In a historic night at Munich’s Allianz Arena, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their first UEFA Champions League title with a resounding 5-0 win over Inter Milan. This triumph not only marked PSG’s inaugural European crown but also set a new record for the largest winning margin in a Champions League final.
Match Overview
PSG’s dominance was evident from the outset. Achraf Hakimi opened the scoring in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Just eight minutes later, 19-year-old Désiré Doué doubled the lead with a deflected shot, further unsettling Inter’s defense.
The second half saw PSG continue their relentless attack. Doué netted his second goal in the 63rd minute, showcasing his composure and finishing prowess. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia added a fourth in the 73rd minute, and substitute Senny Mayulu completed the rout in the 86th minute.
Historic Achievements
This victory was monumental for PSG in several ways:
- First Champions League Title: After years of investment and near misses, PSG finally lifted Europe’s most prestigious club trophy.
- Record-Breaking Margin: The 5-0 scoreline is the largest in a Champions League final, surpassing previous records.
- Continental Treble: PSG completed a treble, having already secured the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France earlier in the season.
- Managerial Milestone: Luis Enrique became only the second manager to achieve two continental trebles, having previously done so with Barcelona.
Standout Performances
Désiré Doué’s performance was particularly noteworthy. At just 19 years and 362 days old, he became the youngest player to score twice in a Champions League final since Eusébio in 1962. Doué also provided an assist, making him only the sixth player to both score and assist in a final.
Other notable contributions came from Hakimi, whose early goal set the tone, and Kvaratskhelia, whose pace and finishing added to Inter’s woes. Mayulu’s late goal was the icing on the cake for PSG.
Inter Milan’s Struggles
Inter Milan, despite a strong campaign leading up to the final, were overwhelmed by PSG’s intensity and tactical superiority. Defensive errors, particularly from Federico Dimarco and Francesco Acerbi, were exploited ruthlessly. Inter’s attacking threats, including Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram, were effectively neutralized by PSG’s disciplined defense.
What’s Next
PSG’s victory not only cements their status among Europe’s elite but also sets the stage for future successes. With a blend of youthful talent and experienced leadership, the club appears poised for continued dominance. Their next challenge will be the UEFA Super Cup, where they will face the Europa League winners.
For Inter Milan, the focus will shift to regrouping and addressing the shortcomings exposed in the final. Despite the heavy defeat, their journey to the final showcased resilience and quality that they will aim to build upon in the coming seasons.
In conclusion, PSG’s emphatic victory in the 2025 Champions League final is a testament to their evolution as a footballing powerhouse. The blend of strategic planning, talent development, and tactical execution culminated in a night that will be remembered in the annals of European football history.
