Fueled by youthful energy and significant investment, Paris Saint-Germain claimed their first Champions League title last night, achieving a landmark victory in Munich.
In a stunning display, teenager Desire Doue was the undeniable star, tearing through Inter Milan`s veteran defense with two goals and an assist. His performance was central to PSG securing the largest victory margin ever recorded in a European Cup Final.
Luis Enrique`s side thoroughly outplayed Inter, mirroring their dominant performances against four English Premier League sides on their path to glory on this memorable Bavarian night.
This current PSG squad represents a significant evolution from the era previously dominated by the high-profile trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe at Parc des Princes.
The team now exemplifies elite, high-intensity, selfless teamwork, combining aesthetic play with ruthless efficiency in every aspect.
Achraf Hakimi, one of their powerful attacking full-backs, opened the scoring early in the match.
Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia netted the fourth goal, and then showcased the team`s commitment by tracking back roughly 70 yards to break up an Inter attack, even with a comfortable 4-0 lead late in the game – a perfect illustration of their team-first mentality.
Another 19-year-old talent, Senny Mayulu, completed the emphatic scoreline with a late goal assisted by Bradley Barcola.
While Doue, the 19-year-old signed from Rennes last summer, stole the spotlight with his impactful contribution, Ousmane Dembele was also highly influential, playing a key role in three goals and bolstering his candidacy for this year`s Ballon d`Or.
Fourteen years after the Qatari state took control of PSG, and following a prior final defeat in 2020 under Thomas Tuchel, this was the moment they finally achieved their long-sought European dream.
PSG featured a notably youthful squad this season with an average age of 23, contrasting sharply with Inter, who were the oldest team in the tournament, averaging just over 30 years old.
Any predictions suggesting that Inter`s experience and tactical knowledge would be sufficient to overcome PSG`s youthful dynamism were proven completely wrong by the final whistle.
Munich hosted the European Cup Final for the fifth time, and history repeated itself with a new champion crowned, following the footsteps of Nottingham Forest, Marseille, Borussia Dortmund, and Chelsea, who also won their first titles when the final was held here.
And after Marseille`s triumph at the old Olympic Stadium in 1993, this marks only the second time a French club has lifted the prestigious trophy, affectionately known as `Old Big Ears`.
PSG had convincingly beaten all four English Premier League teams they faced in this year`s campaign, while Inter had seen off final hosts Bayern Munich and then defeated Barcelona in a memorable semi-final encounter.
Although perhaps not the most anticipated final fixture for English viewers, both teams were undoubtedly deserving finalists based on their paths to the championship match.
Inter came close to preventing Manchester City`s Treble in the Istanbul final two years prior, but this challenge in Munich proved too great for Simone Inzaghi`s side.
Inzaghi`s team appeared content for large periods to defend deep, absorb pressure, and seemingly allow PSG`s energetic young players to do the running.
However, PSG are simply too dynamic and effective for such a passive defensive strategy. After just 12 minutes, they scored a beautifully simple opening goal.
Vitinha, the midfield lynchpin and tempo-setter in the Parisian defense, delivered a precise and elegant pass releasing Doue, who then unselfishly squared the ball for Achraf Hakimi to tap into an open net at the back post, initiating the historic rout.
