Berlin: Paris Saint-Germain finally claimed its long-sought Champions League title with a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich, marking a historic moment for the club.
The French champions set a new benchmark, achieving the largest winning margin in a European Cup final. Their commanding performance began early, with Achraf Hakimi striking in the 12th minute against his former club. Just seven minutes later, 19-year-old Desire Doue showcased his composure, doubling PSG’s lead before securing a second goal midway through the match. His brace made him the youngest player since Benfica legend Eusebio in 1962 to score twice in a Champions League final.
Paris Saint-Germain's relentless pressing and dynamic attacking play left Inter struggling to create meaningful chances, despite posing occasional threats from set pieces. Gianluigi Donnarumma remained largely untested, as PSG dictated the pace and controlled the match from start to finish.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia extended the lead in the 73rd minute with a well-executed counterattack, while substitute Senny Mayulu sealed the emphatic victory with a late fifth goal, just four minutes before the final whistle.
It was a night of firsts and records: not only did PSG achieve the highest winning margin in a Champions League final, but it also celebrated its first title after over a decade of pursuing European success. The victory marked only the second time a French club has lifted the European Cup, following Marseille's triumph in 1993, coincidentally also in Munich and also against an Italian team.
"It means everything! The fans are the main reason we wanted to win this trophy. It's our dream, it's everyone's dream. The team is very good, and the result is not by magic," said PSG midfielder Vitinha.
Coach Luis Enrique, who won the treble with Barcelona in 2015, now joined Pep Guardiola as one of only two managers to achieve that feat with two different clubs.
"Since day one I said I wanted to win important trophies, and Paris never won the Champions League. We did it for the first time. It's a great feeling to make many people happy," Enrique said.
While Inter, who fielded a familiar starting lineup, struggled to find a breakthrough, PSG's youthful and energetic squad executed their game plan with precision, leaving no doubt about whom the deserving champion is.
(inputs from IANS)