In a dramatic finish to this season’s European competition, Inter Milan’s recent achievements are overshadowed by their devastating defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. The team, renowned for their dramatic comeback against Barcelona in the semifinals, failed to reproduce such tenacity in the deciding match, resulting in a crushing 5-0 loss to PSG on Saturday in Munich.
Following a thrilling two-leg semifinal triumph over Barcelona, ending 7-6 on aggregate, Inter found themselves in an unfamiliar situation against PSG. On this occasion, the Nerazzurri could not channel the audacity that propelled them past their previous opponents, Feyenoord and Bayern Munich. It marks Inter’s second Champions League final loss in three years, with the team previously falling to Manchester City in the 2023 final held in Lisbon.
This season, Inter harboured hopes of completing a treble after overcoming Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals. However, their aspirations were dashed when rivals AC Milan ousted them from the Italian Cup semifinals, followed by a close finish in Serie A, ultimately losing the title to Napoli by a single point.
Reflecting on the outcome, Inter President Giuseppe Marotta emphasized the significance of their journey through the Champions League. Meanwhile, midfielder Nicolò Barella lamented the recent result, which cast a shadow over the team’s otherwise successful season. “In life, as in soccer, the latest events tend to define the bigger picture,” he remarked.
During the final match, PSG’s players demonstrated superior energy and passion, outperforming Inter in crucial areas. Mistakes from Inter’s side, like misplaced passes and an early concession, played into PSG’s hands. Inter’s goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, found himself struggling as the home side failed to retain possession, ultimately allowing Achraf Hakimi to open the scoring without celebrating against his former club.
As the match progressed, PSG solidified their dominance with an additional brace from Désiré Doué and goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Senny Mayulu. While Inter tried to respond, particularly through Marcus Thuram’s efforts that tested PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, it was clear that the comeback from earlier rounds wasn’t to materialize in this final.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi voiced his gratitude toward the team’s admirable season, despite the disappointing final. He avoided discussing his future, acknowledging instead the upcoming challenge at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
Barella commented on the club’s achievement of reaching two Champions League finals in three years, highlighting numerous high-stakes games where their determination exceeded tactical execution, notably against Bayern and Barcelona. Inter, however, failed to display that crucial characteristic in Munich.
Amid the match day, Inter mourned the loss of former club president Ernesto Pellegrini, adding a somber note to the day’s events. The club and its supporters will now look to the future, hoping to return to the pinnacle of European football.