Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan will clash in the Champions League final on Saturday, a somewhat unexpected matchup for the European crown. PSG overcame challenges in the group stage to find their stride in the knockout rounds. Inter`s journey has been marked by a stellar defensive performance and the clinical finishing of Lautaro Martinez. While PSG seeks their first-ever Champions League title under the guidance of treble-winning coach Luis Enrique, many Inter players have recent experience in the final, having lost to Manchester City in 2023, which might help manage the pressure.
This final could potentially be more open than typical, especially considering PSG`s potent attack, bolstered by players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele. Inter faces a significant challenge in containing PSG`s offensive threats, but they possess the capability to compete in a high-tempo match.
How they got here
Paris Saint-Germain: PSG`s path was challenging. They had a difficult start in the group stage but improved significantly in the knockouts. Their route included dominant wins like 10-0 on aggregate against Brest, a tense penalty shootout victory over Liverpool, a narrow 5-4 aggregate win against Aston Villa, and overcoming Arsenal to reach the final.
Inter Milan: Inter`s journey was perhaps more direct. After progressing from their group, they secured a comfortable 4-1 aggregate win against Feyenoord. The quarter-final against Bayern Munich proved tougher, ending 4-3 on aggregate thanks to key contributions. Their dramatic semi-final clash with Barcelona was a high-scoring affair, which Inter ultimately won 7-6 on aggregate after a thrilling second leg.
Lineup questions
A key lineup question for PSG revolves around the fitness of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. His arrival significantly boosted their attack, but he recently missed a match due to injury. While he has returned to training, his readiness for the final is uncertain. Coach Luis Enrique must decide whether to start him or opt for another player like Bradley Barcola, which could impact PSG`s initial attacking strength.
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: Ousmane Dembele stands out as a key player for PSG. Considered one of the top performers this year, his pace and skill pose a major threat to Inter`s defense. With 24 goals and six assists in 2025 across all competitions, he has the potential to be decisive in the final. Historically hampered by injuries, Dembele has thrived this season with consistent health, becoming a central figure in PSG`s attack.
Storyline to watch
Treble chasing: PSG is aiming for a historic treble, having already secured the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France. Winning the Champions League would make them the first team since Manchester City in 2023 to achieve this feat, and manager Luis Enrique would remarkably complete a treble for the second time in his career (after doing so with Barcelona). Despite expectations of a transition year following Kylian Mbappe`s departure, PSG has shown significant improvement, and Enrique has guided them effectively to within one match of their first-ever Champions League trophy.
Game prediction
Inter has proven resilient throughout the tournament and will undoubtedly challenge PSG. However, PSG`s attacking versatility, particularly their ability to score from various positions, might be the deciding factor. Defending against such a threat across the entire pitch is difficult, and even a less likely shot finding the net could fundamentally change the game`s dynamic.
Champions League final pick: PSG 2, Inter 1
Dominic Ashworth