PSG vs Inter Preview, Prediction, Lineups, where to watch and odds: 31/5/2025

The 2025 UEFA Champions League final is set to deliver a historic clash as Paris Saint-Germain face Inter Milan on Saturday, May 31, at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The match kicks off at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT) and marks the first time since 2004 that no English, Spanish, or German club will compete in the final, breaking a two-decade trend in Europe’s elite competition.

This final represents more than just a football match — it is a meeting of two clubs with vastly different legacies in Europe and a shared determination to lift the continent’s most coveted club trophy.

PSG Overview

Paris Saint-Germain arrive in Munich chasing their first-ever Champions League title. Despite heavy investment over the last decade and domestic dominance, European success has remained elusive for the French club. Their only previous appearance in the final ended in a narrow defeat to Bayern Munich in 2020 during the COVID-impacted campaign held behind closed doors.

Their path to this year’s final was hard-earned. After a shaky league stage, PSG eliminated a series of Premier League clubs in the knockouts. They edged Liverpool on penalties, dispatched a resilient Aston Villa, and overcame Arsenal 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals, including a decisive 2-1 second-leg win at the Parc des Princes.

PSG (4-3-3): Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz, Doue, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia

Inter Milan Overview

Inter Milan, in contrast, bring a decorated European history into the final. They are three-time winners of the European Cup/Champions League, with their most recent triumph coming in 2010 under José Mourinho. More recently, they reached the 2023 final but were narrowly beaten by Manchester City. This season, the Nerazzurri have looked determined to go one better.

Inter’s journey to the final included overcoming Bayern Munich, who were targeting a final appearance at their home stadium, and outlasting Barcelona in a dramatic semi-final that ended 7-6 on aggregate after extra time. Inter’s defensive solidity, combined with newfound attacking aggression, has made them one of the most complete sides in the competition.

Inter Milan (3-5-2): Sommer, Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco, Martínez, Thuram

Tactical Preview and Player Watch

Both teams bring contrasting playing styles into the final. PSG, under Luis Enrique, play an expansive, high-possession game with emphasis on quick transitions and wide attacking play. Inter, guided by Simone Inzaghi, favor a structured 3-5-2 formation built on midfield dominance, wing-back fluidity, and a dual-striker system.

Paris will rely heavily on the creativity and pace of Ousmane Dembélé and Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Dembélé has returned from a hamstring scare and is expected to start. Kvaratskhelia, who joined from Napoli last summer, has been a revelation on the left flank. Captain Marquinhos will marshal the backline, while midfielders Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz provide ball progression.

Inter’s fortunes will depend on the fitness of Lautaro Martínez, their top scorer and talisman. He was substituted with muscle tightness in the semi-final second leg but is expected to feature. Midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu will dictate play from deep, supported by Nicolò Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Defensively, Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi will be tasked with containing PSG’s rapid attackers.

Build-Up and Domestic Form

Both clubs entered the final in strong domestic form. PSG had already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title weeks earlier and lifted the Coupe de France after defeating Reims. Their focus has been squarely on the Champions League, with rotation in recent league fixtures to preserve key players.

Inter, on the other hand, battled Napoli down to the wire in Serie A. Although they ultimately finished second, their consistency throughout the season has made them a formidable opponent. Their domestic campaign included a strong defensive record and the league’s second-highest goal tally.

PSG vs Inter Milan: Where to watch?

The final will be hosted at the Allianz Arena in Munich, home to Bayern Munich. This world-class venue, with a capacity of 75,000, has previously hosted a Champions League final in 2012 and will provide a fitting backdrop for the season’s biggest fixture. Both clubs have sold out their ticket allocations, and a vibrant, split-color atmosphere is expected inside the stadium.

• UK Broadcast: TNT Sports, discovery+
• US Broadcast: Paramount+, TUDN
• Canada: DAZN Canada

Champions League Final Trends and What to Expect

Recent Champions League finals have often been tight and low-scoring affairs. From 2020 to 2023, each final ended with no more than two goals scored, and three of those matches finished 1-0. However, PSG and Inter have bucked trends this season with high-scoring knockout ties.

PSG have scored 31 goals since the final matchday of the league phase, averaging nearly 3 per game. Inter have netted 15 in the knockout rounds alone. However, defensive records have weakened — PSG have just six clean sheets in Europe this season, while Inter have only managed one since the round of 16.

Given the attacking profiles of both teams and recent matchups, this final could be one of the most open and entertaining in recent memory. If regular time doesn’t separate the two, extra time and penalties may once again decide the outcome.

Prediction

Both clubs have shown the ability to score under pressure, but Inter’s experience, depth in midfield, and physicality may give them the edge. PSG will likely test Inter’s backline, but the Italian side’s tactical discipline and finishing quality could prove decisive in a match that stretches beyond 90 minutes.

Prediction: PSG 2–3 Inter (after extra time)