It feels like ages since the Champions League season kicked off on September 18th last year, introducing a completely new format. Inter faced Manchester City at the Etihad, finishing with a score of 0:0, while Paris Saint-Germain narrowly secured a 1:0 victory against Girona at Parc des Princes thanks to an own goal by Girona’s goalkeeper, Paula Gasanige, during stoppage time.

Fast forward eight and a half months, and we arrive at the much-anticipated clash in European club football—the grand final taking place at the “Allianz Arena” in Munich. The contenders are Inter and PSG, both of whom were initially seen as dark horses at the season’s outset.

The Nerazzurri are keen to reach their seventh final in the League/Champions Cup history, marking their second appearance in three years and chasing their fourth European Cup. In contrast, PSG is still in pursuit of glory in only their second final, having been defeated by Bayern Munich in Lisbon back in 2020…

Traditionally, there are compelling arguments favoring Inter ahead of tonight’s showdown in Bavaria, but PSG also brings its own strengths, having had an impressive season. All debates, however, will be settled when the referee Istvan Kovač blows the whistle at 21:00, signaling the start of the final.

PSG encountered a tougher route to the title match, finishing the league in 15th place and securing a playoff spot with a decisive 4-1 win against Stuttgart in the final round. They impressively eliminated three English clubs—Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal—on their march to the final.

Under Luis Enrique, PSG’s Champions League performance improved significantly over the season, while Inter enjoyed a more straightforward path, showcasing remarkable stability under Simone Inzaghi.

The “Black and Blue” concluded their regular season in fourth place behind Liverpool, Barcelona, and Arsenal, conceding just one goal in eight matches—this being their only defeat against Bayer Leverkusen. They then overcame Feyenoord, Bayern, and Barcelona in an epic encounter, tallying 13 goals and emerging victorious in the second leg at the “Giuseppe Meazza” after 120 minutes—4:3…

Thus, the stage is set—Inter vs. PSG; only one can emerge victorious from this grand campaign.

INZAGHI AND LAUTARO: THE FINAL HURDLE!

If Inter clinches the title, it would cap off Inzaghi’s four-year tenure and serve as a sweet remedy for losing out to Napoli in the Serie A title race.

“We’ve had a fantastic Champions League season, and returning to the final after losing to Manchester City two years ago is something we all wanted. We’re here now, having earned our spot, and there’s just one last step to take,” Inzaghi remarked.

The former Lazio coach might be leading Inter for the last time (with a lucrative offer from Al Hilal rumored), but recent reports hint at him staying put.

“The experience of the 2023 final will certainly help us prepare, but everything is different—the opponent, the atmosphere, and we are different now… We’re ready for this match; we wanted it and have given everything to get here,” said Inzaghi.

Captain Lautaro Martinez recalls the tears shed in Istanbul, where City outperformed them but still came out on top due to a singular goal by Rodri.

“It’s a significant feat to be in the final for the second time in three years, but it’s the winners who leave a mark. I want to turn this dream into a reality and gift the fans the trophy they’ve long awaited—it’s been 15 years,” said the Argentine, who has been recovering from an injury sustained in the second leg against Barcelona.

Inter triumphed in Munich on April 8, defeating Bayern 2:1 in the first leg of the quarter-finals, with Martinez and David Fratezi having only one goal in mind—returning to the Allianz Arena this season.

“The title isn’t an obsession, just a goal we aspire to achieve,” Inzaghi stated clearly.

PSG remains the last French team to have won a European trophy (the 1996 Cup Winners’ Cup), while three years earlier, Marseille claimed the European Cup in the only French-Italian final in the competition, beating Milan 1-0.

“SAINTS” ARE HUNGRY TO FINISH THEIR SEASON ON A HIGH

Statistics are not in Paris Saint-Germain’s favor, considering that French teams have only triumphed twice in 15 European finals. Yet, what Enrique has accomplished this season gives hope to the fans that history might be rewritten this evening in Munich.

The “Saints” have secured two domestic titles—Ligue 1 and the French Cup—and in the City of Light, they would trade both for the coveted trophy now at stake.

“When I came to Paris, I had one objective—establishing an identity and promoting teamwork. This approach has led us to the final, despite numerous doubters,” Enrique stated.

With no Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, or Lionel Messi in the lineup, it seems that their absence allowed PSG to flourish.

Enrique has brought forth young talents like Desire Duea and Bradley Barcola, while Ousmane Dembele is enjoying a standout season; Ashraf Hakimi is widely regarded as the world’s top right-back; Vitinha is a commanding presence in midfield, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been pivotal this season, often proving to be a hero. Alongside them, in January, Khviča Kvarachelia was added to bolster their attack.

“The motivation for this final is the pursuit of a trophy that remains absent from our collection. Winning that first trophy is always the hardest, as it opens the door for future generations. Just like it was for the Spanish national team at the Euros and World Cup,” Enrique highlighted.

The Spaniard experienced Champions League success with Barcelona in 2015.

“I am a more seasoned coach and individual compared to ten years ago. I firmly believe I am now a complete coach, and my past experiences, including the Berlin final against Juventus, will prepare me to guide the team against a formidable opponent,” Enrique concluded.

Inter is a top-notch team, said Enrique:

“Inter carries the weight of the 2023 final with them; they are well-versed in how to navigate such matches. With the same coach on board, they embody confidence, showcasing proficiency in play both with and without the ball. There’s no doubt both teams deserve to be here tonight,” he wrapped up.

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