The 2024–25 UEFA Champions League has arrived at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena. This is the first season of the UCL under the revamped league-style group format. What hasn’t changed is the prize, eternal glory. Italy’s Inter Milan, three-time European champions, face off against PSG, France’s reigning domestic powerhouse still in pursuit of their first continental crown.
Neither side entered the tournament as overwhelming favorites, yet both have proven their quality and resilience throughout a grueling campaign. Now, with 90 minutes (or more) separating them from history, the stage is set for a memorable showdown.
### Two Great Managers, One Career-Defining Night
On the sidelines, experience is not lacking. PSG’s Luis Enrique is no stranger to this stage, having lifted the Champions League trophy with Barcelona in 2015. His tactical rebuild of PSG is nearing its final flourish. For Simone Inzaghi, this is a second chance after falling short in the 2022–23 final. His Inter side has shown cohesion, grit, and attacking precision during their European run — and he’s out to finish the job this time.
Both managers know what’s at stake. Their battle of adjustments and substitutions may well shape the outcome. PSG dominated France once again this season, securing Ligue 1 and the French Cup without stress. Inter Milan fell just short in Italy this season, but that wouldn’t matter if they left Munich with the trophy.
### Contrasting Identities: Flair vs Structure
PSG boast attacking flair, a team built to control possession and unleash speed in transition. Inter Milan, meanwhile, thrive on [tactical discipline](https://breakingthelines.com/tactical-preview/inter-vs-psg-a-dance-of-discipline-and-daring/), quick counters, and dangerous set pieces. Inter’s run includes a commanding win over Feyenoord, a gritty upset of Bayern Munich that included a strong performance at this very stadium, and a thrilling semifinal triumph over Barcelona — where they scored seven goals across two legs in one of the most entertaining ties in the history of the Champions League.
PSG’s road featured consecutive wins over English opponents. They survived a penalty shootout against Liverpool thanks to Gianluigi Donnarumma, handled Aston Villa’s challenge despite late drama, and comfortably outclassed Arsenal in the semifinals. Their attacking performance against Liverpool was impressive, even if the goals didn’t flow.
#### PSG’s New Era: Fast, Fearless, and Ready
The January signing of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli transformed PSG’s attack. Alongside Ousmane Dembélé, who has evolved into a leader after the departures of Neymar, Mbappe, Di Maria, and Messi, and teenage phenom Desire Doué, the Parisian frontline is as dangerous as it’s ever been. In defense, Marquinhos and Willian Pacho provide balance and bite. The entire nation of Ecuador will be tuned in to watch Pacho work.
This PSG team, rebuilt with youth and purpose, looks like a project coming together at the perfect time.
#### Inter’s Engine: Grit, Leadership, and Lautaro
Inter Milan are powered by veterans and warriors. Francesco Acerbi, a cancer survivor, scored the winner against Barcelona. Captain Lautaro Martínez continues to deliver when it matters most — 21 goals in Europe and counting, an all time record for Inter Milan, a storied club that has produced plenty of legends. Dutchman Denzel Dumfries has been a two-way force, dominating the flanks with power and precision and scoring off of set pieces.
They’re not here by accident. They’re here because they know how to fight and win. In this final, expect intensity, tactical shifts, and goals in the back of the net, not a grind like the Europa League final. PSG’s depth, youth, and attacking firepower may finally carry them over the line. If PSG score first, Inter will be chasing it, and players like Bradley Barcola could feature off the PSG bench and help shift the momentum in the game.
Prediction: **PSG** 3, Inter Milan 2
Main Photo by _federico pestellini / panoramic_