Paris Saint-Germain produced a masterclass in pace, precision, and power to thrash Inter 5-0 in the Champions League final on Saturday night, claiming their long-awaited first European title in emphatic fashion.
From the opening whistle in Munich, it was clear the French champions had come not just to compete, but to dominate.
Achraf Hakimi struck early, and within 20 minutes Desire Doue had doubled the lead. Inter, stunned by the tempo and technical superiority of their opponents, were never allowed to settle.
The second half offered little respite, though Simone Inzaghi’s side briefly sought a foothold, PSG’s grip only tightened. Doue added a third after fine interplay from Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha, before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and teenage substitute Senny Mayulu completed the rout.
The result which is the biggest margin of victory ever recorded in a Champions League final reflected not only PSG’s attacking brilliance but their relentless intent.
For the Parisians, it was the fulfilment of a long and often painful journey. Luis Enrique, who took charge last summer, has reshaped the club’s European identity, blending youthful energy with seasoned quality.
He became only the second manager after Pep Guardiola to win a continental treble with two clubs, having achieved the feat with Barcelona in 2015.
Yet amid the historic triumph, there was also deep emotion. Enrique, wearing a shirt in tribute to his late daughter Xana, spoke of the fans’ gesture, a banner honouring her memory as one of the night’s most touching moments.
“I always think about my daughter,” he said. “But tonight we can finally enjoy it. We’ve taken the trophy home to Paris.”
Inter, by contrast, were left to reckon with a humbling defeat. “It didn’t feel like my Inter,” said a visibly deflated Simeone Inzaghi. “PSG were better. We didn’t play the final we wanted.”
Having pushed until the final weekend of Serie A, the Nerazzurri looked fatigued and out of rhythm.
Their defence, so often reliable, was carved open repeatedly by Paris’ dynamic movement and crisp passing.
As Inter prepare for the Club World Cup in the United States, they will carry with them the scars of last night while for PSG, the scars of past failures are now healed.
