Champions League Final Preview: PSG Favored as Inter Milan Prepare to Defy Odds

The stage is set for one of the most anticipated matches in world football: the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan, to be held at the Allianz Arena in Munich this Saturday. As the football world converges on Germany, all eyes are on a contest where PSG is widely considered the favorite, while Inter Milan embrace the role of underdog.

PSG: Seeking History as the Favorite

Paris Saint-Germain enter the final with high expectations and a squad brimming with attacking talent. Under the guidance of manager Luis Enrique, PSG have overcome a challenging group stage to storm through the knockout rounds, defeating the likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal. Their journey has been marked by resilience—particularly in the semifinals, where they secured a commanding 3-1 aggregate victory over Arsenal to book their place in Munich.

Statistically, PSG are the clear favorites. The Opta supercomputer gives them a 56.6% chance of lifting the trophy, with Inter at 43.4%. Bookmakers echo this sentiment, with PSG priced at -165 to win the final at BetMGM, compared to Inter’s +125. PSG’s attacking trio, featuring stars such as Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, is considered one of the most potent in Europe, and their ability to control possession makes them a formidable opponent.

This is PSG’s second Champions League final appearance, following their 2020 defeat to Bayern Munich. For the club and its Qatari-backed ownership, a victory would be a historic first, cementing their status among Europe’s elite.

Inter Milan: The Resilient Underdog

Inter Milan, meanwhile, arrive in Munich as the underdogs, but with a history of defying expectations. The Nerazzurri, managed by Simone Inzaghi, have reached the final for the second time in three seasons, having lost to Manchester City in 2023. Their path to the final included a dramatic 7-6 aggregate victory over Barcelona in the semifinals, where they showed remarkable grit and determination.

Inter’s strength lies in their organized defense and the clinical finishing of Lautaro Martínez, who has been in scintillating form. The Italian side is unbeaten in their last four matches against French opponents in Europe, though they have not faced a team of PSG’s caliber during that run. Despite being ranked lower by both bookmakers and predictive models, Inter’s experience in high-pressure matches and their recent Champions League pedigree make them a dangerous opponent.

A Historic Clash

This final marks the first competitive meeting between PSG and Inter Milan, and only the second time a French and Italian club have met in a European Cup final—the first being Marseille’s victory over AC Milan in 1993, also in Munich. Both teams are eager to write a new chapter in their histories, with PSG chasing their first-ever Champions League title and Inter seeking their fourth, but first since 2010.

Conclusion

As the countdown to kickoff continues, PSG are the clear favorites, backed by data, bookmakers, and the form book. However, Inter Milan’s resilience and experience in finals make them a worthy challenger. The Allianz Arena will host a thrilling encounter, with both teams ready to fight for the most prestigious prize in European club football.

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