Paris Saint-Germain ended their long wait for a Champions League title in spectacular fashion on Saturday night in Munich. The Ligue 1 champions delivered a dominant 5-0 performance to thoroughly defeat Inter Milan. Luis Enrique`s side controlled virtually every aspect of the match against an outclassed Inter squad. This historic victory makes PSG only the second club from Ligue 1 ever to win Europe`s premier club competition.
Rapid Starts Set the Tone
A recurring theme throughout PSG`s Champions League campaign, particularly in the knockout stages, has been their ability to start matches with intensity. The final in Munich was no different. From the opening whistle, it was evident that the Parisian side was sharp and determined, contrasting sharply with an Inter team that appeared slow to settle. Luis Enrique`s dynamic young squad quickly asserted control, dominating possession and applying consistent pressure from the front. This aggressive approach paid off early, as it had in previous rounds. A well-crafted team move, initiated by Vitinha, culminated in Achraf Hakimi finding the net after just 12 minutes, giving PSG a crucial early lead and underlining their consistent threat right from kickoff.
Désiré Doué`s Historic Impact
A significant point of discussion in France leading up to the final was the choice between Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola for the right-wing position. Coach Luis Enrique opted for Doué, the product of the Stade Rennais Academy, a decision that proved inspired. Doué was directly involved in the opening goal, skillfully creating space to receive a pass from Vitinha inside the box. Showing remarkable composure for the occasion, instead of rushing a shot, he unselfishly laid the ball off for an unmarked Achraf Hakimi to tap in. Just eight minutes later, Doué was on the score sheet himself, finishing a swift counter-attack. His half-volley took a significant deflection off Federico Dimarco, leaving Yann Sommer with no chance. Doué`s performance etched his name in the history books: he became the tenth French player to score in a Champions League final, and uniquely, the youngest ever to both score and assist in the competition`s showpiece event. His calm finish effectively sealed the victory before his eventual substitution. As his former coach Julien Stéphan had suggested, Doué`s potential seems limitless, and his performance on the biggest stage confirmed his status among football`s elite.
A Dominant Collective Display
Beyond the individual highlights, PSG`s comprehensive victory was fundamentally a triumph of a cohesive and dominant team performance. Every player contributed significantly to outplaying Inter Milan. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was reliable when called upon, making an important save to deny Marcus Thuram. Inter`s main attacking threats, Thuram and Lautaro Martinez, were effectively managed by the central defensive pairing, notably Marquinhos and Willian Pacho, who were impeccable. Nuno Mendes showed great commitment, playing through discomfort but still providing energy down the flank. PSG`s midfield trio was exceptional, controlling the game with their combination of technical skill, physical power, tactical intelligence, and tireless work rate. Even players coming off the bench made their mark, with young “titi” Senny Mayulu scoring a brilliant goal into the top corner to complete the 5-0 rout. This complete team effort resulted in the largest ever winning margin in a Champions League final, a true testament to PSG`s overwhelming superiority on the night.
