The upcoming UEFA Champions League final promises a fascinating clash, pitting Inter against Paris Saint-Germain. PSG`s presence in the final adds an intriguing element, arriving as something of a surprise contender for Europe`s most prestigious club trophy.
Few observers anticipated PSG reaching such a pinnacle in their inaugural season post-Kylian Mbappé. Manager Luis Enrique embarked on a deliberate rebuilding process, focusing on nurturing emerging French talent alongside seasoned veterans. Initial results weren`t overwhelmingly positive, marked by defeats to Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich during the group stage, painting the picture of a team still under construction rather than a potential finalist.
A turning point arrived in the winter. The acquisition of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the squad`s increasing mastery of Enrique`s novel tactical system proved crucial. PSG transformed into one of Europe`s most captivating sides, largely due to their distinctive pressing strategy that formed the bedrock of their attacking approach. Their impressive victory over Premier League champions Liverpool in the Round of 16 served as an initial declaration of intent, a feat they repeatedly delivered upon en route to securing a spot in the Champions League final for the first time in five years.
As the countdown to the final at Munich`s Allianz Arena begins, let`s review PSG`s remarkable journey.
The Group Stage
PSG commenced their Champions League campaign with a narrow 1-0 win against Girona, a match that felt somewhat uninspired despite 26 shots, ultimately decided by a 90th-minute own goal. They then endured a four-game winless streak, including losses to Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich, plus a draw against PSV, accumulating only four points from five matches. This left them in 25th place, precariously close to missing the knockout rounds.
Their remaining fixtures offered no certainty of advancing. While a comfortable 3-0 win against bottom-placed Red Bull Salzburg in December provided some relief, their Champions League destiny largely hinged on the January showdown with 2023 champions Manchester City. Despite falling behind 2-0 by the 53rd minute, PSG rose to the occasion, netting four goals to claim a significant, but not their last, statement win in the competition. A dominant 4-1 victory at Stuttgart the following week cemented Enrique`s side`s qualification, seeing them finish comfortably in 15th place.
The Knockout Stages
PSG were drawn against fellow French club Brest in the knockout phase playoffs, offering a fresh start after their challenging group stage. The results were emphatic – despite Brest being a surprise package, PSG dominated the tie with a 10-0 aggregate scoreline. Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha both scored braces, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia registered his first European goal for the club.
Following their decisive win against Brest, PSG faced an exceptionally tough challenge in the Round of 16 against Liverpool. Although PSG lost the first leg 1-0 at home to the in-form Reds, they were widely seen as having outplayed them. Carrying that momentum into the return leg at Anfield, Enrique`s side leveled the aggregate score at 1-1 just 12 minutes in through Dembélé. The tie remained tightly contested, ultimately decided by a penalty shootout where PSG triumphed 4-1.
In the quarterfinals, PSG met Aston Villa, managed by their former coach Unai Emery. Villa were enjoying a deep run in their first Champions League appearance in four decades. Enrique`s squad secured a 3-1 lead in the first leg at home and extended their aggregate advantage to 5-1 within the first half-hour of the second leg at Villa Park. Although Villa mounted a spirited comeback with three goals, PSG held on for a 5-4 aggregate victory.
Enrique`s team then encountered another English opponent in the semi-finals: Arsenal, who had recently eliminated Real Madrid. Arsenal struggled to cope with PSG`s intense press. Enrique`s side took an early lead at the Emirates Stadium, with Dembélé scoring after just four minutes in the first leg. For much of the tie, Arsenal pressed for an equalizer, but PSG`s defense, bolstered by a strong performance from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and coupled with Arsenal`s finishing struggles, proved resilient. PSG won the second leg 2-1 at home, giving them sufficient margin to clinch their spot in the Champions League final.
