The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final, scheduled for Saturday, May 31, pits Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) against Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena in Munich at 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time) to determine the European champion. PSG vs. Inter: historic 2024/25 Champions League final at Allianz Arena. Led by Luis Enrique, PSG aims for its first continental title, while Inter, under Simone Inzaghi, seeks its fourth trophy in the competition. Broadcast live on SBT, TNT, and Max, the match takes place in an iconic stadium with a capacity of 75,000 fans and is preceded by a Linkin Park performance. This unprecedented final in European competitions mobilizes millions of fans, with fan zones in Paris and Milan, promising a tactical and emotional spectacle.
The game brings together two clubs with distinct paths in the competition. PSG, yet to win the Champions League, reached the final after defeating giants like Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal. Inter, a three-time European champion, overcame Feyenoord, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona in a consistent campaign. The Allianz Arena, the final’s venue, has hosted historic finals, such as in 2012 when Chelsea defeated Bayern on penalties.
- Confirmed lineups: PSG fields Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, Doué, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia. Inter lines up Sommer, Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dumfries, Barella, Çalhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco, Thuram, and Lautaro Martínez.
- Tactical setups: Luis Enrique opts for a 4-3-3, while Inzaghi chooses a 3-5-2, setting up a strategic duel.
- Refereeing: Romanian István Kovács officiates, bringing experience from major European matches.
Expectations are high, with tickets sold out weeks in advance and fans flooding Munich’s streets. The final also secures the winner a spot in the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States.
Head-to-head history
PSG and Inter Milan have never faced each other in a Champions League final, making this a landmark event for both. In official matches, recent direct clashes are absent, but they met in friendlies. In 2016, PSG won 3-1 in the U.S., while Inter triumphed 1-0 in 2011. These encounters, however, pale in comparison to the intensity expected in the 2025 final, featuring star-studded squads and defined strategies.
Inter is in its seventh Champions League final, with titles in 1963/64, 1964/65, and 2009/10, the latter under José Mourinho. PSG, in its second final, lost to Bayern Munich in 2019/20. The French club’s current campaign, with 19 goals in the knockout stages, is its most offensive in the competition’s history.
Allianz Arena preparations
The Allianz Arena, opened in 2005, is set to host the final. With a capacity of 75,000, the stadium is renowned for its color-changing exterior lighting and modern infrastructure. The 2012 final, where Chelsea beat Bayern on penalties, was the last Champions League decider held there. Organizers anticipate a record crowd, with streamlined access and VIP areas for delegations and fans.
- Opening show: Linkin Park, recently reunited after a hiatus, performs a 20-minute show before the match, with synchronized visual effects on the stadium’s screens.
- Trophy ceremony: Javier Pastore, for PSG, and Javier Zanetti, for Inter, escort the trophy to the field, joined by German violinist David Garrett.
- Enhanced security: Despite an isolated clash between fans in Munich’s subway, the atmosphere around the stadium remains calm, with over 60,000 fans awaiting kickoff.
The pitch, praised for its quality, suits the technical play of PSG and Inter, who rely on speed and possession. Temperatures between 18°C and 22°C ensure ideal playing conditions.
Road to the final
PSG’s 2024/25 Champions League journey was grueling. Ranked 15th in the league phase, the French club navigated the playoffs, eliminating Brest. In subsequent rounds, they defeated Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal, with a standout 2-1 semifinal win over Arsenal in Paris. The team scored 33 goals in 16 matches, conceding 15, averaging 8.6 shots per game.
Inter, meanwhile, had a steadier run. Finishing 4th in the league phase, they secured a direct spot in the round of 16, where they dispatched Feyenoord. In the quarterfinals, they ousted Bayern Munich, and in the semifinals, they edged out Barcelona in two thrilling matches, with a 7-6 aggregate score. The Italians scored 27 goals and conceded 11 in 14 games, averaging 6.4 shots per match.
Key players
Both teams boast players in top form. For PSG, Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia spearhead the attack, while Gianluigi Donnarumma shines with eight clean sheets in the competition. For Inter, Lautaro Martínez, with nine goals, is the team’s top scorer, and goalkeeper Yann Sommer leads in saves in knockout matches.
- PSG: Donnarumma’s sharp reflexes and Kvaratskhelia’s quick dribbles are vital.
- Inter: Martínez, the captain and offensive linchpin, and Barella, with his midfield vision, are crucial.
- Tactical battles: Dembélé’s speed against Bastoni’s solidity and Çalhanoglu’s creativity versus Vitinha’s marking are matchups to watch.
The final promises balance, with PSG leaning on attacking flair and Inter prioritizing defensive solidity and quick transitions.
Atmosphere in Paris and Milan
In the finalists’ cities, excitement runs high. In Paris, the Parc des Princes hosts 38,000 fans with giant screens, while the Eiffel Tower displays messages supporting PSG. In Milan, Piazza del Duomo is the hub for Inter fans, with mosaics and chants. Social media, with hashtags like #PSGInter and #UCLFinal, sees millions of interactions, with fan videos going viral.
Friendly rivalry also boosts local commerce. In Munich, bars and squares display both clubs’ flags, and fans seek last-minute tickets. The final will reach over 200 countries, broadcast in dozens of languages, underscoring the Champions League’s global reach.
Prize money at stake
The 2024/25 Champions League distributes €2.45 billion in prize money. The winner will earn €25 million, with cumulative earnings potentially reaching €98.92 million for a perfect campaign. The league phase guaranteed €18.62 million per club, with €2.1 million per win and €700,000 per draw. The final’s global exposure also drives sponsorship deals and licensed product sales for both clubs.
- PSG: Has earned €56.22 million in fixed prizes and performance bonuses.
- Inter: Secured €52.18 million so far, with potential for more.
- Financial stakes: Victory could yield up to €130 million, including TV shares and merchandising.
The final is more than a trophy, serving as a platform for both clubs’ ambitions, backed by billionaire investors like Qatar Sports Investments (PSG) and Oaktree Capital Management (Inter).
Munich’s tradition
Munich cements its status as a premier football stage. The Allianz Arena, which replaced the Olympic Stadium, hosted matches in the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2024. The city, known for its hospitality infrastructure, welcomes fans worldwide, with packed bars and street events. The 2025 final is the first since 2004 without clubs from England, Spain, or Germany, signaling a shift in European football.
The choice of referee István Kovács sparked debate, as PSG eliminated two English clubs (Arsenal and Liverpool). Kovács will be assisted by Vasile Marinescu and Mihai Artene, with Cătălin Popa on VAR. Refereeing will be a focal point in this high-stakes match.
Tactical expectations
PSG’s 4-3-3 favors possession and wing play, with Hakimi and Nuno Mendes exploiting speed. Inter’s 3-5-2 relies on a solid defense and counterattacks led by Thuram and Martínez. The midfield will be pivotal, with Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz facing Barella and Çalhanoglu. The match could hinge on set pieces or defensive errors.
Coaches Luis Enrique and Simone Inzaghi, who exchanged greetings before the game, are tactical masterminds. Enrique revamped PSG after losing stars like Neymar and Messi, while Inzaghi keeps Inter competitive despite financial challenges.
Fan mobilization
The teams’ arrival at the Allianz Arena was electric. Players like Dembélé and Lautaro Martínez were cheered by fans. The locker rooms, adorned with club pennants, are ready, and the trophy, dubbed the “Big Ears,” awaits the champion. Despite the subway clash, heightened security ensures a controlled environment.
The final engages not just fans but football legends. Zlatan Ibrahimović, who played for both clubs, emphasized the match’s significance on social media. Pastore and Zanetti’s presence in the trophy ceremony highlights the clubs’ historical ties to the competition.