Paris Saint-Germain`s long-awaited triumph in the Champions League arrived in spectacular and emphatic fashion this Saturday night in Munich. The reigning Ligue 1 champions delivered an unforgettable performance, dismantling Inter Milan with a crushing 5-0 scoreline in a final that was utterly dominated by Luis Enrique`s side. *Les Parisiens* proved far superior to an outclassed *Nerazzurri* outfit. This historic victory marks PSG as only the second club from Ligue 1 to ever claim European club football`s most coveted trophy.
PSG`s Trademark Fast Starts Continue
A notable characteristic of PSG`s campaign in the Champions League knockout rounds has been their tendency to start matches with intense urgency and pressure. The final in Munich was a perfect illustration of this. From the very first moments, the French champions looked sharp, energetic, and entirely focused, starkly contrasting with an Inter side that appeared sluggish and overwhelmed. Luis Enrique`s youthful and dynamic team immediately seized control of possession, applying suffocating pressure and, as they have done consistently, converting their early dominance into goals.
Previous instances highlight this trend: Ousmane Dembélé struck in the 12th minute against Liverpool at Anfield, Achraf Hakimi scored a minute earlier (11th minute) in the second leg of the quarter-final against Aston Villa, and Dembélé found the net just four minutes into the semi-final against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. On the biggest stage, it took PSG just 12 minutes to establish their lead through a brilliantly executed team move, initiated by Vitinha and clinically finished by Hakimi.
Désiré Doué Achieves Historic Feat
One of the main tactical questions leading up to the final revolved around Luis Enrique`s choice for the right wing, specifically whether Désiré Doué or Bradley Barcola would start. While Barcola had impressed recently, Enrique opted for the young talent from the Stade Rennais academy, a decision that proved inspired and pivotal.
Doué showcased exceptional awareness and movement to elude his marker on the left side of Inter`s penalty area and receive Vitinha`s perfectly weighted, line-breaking pass. Presented with a one-on-one opportunity in the Champions League final, a moment where composure can falter, Doué remained remarkably calm. Instead of rushing a shot, he cleverly picked out the unmarked Hakimi and provided a simple square pass for the Moroccan right-back to open the scoring. Just eight minutes later, Doué found himself at the end of a swift PSG counter-attack. His half-volley strike took a significant deflection off Federico Dimarco, leaving Yan Sommer with no chance.
This goal cemented Doué`s place in history, making him the tenth French player to score in a Champions League final. More significantly, he became the youngest ever player to both score and assist in the competition`s final match. His cool finish effectively put the game beyond doubt before he was substituted. As his former coach at Rennes, Julien Stéphan, once remarked, only divine intervention might determine his ultimate potential. One certainty is clear: Désiré Doué belongs at the very pinnacle of the sport, and he has now etched his name into its illustrious history.
A Masterclass in Team Performance
PSG`s comprehensive victory was the result of a complete team performance from every player. Every single member of *Les Parisiens* stepped up and delivered a display worthy of winning the Champions League final. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made a crucial save when tested by Marcus Thuram. Inter`s main attacking threats, Thuram and Lautaro Martinez, were expertly marshaled and nullified by the commanding presence of Marquinhos and the impeccable defending of Willian Pacho. Nuno Mendes demonstrated immense resilience, playing through discomfort while maintaining his relentless energy.
PSG`s midfield trio once again dictated proceedings, combining passing accuracy, physical athleticism, creative guile, and diligent defensive work rate. In attack, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, despite missing some chances, remained a constant menace and was rewarded for his persistence by scoring the team`s fourth goal. The Georgian winger was relentlessly effective on his flank throughout the match. Even PSG`s substitutes contributed significantly to the demolition, with academy graduate Senny Mayulu unleashing a stunning strike into Sommer`s top corner to make it five. This final goal put the finishing touch on the largest winning margin ever recorded in a Champions League final – arguably the most one-sided contest in the competition`s history.
