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Paris Saint-Germain enter Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final as favourites, aiming to claim their first title against Inter Milan at Munich’s Allianz Arena.
News Central highlights the crucial matchups likely to influence the outcome of the game:
Achraf Hakimi vs Federico Dimarco
For PSG’s Moroccan right-back Hakimi, the final holds special significance, having won the Serie A title with Inter in 2021. Known as one of the finest attacking fullbacks globally, Hakimi has been directly involved in 22 goals this season. However, his forward surges often leave space behind, which Inter’s left wing-back Dimarco, who has four goals and 11 assists across Serie A and the Champions League, could exploit. Dimarco is vital in Inter’s 3-5-2 system for his attacking output but struggled defensively in the semi-finals against Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia vs Denzel Dumfries
Dumfries plays a similar role on Inter’s right flank, offering relentless forward runs and scoring 11 goals this season, including twice against Barcelona in the semi-final first leg. Yet, he faces the challenge of containing PSG’s Georgian left-winger Kvaratskhelia, who joined in January from Napoli and was influential in preventing Inter from winning the Serie A title. Kvaratskhelia has faced Inter six times previously, winning just once and never scoring against them.
Marquinhos vs Lautaro Martinez
The captains will face off in a South American showdown between PSG’s experienced Brazilian centre-back Marquinhos and Inter’s Argentinian striker Martinez. Marquinhos, 31, is PSG’s longest-serving player and has endured many Champions League heartbreaks, including the 2020 final loss to Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, 27-year-old Martinez is Inter’s leading scorer with 22 goals this season, including nine in European competition. The pair have met four times internationally, including the 2021 Copa America final, where Argentina beat Brazil 1-0.
Ousmane Dembele vs Marcus Thuram
Dembele, transformed under Luis Enrique into a prolific scorer with 33 goals across all competitions this season, leads PSG’s attack. A strong performance could propel him into contention for the Ballon d’Or, especially given his previous supporting role behind Kylian Mbappe. Inter’s French forward Thuram, a key partner for Martinez, has enjoyed his most productive season yet with 18 goals. Signed after last year’s final, he hopes to surpass his father, Lilian Thuram, who was a Champions League runner-up with Juventus in 2003.
Midfield Control
PSG’s midfield trio features the energetic Portuguese duo Vitinha and João Neves, alongside the stylish Spaniard Fabian Ruiz. Vitinha drives the team and takes penalties, Neves initiates pressing and is surprisingly strong in the air, while Ruiz, who scored a crucial semi-final goal against Arsenal, brings experience. Inter rely on Nicolo Barella as their midfield linchpin, supported by Turkish international Hakan Calhanoglu, renowned for his set-piece expertise. Veteran Henrikh Mkhitaryan, 36, completes the trio but may struggle to last the full 90 minutes.
