A decade after lifting his first Treble in Berlin, Luis Enrique has returned to Germany and once again conquered Europe, this time with even greater conviction. The Asturian coach, who had previously spoken of the immense motivation of potentially becoming the first manager to guide PSG to European football`s pinnacle, achieved this feat with a squad built on dynamism and selflessness. Nineteen-year-old Désiré Doué, delivering a career-defining performance in just over an hour on the pitch, epitomizes this approach.
Paris Saint-Germain likely held an advantage in terms of preparation, having secured the Ligue 1 title two months prior and facing minimal resistance in the Coupe de France final against the now-relegated Reims. Simone Inzaghi`s Inter Milan, conversely, had just missed out on the Serie A title in a race that went down to the final matchday.
The Nerazzurri arrived in Munich bolstered by the return of captain Lautaro Martínez and France international Benjamin Pavard, both of whom had been sidelined with injuries since the semi-finals. Luis Enrique, meanwhile, made just one change to his familiar starting eleven, giving Désiré Doué the nod over Bradley Barcola in the attack.
PSG`s early dominance saw attempts from both Doué and Dembélé comfortably saved by Sommer. However, a decisive passing sequence broke the deadlock just after the ten-minute mark. As has frequently been the case this season, Vitinha was central to the goal, receiving the ball back from Kvaratskhelia before splitting the defense for Doué. With ample space and time inside the box, the young Frenchman calmly squared the ball to Achraf Hakimi, who finished into an empty net against his former club.
Evidently failing to match PSG`s intensity, the Italians were caught on the counter-attack minutes later. This time, Doué completed the move initiated by Dembélé, with his deflected shot finding its way past Sommer. Inter managed a few half-chances towards the end of the first half (notably a header just over the bar after an aerial duel with Kvaratskhelia), but PSG`s overwhelming intensity was the dominant feature of the half.
The second half began similarly, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia having two opportunities denied by what remained a resilient Inter defense. The decisive blow came on the hour mark, as Désiré Doué slid home his second goal after being played through by Vitinha. Ten minutes later, Kvaratskhelia`s strike, set up by Nuno Mendes, ensured the scoreline accurately reflected the Parisians` superiority.
Nearly a decade and a half after the QSI takeover, PSG has finally reached the summit of European football. This achievement comes notably without the high-profile superstars who defined the era until this past summer. It is fitting that Désiré Doué emerged as the standout performer of the match, perfectly embodying PSG`s season: a slow and uncertain beginning, followed by a burst into life at the turn of the year.
