The stage is officially set for one of the most anticipated Champions League finals in recent memory. Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have earned their places in this year’s grand finale following dramatic, hard-fought victories against Barcelona and Arsenal in the semi-finals. From Inter's jaw-dropping comeback to PSG's tactical brilliance, these matches delivered pure football magic. Here's a breakdown of what went down and what it means for the final showdown.
Inter Milan's Comeback Against Barcelona Is One for the History Books
Inter Milan’s victory over Barcelona was nothing short of legendary. Facing a 2-0 deficit from the first leg, Simone Inzaghi’s men came into the Camp Nou under immense pressure. From the moment the whistle blew, it was clear they were ready to fight for every inch of the pitch.
Francesco Acerbi’s Heroic Moment
Inter's comeback began with an unlikely hero. Veteran defender Francesco Acerbi, who had never scored in the Champions League before, found himself in the right place at the right time to smash in a crucial goal during the second half. The 37-year-old’s header from a pinpoint corner sent shockwaves through the Barcelona defense, reducing the aggregate deficit and injecting life into Inter’s campaign.
Lautaro Martínez Leads the Charge
Inter’s captain, Lautaro Martínez, then delivered an electrifying second goal to level the tie, showcasing his signature precision in front of goal. The Argentine forward sneaked past multiple defenders to latch onto Marcus Thuram’s cross, firing it into the top corner.
Extra Time Drama
With the aggregate score tied at 2-2, the match headed into extra time. Inter’s energy and resilience ultimately paid off when Nicolò Barella curled a stunning shot into the top left corner in the 112th minute, sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory for the Nerazzurri.
Inter’s ability to rally from behind and defeat one of Europe’s most dominant sides marked this as one of the great Champions League semi-final performances of all time.
PSG’s Tactical Masterclass Overwhelms Arsenal
Over in Paris, PSG delivered a tactical clinic in their 2-0 second-leg victory over Arsenal, advancing 3-1 on aggregate. This marked another milestone for the French powerhouse as they continue their chase for that elusive Champions League trophy.
Donnarumma’s Defensive Brilliance
PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was the backbone of the team’s triumph, delivering a series of extraordinary saves to deny Arsenal’s attack. From Bukayo Saka’s close-range shot to a curling attempt by Gabriel Martinelli, Donnarumma made key interventions that kept PSG in control of the match.
João Neves Shines in Midfield
Meanwhile, 21-year-old João Neves was the standout performer in midfield, pulling the strings and dictating the tempo of the game. His near-perfect passing accuracy and relentless defensive effort helped PSG neutralize Arsenal’s creativity through the likes of Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice. Neves’s composure under pressure earned praise from manager Luis Enrique, who declared him “the future of PSG’s midfield.”
Mbappé and Dembélé Deliver
PSG’s attack was fueled by their world-class forward line, with Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé delivering the goals that secured their win. Mbappé opened the scoring with a stunning solo run that ended in a clinical finish, while Dembélé capitalized on Arsenal’s defensive lapse to slot in the second goal.
PSG’s disciplined display highlighted their evolution under Luis Enrique, proving they are no longer an offense-heavy side but a well-rounded team capable of dominating Europe’s best.
What the Final Has in Store
With both teams earning their places through stunning victories, the 2025 Champions League final is shaping up to be a clash of giants. Here’s what to watch for as Inter Milan and PSG prepare to battle for club football’s biggest prize.
Inter Milan’s Strengths
Resilience Under Pressure: Inter’s comeback against Barcelona is a testament to their mental toughness, which will be crucial against PSG’s relentless attack.
Experience in Defense: Players like Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni offer stability at the back, ensuring Inter can handle PSG’s star-studded front line.
Captain Fantastic: Lautaro Martínez’s leadership and consistent ability to deliver in key moments could be a deciding factor.
PSG’s Key Weapons
World-Class Talent: With players like Kylian Mbappé and Gianluigi Donnarumma in their ranks, PSG has the firepower and defensive strength to outclass any opponent.
Midfield Control: João Neves’s rise as a midfield maestro will be crucial as PSG looks to dominate possession and dictate the flow of the game.
Luis Enrique’s Strategy: Under Enrique, PSG has grown into an efficient unit with balance across the pitch, making them a formidable force.
Who Will Take Home the Trophy?
The debate begins now, but one thing is certain: this year’s Champions League final will be unforgettable. Inter Milan’s determination and PSG’s artistry promise a display of football at its finest.
Football fans around the globe will be tuning in on [date], bracing for 90 minutes (or more) of edge-of-your-seat action as these two clubs compete for glory. Will Inter Milan’s resilience prevail, or will PSG finally achieve their long-awaited European dream?
