The line-up for the 2024-25 Champions League final is now complete, as Inter will face Paris Saint-Germain, who defeated Premier League outfit Arsenal by a 3-1 aggregate score after the second leg of their semi-final on Wednesday night.
Officially, Inter will face PSG in the Champions League final. The Parisians clinched their spot by overcoming Arsenal with a 2-1 victory in the second leg at the Parc des Princes, securing a 3-1 aggregate triumph. Goals from Fabián Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi ensured PSG's progression, while Bukayo Saka managed to pull one back for Arsenal.
It will be the first time that the two sides have ever faced each other in the Champions League. This final marks the second time in three years that Inter have reached this stage, having previously lost to Manchester City in the 2022-23 final. For PSG, it is only their second appearance in a Champions League final, with their first ending in disappointment against Bayern Munich in 2020.
The 2025 final is set to take place on May 31 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, a venue that has hosted numerous prestigious matches in European football history.
In the first leg of their semi-final against Arsenal, PSG had already established a lead thanks to Ousmane Dembélé's goal. However, Dembélé was sidelined for the second leg due to a hamstring issue, forcing PSG to adjust their tactics. Despite the absence of their top scorer, PSG's squad depth proved pivotal.
During the match, PSG's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made crucial saves that helped preserve their advantage. Arsenal started strongly, with Declan Rice and Gabriel Martinelli testing the PSG defense early on. However, it was PSG who struck first when Ruiz found the net in the 27th minute. His powerful shot from the edge of the area left Arsenal's defense scrambling.
PSG maintained control of the match, but Arsenal's resilience was evident. They continued to push forward, aiming to level the aggregate score. However, their efforts were thwarted by another outstanding performance from Donnarumma, who denied several key chances.
Hakimi sealed the victory for PSG in the 72nd minute, finishing a well-executed play that showcased the team's attacking prowess. Although Saka's late goal for Arsenal provided a glimmer of hope, it ultimately wasn't enough to change the outcome.
After the match, PSG captain Marquinhos expressed his pride in the team's performance: "We have worked hard as a club to get this and to deserve it. It has been a long, hard road. The job is done in terms of getting to the final but it's not finished, we want more. We really want to win the trophy."
Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, acknowledged the quality of PSG's performance, stating, "Sometimes you have to applaud the opposition, and what the 'keeper did in both games. He won the game for them." His comments reflected the respect Arsenal held for their opponents, despite the disappointment of elimination.
As PSG prepares for the final, they are favored to lift their first European Cup, opening as the -180 favorites according to ESPN BET odds. Inter, meanwhile, is showing +130 odds to claim their fourth European championship. The anticipation surrounding this match is palpable, as both clubs look to make history.
Inter's path to the final was equally dramatic, as they faced Barcelona in a thrilling semi-final that concluded with a 7-6 aggregate score. The first leg ended in a 3-3 draw, while Inter triumphed 4-3 in an extra-time thriller at San Siro, thanks to a decisive goal from Davide Frattesi.
Inter's performance has been commendable, especially considering they have been in the final for the seventh time in their illustrious history, having previously won three titles. Their last triumph came in 2010 under the management of José Mourinho, while they lost to Manchester City in 2023.
As the final approaches, both teams are dealing with injury concerns. PSG's Ousmane Dembélé has been recovering from a hamstring injury, while Inter's Lautaro Martinez has also faced fitness issues. However, both squads have shown resilience and depth, ensuring they will be competitive in this high-stakes match.
The 2025 Champions League final is not just a match; it represents the culmination of years of hard work, investment, and ambition for both clubs. PSG, with their star-studded lineup, will be determined to finally claim the prestigious trophy that has eluded them, while Inter aims to reclaim their status as European champions.
Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating this historic clash, which promises to deliver excitement and drama. The Allianz Arena will undoubtedly be buzzing with energy as two of Europe's giants collide in pursuit of glory.
With the match set for an 8 PM BST kick-off, viewers can catch the action live on TNT Sports and through various streaming platforms. As the countdown to May 31 begins, the excitement surrounding this final continues to build, setting the stage for what could be a memorable night in Munich.
