2nd national open football
Selection 2025

With Paris Saint-Germain now in a "special moment" following their impressive 2-1 semi-final victory over Arsenal on Wednesday — 3-1 on aggregate — the long-standing dream of Champions League glory could finally become a reality. The French giants have booked their place in the final, set to be held in Munich on 31 May, where they will face Italian champions Inter Milan in what promises to be a historic clash.

This upcoming final is already notable in the annals of European football. It will be the first time since the 2004 showdown between Porto and Monaco that a Champions League final will not feature a club from Spain, England, or Germany — a break from two decades of dominance by teams from those footballing powerhouses. For PSG, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Despite being crowned French champions 13 times and dominating Ligue 1 in recent years, Europe’s most coveted club trophy has remained just out of reach. Their closest attempt came in the 2019-20 season when they reached the final but were narrowly defeated by Bayern Munich in a tightly contested match. However, under the leadership of Luis Enrique, a manager known for his tactical intelligence and ability to build cohesive units, PSG appear transformed. The team has struck an effective balance between individual brilliance and collective effort. Star players have bought into the system, contributing not just flair and goals but also a sense of unity and determination that has often been lacking in previous campaigns.

Now, with momentum on their side and belief running deep through the squad and supporters, PSG stand on the brink of history. A win in Munich would not only secure their first-ever Champions League title but also mark a turning point — the culmination of years of ambition, investment, and evolution into a truly elite European force.

Paris Saint-Germain’s journey to the Champions League final this season has been anything but conventional. Remarkably, they have lost five games along the way — an unusually high number for a team making it to the final stage of Europe’s most prestigious club competition. Yet, despite those setbacks, PSG have demonstrated an unshakable resilience and an uncanny ability to rise to the occasion when it truly matters. In the high-pressure moments, they have found ways to win, showcasing a grit and maturity that has often eluded them in previous European campaigns. Former Manchester United and Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves, speaking on TNT Sports, praised PSG's transformation under Luis Enrique. "They have turned to young, homegrown French talent — players that the fans can genuinely identify with," he noted. "They’ve become a proper team, united in their purpose and deserving of their place in the final." This focus on nurturing and trusting local players has not only strengthened the squad's identity but also reconnected the club with its passionate Parisian fan base. Luis Enrique’s influence has been central to this evolution. Known for his tactical discipline and no-nonsense approach, he has instilled a culture where every player is expected to contribute fully. "Luis Enrique understands you cannot carry any passengers in the Champions League," Hargreaves emphasized. "Everyone has to run, work, and sacrifice for the team." Under his guidance, PSG have matured into a well-rounded side that blends flair with responsibility — and in doing so, they've not only captured the hearts of their fans but also earned admiration from neutral observers across Europe. One of the defining features of PSG's campaign has been the outstanding performance of their full-backs, particularly Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. Both players have brought energy, speed, and tactical intelligence to the flanks, playing crucial roles in both defense and attack. Hakimi, in particular, has been a revelation — named man of the match in both legs of the semi-final and scoring a sensational goal that sealed PSG’s place in the final. His overlapping runs, defensive solidity, and attacking flair have made him one of the standout players of the tournament. Meanwhile, Nuno Mendes has been equally influential on the opposite side, combining defensive diligence with attacking verve. Together, the pair have provided width, dynamism, and balance, often setting the tempo and creating critical chances from the back. Their contributions have been instrumental in PSG’s success, reflecting the kind of tactical execution and team cohesion that define championship-winning sides. As PSG prepares for the final in Munich, they do so not just as a team of stars, but as a unit forged in adversity — a team that has learned to win ugly, to fight for every inch, and to carry the dreams of a city hungry for European glory.