Doué and Hakimi show puts PSG ahead of Inter in the first half in Munich in the Champions League final

The 2024/25 Champions League final, held at Munich’s Allianz Arena, saw Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) dominate Internazionale in the first half, ending with a 2-0 lead. With goals from Désiré Doué and Achraf Hakimi, the French side controlled possession and pressed Inter’s defense, limiting their chances. The match, which kicked off at 4:00 PM on Saturday, May 31, 2025, featured a pre-game performance by Linkin Park and drew attention with intense moments. PSG’s fans electrified the stadium, while Inter struggled to respond in the final minutes of the first half. The game remains ongoing, with the first 48 minutes marked by swift plays and defensive errors from the Italians.

PSG, led by Luis Enrique, fielded an attacking lineup, with Doué, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia leading the charge. Inter, under Simone Inzaghi, relied on Thuram and Lautaro Martínez but struggled to create opportunities. PSG’s high pressing was a game-changer, forcing errors in Inter’s buildup. The Allianz Arena, the stage for the final, saw moments of tension, including a clash between fans in Munich’s subway before the match.

• Key first-half highlights:
  • PSG’s dominance with 59% possession.
  • Goals from Hakimi and Doué in well-crafted plays.
  • Inter’s struggle to bypass PSG’s high press.

The match, still in progress, sees PSG in control, but Inter aims to regroup for the second half.

Parisian dominance early on

The game began with PSG exchanging passes and pushing forward from the first minute. Doué, just 60 seconds in, attempted a curling shot, but it went wide. Inter struggled to maintain possession, with Sommer under pressure during build-up play. PSG’s high press stifled the Italians, who only reached the attacking third through a Thuram move, quickly neutralized.

PSG’s fans, out in force at the Allianz Arena, created a vibrant atmosphere, with French ultras using flares that filled the stands with smoke. Inter, sitting deep, relied on counterattacks but struggled against PSG’s solid defense, anchored by Marquinhos and Pacho.

First goal and the ex-factor

At the 11th minute, PSG took the lead with a rehearsed move. Vitinha found Doué unmarked in the box, and the young Frenchman, instead of shooting, passed to Hakimi. The Moroccan full-back, formerly of Inter, slotted the ball into the net. Out of respect for his former club, Hakimi kept celebrations muted, posing briefly with Doué.

The goal rattled Inter, who began misplacing passes. PSG’s fans grew louder, while Luis Enrique urged his players to maintain pressure. Inter tried to respond with a Barella advance, but PSG’s defense snuffed out the danger.

45 minutes to go! 👊#UCLfinal (2-0) pic.twitter.com/ji8P5QRLUK

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 31, 2025

Doué extends the lead

The second goal came at the 19th minute in a lightning counterattack. Kvaratskhelia played a long ball to Dembélé, who switched play to Doué. The young forward controlled and struck powerfully, leaving Sommer no chance. The move showcased PSG’s speed and precision, exploiting gaps in Inter’s backline.

• Details of the play:
  • Kvaratskhelia started the move with a long pass.
  • Dembélé delivered a precise cross to Doué.
  • Doué’s shot found the top corner, beating Sommer.

The goal celebration saw more smoke in the stands, with PSG ultras intensifying their use of flares. Inter, stunned, attempted a response with a header from Acerbi, but the ball sailed over the bar.

Pressure and missed chances

PSG maintained 59% possession midway through the first half. Dembélé, at the 10th minute, had an early chance but shot weakly, allowing Sommer an easy save. Later, at the 43rd minute, Doué set up Dembélé again, but the winger’s finish went wide.

Kvaratskhelia also shone, with a solo run at the 46th minute earning a corner after a deflected shot. In the next play, he headed dangerously close to the post. Inter had a clear chance at the 36th minute, with Çalhanoglu’s corner finding Thuram, whose header missed the target.

Timeline of key moments

• 1’: Doué attempts a curling shot but misses.
• 11’: Hakimi scores the opener after Doué’s pass.
• 19’: Doué doubles the lead with a powerful strike.
• 36’: Thuram heads wide from a dangerous position.
• 46’: Kvaratskhelia nearly scores after a skillful run.

Inter’s timid response

Inter began to show signs of life around the 30th minute, holding more possession and passing near PSG’s box. Dimarco and Mkhitaryan tried to create on the left, but PSG’s defense held firm. A mistake by Nuno Mendes at the 39th minute gave Inter hope, but Thuram failed to capitalize on the through ball.

Inzaghi’s side raised their press, complicating PSG’s build-up. Still, the French side remained dangerous, with Fabián Ruiz testing Sommer from distance. Despite their efforts, Inter couldn’t create clear chances to trouble Donnarumma.

Off-field tension

Before the match, fan rivalries heated up in Munich. A clash in the subway involved Italian ultras and PSG supporters, according to reports. Local police managed the situation, but it heightened pre-game tension. Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was festive, with Linkin Park’s performance energizing the crowd.

• Pre-game events:
  • Linkin Park’s performance on the Allianz Arena pitch.
  • Trophy presentation by Pastore and Zanetti.
  • Fan altercation reported in Munich’s subway.

Lineups and tactics

PSG lined up with Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia. Luis Enrique’s strategy focused on high pressing and quick passing. Inter, with Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Çalhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Lautaro Martínez, adopted a cautious approach but struggled against PSG’s intensity.

PSG exploited the flanks through Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, while Inter relied on long balls to Thuram and Lautaro, neutralized by PSG’s defense.

Halftime show

Linkin Park’s pre-game show was a highlight, with the recently reunited band delivering a brief but electrifying set. The stage, set up on the pitch, was quickly dismantled for the trophy presentation, led by PSG legend Javier Pastore and Inter icon Javier Zanetti.

A performance by German violinist David Garrett added to the spectacle, creating a memorable moment before kickoff. PSG’s fans, in particular, responded with chants and flares, amplifying the final’s atmosphere.

First-half numbers

PSG outshot Inter, averaging 8.6 shots per game in the competition compared to Inter’s 6.4. The French side also led in corners, with five to Inter’s two. PSG’s tactical discipline, with fewer yellow cards (0.9 per game vs. Inter’s 2.1), was evident in the opening 48 minutes.

• Partial stats:
  • Possession: PSG 59%, Inter 41%.
  • Shots: PSG 7, Inter 3.
  • Corners: PSG 5, Inter 2.
  • Fouls: PSG 4, Inter 6.

Second-half anticipation

With a 2-0 lead, PSG heads to the locker room in control, while Inter seeks adjustments to turn the tide. The smaller Italian contingent in the stands tries to rally their team. The match, still ongoing, promises more drama at the Allianz Arena.

Thuram comes close! 🤏 #ForzaInter #UCLFinal #ParisInter pic.twitter.com/rod9Li4fHi

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) May 31, 2025

Hakimiiiiiiiiiiii

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 31, 2025

🗣️#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/07elpBma4S

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 31, 2025

Together. #ForzaInter #UCLFinal #ParisInter pic.twitter.com/GhAYsmCA90

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) May 31, 2025