Paris, perfected: PSG’s historic night of glory in Munich
In a night that will be etched in the annals of football history, Paris Saint-Germain PSG delivered a masterclass at Munich's Allianz Arena, securing their first-ever UEFA Champions League title with a resounding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan.
This triumph not only marked a historic milestone for the club but also showcased the emergence of a new era under the astute leadership of Luis Enrique.
A night of firsts and records
The final, held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, was notable for several reasons.
It was the first Champions League final played under the new format and the first since 2004 not to feature a club from England, Spain, or Germany.
PSG's victory was the most significant margin in any UEFA competition final, and they became only the second French club to win the Champions League, following Marseille's triumph in 1993.
Furthermore, PSG completed a continental treble, the first by a French club, with Luis Enrique becoming the second manager after Pep Guardiola to achieve this feat twice.
The emergence of young talent
Central to PSG's success was the performance of 19-year-old Desire Doue, who was named Man of the Match after scoring twice.
Luis Enrique's emphasis on team dynamics over individual stars was evident, especially in the wake of Kylian Mbappé's departure to Real Madrid.
Enrique remarked on this transition, highlighting the club's new direction and paying tribute to his late daughter Xana, adding an emotional touch to the victory.
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Reactions from the football world
Former PSG star Kylian Mbappe, now at Real Madrid, took to Instagram to congratulate his former team, describing their triumph as a victory "in style."
Despite his own difficult yet impressive season, Mbappé's new club went trophyless, underscoring the significance of PSG's achievement.
Inter Milan's goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, candidly acknowledged his team's shortcomings, stating that they "lacked courage" and allowed PSG too much space from the outset.
Inter's manager, Simone Inzaghi, faced with a humiliating defeat, questioned his future at the club.
Looking ahead
PSG's emphatic victory signals a potential new era of dominance in European football.
With a focus on youth development and a cohesive team strategy, the club has laid a strong foundation for sustained success.
However, challenges remain, including retaining emerging stars like Doue and Barcola, who may attract interest from more historically prestigious clubs.
The departure of Mbappe, despite ongoing legal disputes, underscores these risks.
As PSG prepares to face Tottenham Hotspur in the 2025 UEFA Super Cup and participate in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, the football world will be watching closely to see if this victory marks the beginning of a lasting European reign.
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