The UEFA Champions League final pits Paris Saint-Germain against Inter Milan today at Allianz Arena in a historic first competitive clash between the two clubs. With PSG favored to win their first European Cup and Inter aiming for their fourth, the match promises a thrilling battle of styles. Here’s what you need to know to catch the action and key players to watch.
Previewing the PSG vs. Inter Showdown
PSG (60.1% possession this season) brings a dynamic attack led by a youthful squad (average age 24 years 7 months) under coach Luis Enrique. They’ve dominated since December averaging 2.45 points per game and boasting a +21 goal differential, per ESPN. Their path included wins over Liverpool, Arsenal, and a 3-1 aggregate over Real Madrid. Inter, with an older lineup (average age 30 years 4 months) coached by Simone Inzaghi, relies on tactical discipline and a 3-5-2 setup. They stunned Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate in a semifinal epic, with Francesco Acerbi’s stoppage-time equalizer and Davide Frattesi’s extra-time winner. Betting odds give PSG a 60% chance to win (-180) and Inter 40% (+130), per ESPN BET.
Key Players to Watch
ESPN’s ranking of 30 game-changers highlights PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a dribble-and-create winger signed from Napoli for €70 million, and Bradley Barcola, a 22-year-old with 17 goals across Ligue 1 and Champions League. Barcola leads in expected possession value (xPV) in open play, though his 0.09 xG per shot trails the 0.11 European average. Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni, a center-back with 99th-percentile progressive passes, and Denzel Dumfries, a wingback who crashes the box, are pivotal. Nicolo Barella ranks high in xPV for passes, crosses, and defensive actions. Goalkeepers Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG) and Yann Sommer (Inter) could steal the show, with Sommer’s 14 saves against Barcelona a standout.
How to Watch and What to Expect
Kickoff is today at Allianz Arena, streaming on ESPN+ in the U.S. PSG will wear their navy blue kit with red and white stripes, while Inter dons a golden yellow third kit. Expect PSG’s 4-3-3 to push for possession and fast breaks with Ousmane Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia, while Inter’s experience and set-piece prowess, led by Hakan Çalhanoğlu, could counter. Experts predict a tight match, with Marcotti forecasting a 2-1 Inter win and Laurens seeing a low-scoring 1-0 Inter victory, citing Inzaghi’s substitution mastery. PSG’s bench, including Warren Zaïre-Emery and Gonçalo Ramos, adds depth.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
This final contrasts PSG’s flair and youth against Inter’s grit and experience. Munich’s history favors first-time winners like PSG, with past finals (1979, 1993, 2012) seeing underdogs triumph. Yet Inter’s fearless semifinal performance suggests they could upset the odds. Tune in to see if PSG claims their first title or if Inter adds to their legacy.
