Paris Saint-Germain`s remarkable transformation into one of Europe`s most exciting teams has culminated in a spot in the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan. This puts them on the cusp of finally winning the prestigious trophy that has historically eluded the club.
Under the guidance of manager Luis Enrique, the young squad has navigated its first season following Kylian Mbappe`s departure with impressive direction, despite some initial difficulties. The French champions faced a challenging group stage, encountering formidable opponents like Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. However, their decisive 4-2 victory over City in January marked the turning point, initiating a powerful run through the knockout rounds that included wins over Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal.
Securing a victory in the Champions League final would not only fulfill PSG`s long-held ambition for European football`s top prize but could also complete a potential treble if they also win the Coupe de France final scheduled for May 24th against Reims. Furthermore, they would become only the second French team ever to lift the Champions League trophy, following Marseille`s achievement in 1993.
As the final countdown begins, here’s a look at the key factors that bolster PSG`s chances of winning the Champions League.
Why Paris Saint-Germain is Poised for Victory
1. Luis Enrique`s Dynamic Pressing System
While multiple elements contribute to a team`s success, PSG`s revamped pressing strategy stands out as the primary driver behind their impressive journey to the final. Enrique`s tactical evolution has made PSG incredibly difficult to play against in Europe. The system relies on the midfield to initiate the press, enabling a diverse group of attackers, including wingbacks, to overload opposing defenses. This approach has effectively dismantled various team setups, including the defensively strong Arsenal side they defeated 3-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals. Facing another defense-oriented team in Inter, PSG has a final opportunity to demonstrate the overwhelming effectiveness of their press.
2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia`s Exceptional Form
PSG`s pressing game has elevated them beyond the `star-hoarding` era, but individual brilliance remains crucial. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been a revelation, quietly excelling in Europe for seasons and finding an ideal fit within Enrique`s structure since joining in January. He has become a key component of the new pressing system, making a remarkably swift impact with four goals and five assists. As Kvaratskhelia maintains his strong run of form, he is expected to be a central figure for PSG in the final at Munich`s Allianz Arena.
3. Gianluigi Donnarumma`s Match-Winning Saves
PSG`s path to the final was not without challenging moments, notably the tense 5-4 aggregate win over Aston Villa in the quarter-finals. They were frequently rescued in the knockout stages by the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian international has been indispensable for the French champions, especially during critical knockout matches. He has registered 35 saves in the Champions League this season, with 14 coming in the last four games alone. Inter demonstrated their clinical edge in the semi-finals, but beating Donnarumma in his current form will be a significant challenge.
