Background on PSG’s Journey to the Final
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has secured a spot in their second UEFA Champions League final in the club’s history after defeating Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate in the 2024-25 semifinals. The French team will now face Inter Milan for ‘La Orejona’ in an unprecedented matchup.
PSG’s First Final Appearance and Previous Attempts
In the 2019-20 season, PSG reached the Champions League final for the first time but lost to Bayern Munich 0-1 in a unique bubble setting in Lisbon due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Road to the 2025 Final
With no health restrictions this time, PSG will play the final at the Allianz Arena in Germany on May 31, with a capacity of 66,000 spectators. The team’s captain, defender Marquinhos, shared his determination: “We’ve worked step by step. We knew how tough this competition was, and now we’re in the final. I’ve experienced losing a final before, so I’ll share that experience with my teammates.”
PSG’s Victory Over Arsenal
PSG advanced to the final with ease, having won 1-0 in London during the first leg of semifinals and sealing their spot with a 2-1 victory at Parc des Princes, thanks to goals from Fabián Ruiz (27′) and Achraf Hakimi (72′). Bukayo Saka scored a late goal for Arsenal (76′).
Arsenal’s Unlucky Streak in UEFA Competitions
Arsenal’s unsuccessful history in UEFA competitions continued, as they failed to overcome a deficit in a two-legged knockout round for the sixth time after losing the first leg at home. The team aimed to win by a narrow margin in Paris to force extra time and pursue their second Champions League final, having lost to Barcelona in 2006.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Luis Enrique, and why is he relevant? Luis Enrique is the current coach of PSG. His leadership and experience are crucial as PSG aims to win their first Champions League title.
- What is the significance of this final match between PSG and Inter Milan? This will be the first-ever final between French and Italian teams in Champions League history, with PSG seeking redemption from their 2020 final loss to Bayern Munich and Inter Milan aiming for their fourth title.
- What are the league standings of PSG and Inter Milan by the time of the final? PSG had already secured the French League title (Ligue 1) by early April, while Inter Milan was still competing for the Scudetto (Serie A title) with Napoli, needing to win their remaining three matches.
- What are the historical final records for PSG and Inter Milan in the Champions League?
- PSG: 2 finals (2020 – lost to Bayern Munich; 1993 – won with Olympique de Marsella)
- Inter Milan: 6 finals (1964 – won against Real Madrid; 1965 – won against Benfica; 1967 – lost to Celtic; 1972 – lost to Ajax; 2010 – won against Bayern Munich; 2023 – lost to Manchester City)
