Image source: Reuters
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) produced
one of the most dominant performances in UEFA Champions League final history,
dismantling Inter Milan 5-0 in a night of unrelenting brilliance at Wembley
Stadium.
With goals from Achraf Hakimi, Désiré
Doué (brace), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Senny Mayulu, the Parisians left no
room for doubt — this was their night, and they were determined to seize their
long-awaited European crown with style.
This emphatic victory marks PSG's
first Champions League title in the club’s history, capping off a spectacular
campaign and sending a strong message across Europe. For Inter Milan, the night
turned into a nightmare, as their defensive structure collapsed under the
weight of PSG’s pace, creativity, and sheer firepower.
Early Signs of Supremacy
From the first whistle, it was clear
that Luis Enrique’s men came prepared. Their high press suffocated Inter’s
attempts to build from the back, while their front line buzzed with energy and
intent. The breakthrough came as early as the 12th minute, when Moroccan
full-back Achraf Hakimi stormed forward to slot home a low-driven shot past
Inter keeper Yann Sommer. The goal was the culmination of a slick, multi-pass
move that typified PSG’s tactical precision.
Hakimi, who had been a consistent
performer throughout the tournament, set the tone both offensively and
defensively. His goal lifted the crowd and sent shockwaves through Inter’s
setup, which never quite recovered from the early setback.
Doué Doubles the Damage
Just eight minutes later, it was the
19-year-old French sensation Désiré Doué who doubled the advantage. Known for
his flair and maturity beyond his years, Doué latched onto a perfectly weighted
through ball from Kylian Mbappé, slipping it calmly past the outstretched
Sommer. At 2-0, Inter looked shell-shocked.
Doué’s goal was more than just a stat
on the scoresheet — it was a statement. The Rennes academy graduate has been
one of the breakout stars of European football this season, and his performance
in the final was a testament to his rising stature. With his fearless runs,
tight control, and eye for goal, Doué tormented Inter’s midfield all evening.
Inter’s Tactical Missteps
For Simone Inzaghi’s Inter Milan, the
night was a stark contrast to their robust performances earlier in the
tournament. Usually lauded for their compact back-three formation and swift
transitions, Inter looked sluggish and tactically outmatched. Nicolo Barella
and Hakan Çalhanoğlu failed to dictate tempo, while Lautaro Martínez was
isolated up front.
Inter’s defensive trio of Alessandro
Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi, and Benjamin Pavard struggled to contain the
movement of PSG’s attackers. The lack of width and pressing resistance made it
too easy for the French side to build play and find spaces between the lines.
Second Half, Same Story
Inter Milan came out after the break
hoping to regroup, but PSG’s momentum was unstoppable. Désiré Doué struck again
in the 63rd minute, rifling in a left-footed shot from outside the box that
curled past Sommer into the top corner. The goal was not only spectacular but
also symbolic — the coronation of a new PSG era led by its emerging young
stars.
By the 73rd minute, Georgian winger
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia joined the party, finishing off a flowing counter-attack
initiated by Manuel Ugarte. Kvaratskhelia’s signing had raised eyebrows earlier
in the season, but the Napoli transfer proved decisive in PSG’s continental
quest. His speed, dribbling, and composure added a new dimension to the
Parisians' wing play.
Mayulu’s Magical Moment
To cap off a perfect night,
18-year-old academy product Senny Mayulu etched his name into PSG folklore with
an 86th-minute strike. After a neat exchange of passes on the edge of the box,
Mayulu danced past a tired Inter defense before slotting the ball into the net.
It was the fifth and final goal — a cherry on top of a perfect performance and
a reminder of PSG’s successful investment in youth.
Tactical Brilliance from Luis Enrique
Credit must be given to PSG manager
Luis Enrique, whose tactical setup was near flawless. Known for his
possession-based philosophy, Enrique adapted perfectly to exploit Inter’s
weaknesses. His decision to pair Mbappé with Kvaratskhelia and Doué gave PSG a
fluid front three capable of interchanging and dragging defenders out of
position.
Moreover, the midfield pairing of
Vitinha and Ugarte ensured defensive solidity and ball progression, while the
backline led by Marquinhos kept Inter’s forwards in check. Even Gianluigi
Donnarumma, though largely untested, remained composed and organized his
defense with authority.
A New Era for PSG
This 5-0 demolition not only secured
PSG their first-ever UEFA Champions League title but also marked the beginning
of a new chapter for the club. Long accused of relying too heavily on
individual stars like Neymar, Messi, and Mbappé, PSG’s current squad boasts
balance, youth, and cohesion — the perfect blend for sustained European
success.
As Mbappé is widely expected to
depart for Real Madrid, the emergence of talents like Doué and Mayulu provides
hope for the future. PSG’s revamped identity — built on collective brilliance
rather than galáctico glamour — may finally have unlocked the formula that
eluded them for so long.
Inter Milan: What Next?
For Inter Milan, the night was a
bitter pill to swallow. Despite a strong campaign, including wins over
Manchester City and Atlético Madrid, the Italian side was thoroughly outclassed
in the final. Questions will be asked of Inzaghi’s tactical choices and the
squad’s lack of adaptability under pressure.
With a busy summer transfer window
ahead, Inter must rebuild mentally and tactically. Reinforcements in defense
and midfield are likely, and a reassessment of their tactical rigidity could be
vital if they aim to return to another European final.
Final Score: PSG 5-0 Inter Milan
Goal Scorers:
- Achraf Hakimi (12’)
- Désiré Doué (20’, 63’)
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (73’)
- Senny Mayulu (86’)
.jpg)
0 Comments