The final of the 2025 Champions League will feature Paris Saint-Germain facing Inter Milan. PSG had a difficult group stage but improved significantly in the knockout rounds. Inter reached the final thanks in part to their strong defense and the excellent form of players like Lautaro Martinez and Denzel Dumfries. PSG seeks their first Champions League title under coach Luis Enrique, while many Inter players have recent experience in the final, having lost to Manchester City in 2023.
This match could be more open than typical finals, especially with PSG`s formidable attack, featuring players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele. While Inter faces a challenge in containing PSG`s offense, they have demonstrated the ability to compete in high-scoring matches.
How they got here
Paris Saint-Germain: Paris Saint-Germain`s journey included concerns in the group stage, where they started with only four points from five games. However, they found their form in the knockout rounds, first defeating Ligue 1 compatriots Brest convincingly with a 10-0 aggregate score. They then faced Liverpool, advancing via a penalty shootout after a tight tie. The quarter-finals saw them overcome Aston Villa in a high-scoring 5-4 aggregate victory, followed by a semi-final win against Arsenal, progressing 3-1 on aggregate to reach the final.
Inter Milan: Inter Milan had a seemingly more direct route, finishing fourth in the league phase and securing a bye to the round of 16. They comfortably defeated Dutch side Feyenoord 4-1 on aggregate. Things became tougher against Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, where a narrow first-leg win was just enough to see them through 4-3 on aggregate, partly thanks to key plays from Davide Frattesi. Inter`s semi-final tie against Barcelona was dramatic, ending 3-3 in the away leg before a wild 4-3 victory in the second leg after extra time, sending them to the final with a 7-6 aggregate score.
Lineup questions
A key lineup question for PSG revolves around the fitness of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. His arrival and ability to interchange with Dembele have been transformative for their attack, but he recently missed the Coupe de France final due to injury. While he is reportedly back in training, his match fitness level is uncertain. Coach Luis Enrique will need to decide if Kvaratskhelia is fully fit to start or if another option, like Bradley Barcola, would be a better choice, potentially impacting PSG`s attacking momentum early on.
Predicted lineups
Paris Saint-Germain:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Nuno Mendes
- Willian Pacho
- Marquinhos
- Achraf Hakimi
- Fabian Ruiz
- Vitinha
- Joao Neves
- Ousmane Dembele
- Deserie Doue
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Inter Milan:
- Yann Sommer
- Yann Bisseck
- Francesco Acerbi
- Alessandro Bastoni
- Denzel Dumfries
- Nicolo Barella
- Hakan Calhanoglu
- Henrikh Mkhitaryan
- Federico Dimarco
- Lautaro Martinez
- Marcus Thuram
Player to watch
Ousmane Dembele, Paris Saint-Germain: Currently in exceptional form and considered a top candidate for individual awards, Dembele presents a major threat to Inter. His goal contributions have been vital, and staying healthy has allowed him to lead PSG`s attack. Inter`s defense will face a significant challenge in attempting to contain one of the world`s best current players.
Storyline to watch
Treble Chase: Having already won Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France, PSG are aiming to complete a historic treble. Achieving this would be their first Champions League title and a significant accomplishment for coach Luis Enrique, especially after adapting the team following Kylian Mbappe`s impending departure. The prospect of making club history adds immense pressure and motivation for the Parisian side.
Game prediction
Inter will pose a difficult challenge, and their defensive strength has been a hallmark of their campaign. However, PSG`s attacking variety and ability to score from different situations might be the deciding factor. It`s difficult for any defense to cover every possible angle against PSG`s forward line. Prediction: PSG 2, Inter 1.
