Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are set to clash in the UEFA Champions League final this Saturday at the Allianz Arena, with star forwards Ousmane Dembélé and Lautaro Martínez poised to take center stage.
Both clubs have exceeded expectations en route to the final. PSG are chasing their elusive first Champions League title, while Inter are eyeing their fourth crown — and their first since the Jose Mourinho-led triumph in 2010.
The matchup promises a high-octane battle between two in-form sides, each boasting key players capable of tilting the balance in this season-defining encounter.
PSG’s Road to the Final
Under manager Luis Enrique, PSG endured a shaky start in the group stage, winning only one of their first five European matches. However, they hit form in the knockout rounds, dispatching a trio of Premier League contenders: Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal.
Inter’s Grit and Glory
Simone Inzaghi’s Inter have shown grit and resilience throughout the tournament, culminating in a thrilling 7–6 aggregate semifinal win over Barcelona, capped by a dramatic 4–3 second-leg victory at Camp Nou.
Key Players to Watch
Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
The French winger has been electric in Europe, contributing a goal or assist in each of his last four Champions League games. His decisive strike in a 1–0 semifinal first-leg win over Arsenal showcased his finishing, taking his tally to eight goals and four assists this campaign. Dembélé’s pace and unpredictability will be a serious test for Inter’s defense.
Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
Inter’s captain has delivered in big moments, scoring nine goals from an xG of just 4.5 — outperforming even Dembélé. He has found the net in five straight Champions League matches, including a key goal against Bayern Munich. Despite battling injury, Martínez played through pain in the semifinals and now has the chance to etch his name into Inter folklore with a win.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
The Italian shot-stopper has been in inspired form. He earned Player of the Match honors against Liverpool after saving two penalties in a dramatic shootout and kept a clean sheet in the semifinal first leg against Arsenal with five crucial saves.
Yann Sommer (Inter Milan)
A standout signing, the Swiss veteran made seven saves in the chaotic 3–3 semifinal draw with Barcelona, earning Player of the Match. His calm under pressure and big-game experience will be vital against PSG’s dynamic attack.
Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
The Moroccan right-back has been a constant outlet down the flank, scoring in the semifinal second leg against Arsenal and earning Player of the Match honors. His matchup with Federico Dimarco could be decisive.
Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan)
Dumfries was sensational in the semifinal, scoring twice and assisting Marcus Thuram’s goal in the second leg against Barcelona. With five goal involvements in two matches, his attacking runs will be crucial.
Vitinha (PSG)
PSG’s midfield engine, Vitinha has been instrumental in their pressing system. He starred in the semifinal first leg against Arsenal and calmly converted in the shootout versus Liverpool. His ball-winning ability high up the pitch gives PSG a tactical edge.
Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan)
The Italian wing-back has been one of Serie A’s most consistent performers this season, with four goals and seven assists. His attacking output, paired with strong defensive stats (27 tackles, 15 won, 14 interceptions), makes him a key two-way player.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
A January arrival, the Georgian winger has made an instant impact. His creative flair earned him Player of the Match against Aston Villa, and he troubled Arsenal throughout the semifinal with his direct play and technical ability.
Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
Back from injury, Thuram’s presence reinvigorates Inter’s frontline. He scored early in the semifinal first leg and nearly netted a wonder goal against Feyenoord. His physicality and finishing will be essential in breaking PSG’s defensive line.
With both clubs featuring star-studded lineups and compelling narratives, Saturday’s final is set to deliver one of the most thrilling conclusions to a Champions League campaign in recent memory.
