Inter Milan is set to compete against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final on May 31, 2025. This marks only PSG`s second appearance in the final, their first resulting in a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in 2020. In contrast, Inter boasts a richer history in the competition, having lifted the trophy three times, including their last triumph in 2010 under Jose Mourinho. However, they were also runners-up recently, losing 1-0 to Manchester City in the 2023 final. Under Simone Inzaghi, the Nerazzurri have shown strong form in Europe this season, securing a top-eight finish in the newly introduced league phase (starting 2024-25). Having experienced defeat in the final two years ago in Istanbul, Inter now has another opportunity to claim the coveted title. Here`s an overview of their journey to the final:
Final Details
- Date: Saturday, May 31
- Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
- Broadcast: CBS / Live stream: Paramount+
- Betting Odds: Paris Saint-Germain +105, Draw +240, Inter +270
The League Phase
The 2024-25 season introduced a new league format in the Champions League, replacing the traditional group stage. 36 teams competed in a single league table, each playing eight matches (four home, four away) against different opponents. Inter began their campaign with a goalless draw (0-0) away to Manchester City at the Etihad, a repeat of the 2023 final. Following this, they secured a dominant 4-0 home victory against Crvena Zvezda at San Siro, with goals from Hakan Calhanoglu, Marko Arnautovic, Lautaro Martinez, and Mehdi Taremi (penalty).
Later matches saw Inter achieve 1-0 away wins against opponents including a late strike from Marcus Thuram, and a 1-0 home win against Arsenal thanks to a Calhanoglu penalty. They also defeated RB Leipzig 1-0 at home but suffered their sole league phase defeat, a 1-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen. Inter finished the league phase strongly, winning their final two games: a 1-0 away victory at Sparta Prague (Lautaro Martinez) and a 3-0 home win against another opponent (Lautaro Martinez hat-trick).
Finishing fourth in the league standings, Inter bypassed the play-offs and qualified directly for the Round of 16. They boasted the best defensive record in the league phase, conceding just one goal while scoring 11 and winning six of their eight matches.
The Knockout Stages
Moving into the knockout rounds, Inter comfortably defeated Feyenoord. They won the first leg away 2-0 with goals from Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, and secured the tie with a 2-1 victory in the second leg in Milan, courtesy of another Thuram goal and a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty.
The quarterfinals presented a challenge against Bayern Munich. Inter earned a crucial 2-1 away win in the first leg at the Allianz Arena – the venue for the upcoming final against PSG. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring spectacularly, Bayern equalized through Thomas Muller, but Davide Frattesi netted a dramatic late winner for Inter. The return leg in Milan was action-packed. Harry Kane gave Bayern the lead, but Inter quickly responded with two goals in quick succession from Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard to take control. Despite a late equalizer from Bayern, Inter held on to eliminate Vincent Kompany`s side.
However, Inter`s most significant challenge and perhaps the season`s most thrilling encounter came in the semifinals against Barcelona. The first leg, played at Estadio Lluis Companys, concluded in a dramatic 3-3 draw. Inter initially took a two-goal lead through Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries, but Barcelona fought back to level before halftime via Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez. Dumfries put Inter ahead again, only for an unfortunate own goal from Yann Sommer to equalize for Barcelona, setting up a tense second leg.
The return match in Milan proved to be an instant classic. Inter established a commanding 2-0 lead by halftime with goals from Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu. Barcelona mounted a strong second-half comeback, with Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo scoring by the hour mark to make it 2-2. Raphinha seemingly secured victory for Barcelona with a late goal in the 87th minute, but Francesco Acerbi scored a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer for Inter, forcing extra time in a moment of incredible drama. In the 99th minute, substitute Davide Frattesi scored with a powerful strike, securing a sensational 4-3 aggregate victory for Inter and sending them to the final.
