The UEFA Champions League, Europe’s premier club football tournament, has witnessed numerous epic finals since its inception in the 1955/56 season. Two of Europe’s renowned clubs Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan have both graced this grand stage. This article delves into each club’s history in the UEFA Champions League finals and provides an in-depth preview of the upcoming 2025 final, analysing their performances in both European and domestic competitions.
Inter Milan: UEFA Champions League Final History
Inter Milan, also known as Internazionale, boasts a rich history in the Champions League, with multiple final appearances:
1. 1963/64 – Winner
- Opponent: Real Madrid
- Score: Inter Milan 3-1 Real Madrid
- Venue: Praterstadion, Vienna
Highlight: Inter clinched their first European Cup under coach Helenio Herrera, with goals from Sandro Mazzola and Milani.
2. 1964/65 – Winner
- Opponent: Benfica
- Score: Inter Milan 1-0 Benfica
- Venue: San Siro, Milan
Highlight: Inter retained their title with Jair’s first-half goal sealing the win on home soil.
3. 1966/67 – Runner-Up
- Opponent: Celtic
- Score: Celtic 2-1 Inter Milan
- Venue: Estádio Nacional, Lisbon
Highlight: Inter lost to the “Lisbon Lions” in a historic victory for Celtic, the first British team to win the competition.
4. 1971/72 – Runner-Up
- Opponent: Ajax
- Score: Ajax 2-0 Inter Milan
- Venue: De Kuip, Rotterdam
Highlight: Johan Cruyff’s Ajax dominated with Total Football to deny Inter another title.
5. 2009/10 – Winner
- Opponent: Bayern Munich
- Score: Inter Milan 2-0 Bayern Munich
- Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
Highlight: José Mourinho’s tactical masterclass delivered Inter’s third Champions League trophy with a brace from Diego Milito.
6. 2022/23 – Runner-Up
- Opponent: Manchester City
- Score: Manchester City 1-0 Inter Milan
- Venue: Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul
Highlight: Despite a valiant effort, Inter narrowly lost to Pep Guardiola’s City in a tight final.
Paris Saint-Germain: UEFA Champions League Final History
Paris Saint-Germain has had a relatively shorter history in the competition, with their rise to European prominence in recent years:
1. 2019/20 – Runner-Up
- Opponent: Bayern Munich
- Score: Bayern Munich 1-0 PSG
- Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
Highlight: PSG’s first-ever UCL final ended in defeat, with Kingsley Coman’s header proving decisive.
PSG vs Inter Milan in Champions League Finals. A Comparison
| Club | Finals Played | Titles Won | Runner-Ups | First Final | Most Recent Final |
| Inter Milan | 6 | 3 | 3 | 1964 | 2023 |
| PSG | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2020 | 2020 |
Key Takeaways
- Inter Milan has a storied legacy with three UCL titles and consistent appearances across decades.
- PSG has reached only one final, signalling a club still in pursuit of its first European crown.
- Both teams lost finals to Bayern Munich, a common link in their European journeys.
- 2025 UEFA Champions League Final Preview: PSG vs Inter Milan
The 2025 UEFA Champions League Final, set to take place on May 31, 2025, in Munich, promises a thrilling encounter between two in-form teams: Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan.
Paris Saint-Germain: A Resurgent Force
Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, PSG has transformed into a cohesive unit, moving away from their previous reliance on superstar talents. The departures of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Neymar paved the way for a younger, more dynamic squad.
Domestic Dominance: PSG clinched their 13th Ligue 1 title with six matches to spare, maintaining an unbeaten run for a significant portion of the season.
European Campaign: PSG’s journey to the final included notable victories over top English clubs: Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal. Their semifinal triumph over Arsenal was marked by a 3-1 aggregate scoreline, showcasing their tactical prowess and resilience.
Key Players
Ousmane Dembélé: With 33 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, Dembélé has been instrumental in PSG’s attacking endeavours.
Gianluigi Donnarumma: The Italian goalkeeper’s crucial saves, especially in the semifinals against Arsenal, have been pivotal.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: The Georgian winger, signed in January 2025, has added flair and creativity to PSG’s attack.
Inter Milan: Consistency and Experience
Managed by Simone Inzaghi, Inter Milan has combined experience with tactical discipline to reach their second Champions League final in three years.
Domestic Performance: Inter has been in a tight title race in Serie A, showcasing consistency and depth in their squad.
European Journey: Inter’s path to the final included victories over formidable opponents, with standout performances from their attacking and defensive units.
Key Players
Lautaro Martínez: The Argentine striker has been in prolific form, scoring crucial goals in both domestic and European matches.
Hakan Çalhanoğlu: The midfielder’s creativity and set-piece prowess have been vital for Inter’s midfield dominance.
Defensive Solidity: Inter’s defence has been commendable, maintaining multiple clean sheets throughout the Champions League campaign.
Prediction: Who Will Lift the UEFA Champions League Trophy?
Both teams enter the final with compelling narratives:
- PSG seeks their first-ever Champions League title, driven by a rejuvenated squad and a tactically astute manager.
- Inter Milan aims to add a fourth European crown to their illustrious history, leveraging their experience and balanced team dynamics.
Prediction: Given PSG’s attacking flair, combined with their recent victories over top-tier English clubs, they might have the slight edge. However, Inter’s experience and defensive solidity cannot be underestimated.
Projected Scoreline: PSG 2-1 Inter Milan
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UCL Final | 31/05/25. 22:00
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Conclusion
The 2025 UEFA Champions League Final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan is more than just a match; it’s a culmination of strategic rebuilds, tactical evolutions, and the relentless pursuit of European glory. As both teams prepare for the showdown in Munich, fans worldwide eagerly anticipate a clash that promises excitement, drama, and footballing excellence.
