This marks the fifth time Munich have hosted Europe's premier club competition, and history offers hope to the Parisians: every previous final in this city, staged in 1979, 1993, 1997, and 2012, crowned a first-time champion. Will Paris Saint-Germain seize their moment, or will Inter Milan claim a fourth title to add to their storied legacy?
For Paris Saint-Germain, lifting the Champions League trophy has been an elusive dream since their Qatari owners took charge in 2011. The French giants have played 167 matches in the competition without a victory, a record surpassed by only three other clubs.
Their closest brush came in 2020, when Bayern Munich edged them out 1-0 in the final. Now, under manager Luis Enrique, the Parisians are chasing history. A win would not only mark their first Champions League triumph but also complete a rare quadruple, having already swept Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Trophee des Champions this season.
"We've grown a lot this season and the players have progressed a lot," Luis Enrique said. "The strength of the team is the most important thing."
Inter Milan, meanwhile, have battled their way to this moment, defying expectations in a campaign that saw them miss the Serie A title by a single point to Napoli. The Nerazzurri stunned Bayern Munich with a 2-1 quarter-final win at this very venue, then delivered a breathtaking 7-6 aggregate victory over Barcelona in the semi-finals.
Manager Simone Inzaghi praised his squad's resilience, stating, "The players did something extraordinary. We played four amazing games against two world-class teams like Bayern and Barcelona." With experience driving their charge, players aged 30 and older have accounted for 43 percent of their Champions League minutes, the Italians have trailed for just over 1 percent of their matches, never lagging for more than 370 seconds.
The spotlight shines on two standout stars. Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele has been electric, racking up 12 goal involvements (eight goals, four assists) in the 2024/25 campaign, including a hat-trick against Stuttgart in Germany during the league phase.
Inter Milan's captain, Lautaro Martinez, has netted in the last 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals, and could become the first Nerazzurri player to score 10 goals in a single European season. "I've won big trophies, but I'm missing the Champions League," Martínez said. "We want to have the perfect game and bring the trophy back to Milan."
Tactically, the clash promises intrigue. Paris Saint-Germain have dazzled with free-flowing attacks and intense pressing, while Inter Milan have leaned on structure and clinical counters, scoring first in 11 of their 14 Champions League matches this season.
The Italians' experience contrasts with the youthful energy of the Parisians, setting up a battle of styles at the Allianz Arena.
Recent updates from the clubs add to the excitement. Inter Milan posted on X, "Il Biscione impavido #ForzaInter #UCLFinal #ParisInter," signaling their fearless intent.
Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, confirmed they'll broadcast the final at the Parc des Princes, with four giant screens at the center of the pitch for 38,000 fans.
Both teams are primed, and the football world waits to see who will etch their name into Munich's storied history.
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