Paris Saint-Germain demonstrated their readiness to dominate Europe with a decisive victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final, signaling the beginning of what appears to be a new era. Shaking off a history of past failures on the grand stage, this exceptional squad exuded confidence from the outset, fully expecting the final outcome.
PSG`s assertiveness was clear from their initial kickoff – a bold punt down the flank, essentially telling Inter, “Here, take the ball. We`ll reclaim it whenever we please.”
For Inter, the inevitable became apparent after just 20 minutes, once they were two goals down. The match felt decided, culminating in what became a historically significant defeat in a European Cup final. While one might point to individual moments, such as Federico Dimarco potentially playing Achraf Hakimi onside or not blocking Desire Doue`s powerful shot, focusing on these would miss the larger picture. Regardless of those specifics, PSG`s superior performance at this level made their victory almost certain.
PSG`s excellence is multifaceted, making them a force arguably unmatched by any team other than perhaps Barcelona in 2025. Despite Kylian Mbappe`s departure, this doesn`t feel like a post-superstar team; players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, and Achraf Hakimi are undeniably world-class talents. While the triumph can be framed as a success for a team-first mentality over relying solely on star power, it`s important not to overlook the sheer quality of talent Luis Enrique had at his disposal.
Dominic Ashworth