Paris Saint-Germain`s swift evolution into one of Europe`s most thrilling teams has secured their place in the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan. This achievement brings them tantalizingly close to capturing a trophy that has historically slipped through their grasp.
Under the skilled guidance of manager Luis Enrique, the relatively young squad has found its footing remarkably well in the first season following Kylian Mbappe`s departure, a trajectory not initially clear. Despite facing a challenging group stage, the French champions occasionally faltered domestically but built strong momentum in Europe. Their emphatic victory against Manchester City in January marked the beginning of an impressive journey to the final, overcoming strong opponents including Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal in the knockout rounds.
Winning the Champions League final would not only fulfill PSG`s long-held ambition of lifting Europe`s premier club trophy but could also cap off a potential treble-winning season, provided they also secure the Coupe de France title against Reims on May 24. Furthermore, they would etch their name in history as only the second French club to achieve this feat, following Marseille`s success in 1993.
As the final approaches, let`s examine the factors contributing to PSG`s potential victory.
How to watch the Champions League final, odds
- Date: Saturday, May 31
- Location: Allianz Arena — Munich, Germany
- TV: CBS | Live Stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Paris Saint-Germain +105; Draw +240; Inter +270
Preferred Paris Saint-Germain lineup
Ideal XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Paris Saint-Germain`s strengths
- New-look, attack-minded pressing style
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia`s form
- Gianluigi Donnarumma`s shot-stopping heroics
Paris Saint-Germain`s weaknesses
- Wasteful shot-taking
- Overreliance on Donnarumma
- Inexperience, especially against an accomplished Inter side
Why Paris Saint-Germain will win the Champions League
1. Enrique`s unstoppable press
It`s challenging to pinpoint a single factor for a team`s success, but in PSG`s journey to the Champions League final, their evolved pressing strategy stands out as a primary driver. Luis Enrique`s refined tactical approach has made PSG formidable in European competition. It centers around a midfield that dictates play and a diverse attacking unit, including the wingbacks, that effectively overwhelms opposing defenses. Teams with varied styles have struggled when PSG executed this press optimally. A prime example is their semi-final tie against the defensively solid Arsenal, which PSG won 3-1 on aggregate. Facing another defensively oriented side in Inter in the final provides PSG with a final test to demonstrate the potency of their press.
2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia`s high-flying start
While PSG`s pressing game has elevated them beyond the results of their previous star-focused era, several players have shone individually. Among them, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been particularly outstanding. Quietly performing as one of Europe`s top talents for several seasons, he found an ideal fit when joining Enrique`s squad in January. Kvaratskhelia has been instrumental in implementing the new pressing system, contributing significantly with four goals and five assists – a remarkable impact for a mid-season acquisition. As he maintains his excellent form, expect Kvaratskhelia to be a crucial figure for PSG on the pitch at Munich`s Allianz Arena.
3. Gianluigi Donnarumma`s career-best form
PSG`s route to the final wasn`t entirely smooth, notably their tense 5-4 aggregate victory over Aston Villa in the quarterfinals. However, they have frequently been rescued in the knockout stages by the exceptional form of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Though not always consistently lauded, the Italy international has been vital for the French champions, especially in the knockout rounds. He has recorded 35 saves in the Champions League this season, including 14 in the last four matches alone. Inter demonstrated their finishing ability in the semifinals, but if Donnarumma sustains his current level, scoring against him will prove a difficult task.
Dominic Ashworth