of agonizing near-misses and establishing themselves as the kings of the continent.

For Inter Milan, it was a night of stark contrast and bitter disappointment. The Nerazzurri appeared slow, lacked creativity, and were overwhelmingly dominated by a relentless PSG side from the first whistle to the last. This heavy defeat marks yet another painful chapter in Inter’s recent Champions League history, adding to their loss against Manchester City in the 2023 final.

A Demolition Derby: The Goals That Sealed History

From the moment the whistle blew, PSG were on fire, playing with an intensity and cohesion that Inter simply couldn’t match. The opening goal arrived just 12 minutes in, a testament to PSG’s early dominance and fluid attacking play. Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi, facing his former club, opened the scoring with a stunning, masterful strike, opting not to celebrate out of respect for his past.

The onslaught continued. In the 20th minute, 19-year-old French sensation Désiré Doué announced himself on the grandest stage. He converted a well-placed shot that took a slight deflection off Inter defender Federico Dimarco, leaving Yann Sommer with no chance and doubling PSG’s lead. This was a pivotal moment, as Doué, in his first Champions League final, showcased incredible composure and skill.

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The third goal, a testament to PSG’s varied attacking threats, came from Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. His powerful and precise finish in the 38th minute further solidified PSG’s control, giving them a commanding 3-0 lead heading into halftime and leaving Inter bewildered.

The second half brought no respite for Inter. The Parisians maintained their relentless pressure, and in the 55th minute, Désiré Doué struck again, netting his second goal of the night. His brace made him the first teenager in Champions League history to score twice in a final, a truly remarkable achievement that underscores his immense potential and the foresight of Luis Enrique.

The final nail in Inter’s coffin came from another burgeoning talent. Substitute Senny Mayulu, also just 19 years old, capped off the historic night with PSG’s fifth goal in the 78th minute. His cool finish put an exclamation mark on what was a truly dominant and unforgettable performance.

The Road to Redemption: Overcoming Adversity

PSG’s journey to this Champions League triumph was not without its trials. Earlier in the campaign, they found themselves on the brink of elimination. However, a crucial 4-2 victory against Manchester City in the group stages proved to be the turning point, breathing new life into their European ambitions. That win, coupled with their consistent domestic form, provided the momentum they needed to navigate the demanding knockout stages, where they notably dispatched top clubs like Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal en route to the final. Their collective resolve was evident, transforming a team often criticized for individual brilliance into a cohesive, unstoppable force.

Inter Milan’s Season of Disappointment

For Inter Milan, this Champions League final defeat compounds a season that promised much but ultimately delivered little silverware. Just days before the European final, they had already lost the Serie A title to rivals Napoli by a single point on the final day of the domestic season. Furthermore, their Coppa Italia campaign ended in semi-final disappointment, being eliminated by AC Milan in a heated derby.

The 5-0 thrashing in Munich means Inter have now lost two Champions League finals in three years to first-time winners (Manchester City in 2023 and PSG in 2025). This string of high-profile losses in critical matches highlights a potential mental or tactical hurdle for Simone Inzaghi’s side, especially when facing teams playing at an elite level. The contrast in energy and creativity between the two sides in the final was stark, with Inter appearing to lack the spark and power needed to compete at this level.

Luis Enrique: A Treble-Winning Genius

At the heart of PSG’s monumental success is manager Luis Enrique. The Spanish tactician has now achieved a remarkable feat, becoming only the second manager in history, after Pep Guardiola, to win a treble with two different clubs. Having previously guided Barcelona to a historic treble in 2015, Enrique has now replicated this triumph with PSG, securing the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and now the coveted UEFA Champions League.

What makes Enrique’s achievement even more remarkable is that he delivered this success despite the departure of club icons like Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and Lionel Messi. Many predicted a period of rebuilding and potential decline for PSG. Instead, Enrique masterfully transformed the squad, fostering a collective spirit and empowering a young, dynamic core. His strategic genius in rebuilding a cohesive unit, emphasizing teamwork over individual superstar reliance, has cemented his status as one of the elite coaches in modern football. The development of players like Désiré Doué and Senny Mayulu, along with the consistent performances of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Achraf Hakimi, Vitinha, and Bradley Barcola, speaks volumes about Enrique’s coaching prowess and ability to unlock potential.

A New Era for PSG

This Champions League victory marks a profound shift for PSG. Once seen as a club reliant on individual stars to achieve European glory, they have now proven that a strong collective, guided by a brilliant manager and fueled by youthful exuberance, can reach the pinnacle of club football. The dominance displayed in the final against a seasoned Inter Milan side suggests that this might be just the beginning of a new era of European supremacy for the Parisians. Their tactical flexibility, relentless pressing, and ability to transition quickly from defense to attack proved too much for Inter, who simply couldn’t cope with PSG’s pace and determination.

The celebrations in Paris and across the football world will echo for years to come. PSG are no longer just dreamers; they are champions, and the future looks incredibly bright for the club from the French capital.

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