Paris Saint-Germain and Internazionale Milan meet in the 2025 UEFA men’s Champions League final this Saturday (31 May).
Lately, the Champions League has been dominated by two clubs majorly. Four years have passed since there was a final without Real Madrid or Manchester City, and three years have passed since there was another victor. Additionally, Spain or England have consistently prevailed since 2014. Bayern Munich was the only exception in 2020. But this time things have changed.
On Saturday, there will be a different champion in Munich, this time from a different country. PSG will face Inter in the final, putting France against Italy, which is unusual. Ligue 1 last had a champion in 1993, and Serie A, once the greatest league in the world, hasn't taken home the trophy in fifteen years. Marseille defeated Milan in the Champions League's first season. Since then, only two finals have featured a French club, with Monaco losing in 2004 and PSG in 2020.
Therefore, this time, City and Real will have to observe from the sidelines. However, it's encouraging to know that not just Spain and England, but all five major leagues, have a shot at winning the championship. Obviously, it would be preferable if the rest of Europe could participate more in the later phases as well.
However, one thing is certain: tomorrow, there will be two men on the sidelines who are the masters of their craft. Simone Inzaghi and Luis Enrique have become modern-day coaching legends thanks to their respective countries' distinct ideologies. They come from Italy and Spain, just like Ancelotti and Guardiola.
Image credit:- Paris Saint-Germain Football Club