In Munich, the 2024/25 Champions League final pits Paris Saint-Germain against Inter Milan on Saturday, May 31, at 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Allianz Arena. Goalkeepers Gianluigi Donnarumma of PSG and Yann Sommer of Inter arrive as pivotal figures for the clash, having delivered standout performances throughout the tournament. Broadcast live on SBT, TNT, and Max, the match features the French club chasing its first European title against the Italian side aiming for a fourth Champions League trophy. This unprecedented showdown promises high stakes, with the goalkeepers stealing the spotlight after campaigns defined by critical saves. The Allianz Arena, a historic venue, hosts the game that will crown the continental champion.
The journey to the final underscored the importance of Donnarumma and Sommer to their teams. The 26-year-old Italian overcame past criticism to cement his role as PSG’s leader. Meanwhile, the 36-year-old Swiss found a platform to shine at Inter, building on years of steady but understated performances.
- Donnarumma: 39 games this season, 11 clean sheets.
- Sommer: 48 games, 21 clean sheets.
- Head-to-Head: PSG and Inter have never met in official Champions League matches.
The duel between the two goalkeepers highlights contrasting styles. Donnarumma, an early prodigy, carries the weight of being a high-profile signing. Sommer, with maturity and experience, embodies the reliability of a veteran seizing a late-career opportunity.
Road to Munich
PSG’s 2024/25 Champions League campaign faced early hurdles. The team finished 15th in the league phase, requiring a playoff against Stade Brestois, which they won 3-0 and 7-0. In the round of 16, they faced top-ranked Liverpool. After a 1-0 loss at home, PSG returned the scoreline in Anfield and advanced via penalties, with Donnarumma saving two shots. In the quarterfinals, they overcame Aston Villa despite a scare in the second leg, and in the semifinals, they defeated Arsenal in both matches, with scores of 1-0 and 2-1.
Inter Milan, conversely, enjoyed a steadier path. Finishing 4th in the league phase, they secured a direct spot in the round of 16. They eliminated Feyenoord with a 4-1 aggregate, defeated Bayern Munich 4-3 in the quarterfinals, and triumphed over Barcelona in the semifinals with a 7-6 aggregate. Sommer stood out, particularly in the 4-3 win against Barcelona, making seven crucial saves.
- PSG: 15th in league phase, 13 points, 10 goals in playoff.
- Inter: 4th in league phase, 6 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss.
- Allianz Arena: Hosts its second Champions League final, following Chelsea vs. Bayern in 2012.
Donnarumma: Redemption in Paris
Gianluigi Donnarumma joined PSG in 2021 after being named the best player at the Euro by Italy. With a contract until 2026, he faced scrutiny from the outset. His debut season saw a costly error against Real Madrid in the 2021/22 Champions League round of 16, mishandling the ball and allowing a goal that sparked PSG’s elimination. The mistake drew heavy criticism, and Donnarumma grappled with the pressure to justify his hefty transfer fee.
This season, the Italian found his footing. His performances in the knockout stages proved decisive. Against Liverpool, he saved penalties from Darwin Nuñez and Curtis Jones to secure progression. In the semifinal against Arsenal, he thwarted dangerous attacks, preserving PSG’s lead. At 26, Donnarumma is at his peak with PSG, recording 11 clean sheets in 39 games.
Sommer: Experience in the Spotlight
Yann Sommer, by contrast, built his career gradually. Before joining Inter in 2023, he spent a decade at Borussia Mönchengladbach and had a brief stint at Bayern Munich. His move to Inter, at a modest fee following André Onana’s departure, raised eyebrows. At 36, the Swiss became an undisputed starter and a cornerstone for Simone Inzaghi’s side.
In the Champions League, Sommer shone in the semifinal against Barcelona. In the second leg, with a 4-3 scoreline, he made seven saves, including one against Lamine Yamal in extra time. His defensive reliability contributed to 21 clean sheets in 48 games this season. Sommer’s experience and composure under pressure make him a vital asset for Inter.
Contrasting Styles on Display
Donnarumma and Sommer bring distinct approaches to goalkeeping. The 1.96m Italian leverages his reach to command the box and is known for quick reflexes. However, his ball-playing ability has drawn criticism, particularly in high-stakes matches. Sommer, at 1.83m, relies on precise positioning and agility to compensate for his shorter stature. His comfort with the ball suits Inter’s build-from-the-back philosophy.
- Donnarumma: Reflexes, reach, scrutinized for ball-playing.
- Sommer: Positioning, agility, adept at distribution.
- Styles: Italian is more physical; Swiss is more technical.
Match History
PSG and Inter have never clashed in official Champions League games. Their only encounter was a 2023 pre-season friendly, won by Inter 2-1, with goals from Stefano Sensi and Sebastiano Esposito, and Vitinha scoring for PSG. The 2024/25 final marks a historic milestone, with both clubs aiming to etch their names in the competition’s legacy.
Inter, champions in 1964, 1965, and 2010, are in their seventh final, having faced opponents from six nations. PSG, runners-up in 2020, seek their first title in their second final appearance. The lack of prior competitive meetings adds unpredictability to the matchup.
The Stage in Munich
The Allianz Arena, opened in 2005, hosts the final with a capacity of 70,000. The stadium previously staged the 2012 Champions League final, where Chelsea defeated Bayern Munich on penalties. It also hosted matches at the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2024. History favors first-time winners in Munich: all four Champions League finals held there (1979, 1993, 1997, 2012) crowned debut champions.
- Munich Finals: 1979 (Nottingham Forest), 1993 (Marseille), 1997 (Borussia Dortmund), 2012 (Chelsea).
- Capacity: 70,000 spectators.
- Trivia: PSG is the designated home team for the final.
Tactical Preview
Under Luis Enrique, PSG employs an attacking approach, led by Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Désiré Doué. Their defensive solidity, anchored by Marquinhos and William Pacho, relies on Donnarumma to prevent surprises. Inter, managed by Simone Inzaghi, uses a 3-5-2 formation, with Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram up top. Their defensive core, featuring Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni, is bolstered by Sommer.
Both coaches emphasized fine margins. Inzaghi referenced lessons from Inter’s 2023 runner-up finish, while Enrique highlighted PSG’s confidence. The final is a single match, with extra time and penalties if tied.
Season Stats
The goalkeepers mirror their teams’ campaigns. Donnarumma played 39 games, with 11 clean sheets, while Sommer featured in 48 matches, with 21 shutouts. PSG scored 19 goals in eight knockout games, while Inter conceded just 11 goals in 14 matches.
- PSG: 19 goals in 8 knockout matches.
- Inter: 11 goals conceded in 14 games.
- Standouts: Donnarumma (penalties), Sommer (semifinal saves).
Tradition vs. Ambition
Inter Milan carries a legacy of three European titles and a robust campaign this season. PSG, founded in 1970, aims to fulfill its ambitious project, having secured Ligue 1 and the French Cup in 2024/25. The final pits Italian experience against French determination, with Donnarumma and Sommer as emblems of their teams’ stories.
The match offers historic opportunities. PSG’s William Pacho could become the first Ecuadorian to win the Champions League. For Inter, a victory would solidify Inzaghi’s tenure and the Oaktree Capital ownership’s vision.
Broadcast and Coverage
The final airs live on SBT, with pre-game coverage from 2:00 p.m., on TNT for cable viewers, and on Max for streaming. A pre-match performance by Linkin Park heightens anticipation at the stadium. SBT Sports’ YouTube post-game coverage will feature interviews and the trophy ceremony.
UEFA will award €25 million (approx. R$162.32 million) to the winner and €18.5 million (R$120.11 million) to the runner-up, plus earnings from earlier rounds. The game is expected to draw millions of viewers, with a sold-out Allianz Arena.