The UEFA Champions League final is set to be a match offering fascinating contrasts, particularly with Paris Saint-Germain`s journey adding layers of intrigue as they emerge as an unexpected contender for Europe`s premier club trophy.
Few anticipated that PSG would reach such heights this season, especially following Kylian Mbappe`s departure. Manager Luis Enrique embarked on a strategy centered around a gradual rebuild, integrating rising French talent alongside seasoned veterans. Early results were somewhat inconsistent; defeats to Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich in the initial phase of the competition initially suggested PSG was more of a long-term project than an immediate finalist.
However, things began to shift for the better during the winter period. The arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia proved significant, as did the squad`s growing proficiency in executing Enrique`s tactical approach. PSG transformed into one of Europe`s most dynamic teams, largely built upon a distinctive pressing style that fuels their attacking play. Their commanding victory over Premier League champions Liverpool in the Round of 16 served as a powerful statement of intent, which they consistently reinforced through subsequent rounds, impressively securing their place in the Champions League final for the first time in five years.
As the countdown to the final continues, let`s delve into the path PSG navigated to reach Munich`s Allianz Arena.
The Group Stage
PSG commenced their Champions League journey with a narrow 1-0 win against Girona, a performance that felt somewhat uninspired. Despite taking 26 shots, they needed a 90th-minute own goal from Paulo Gazzaniga to secure the points. This was followed by a difficult run where the French champions failed to win their next four matches, suffering losses to Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich, alongside a draw against PSV. This left them with just four points from five games and languishing in 25th place, only one point outside the crucial knockout qualification spots.
Progressing from the group was far from guaranteed heading into the final matches. A comfortable 3-0 win in December against bottom-placed Red Bull Salzburg offered a vital reprieve, but their Champions League aspirations fundamentally hinged on their January encounter with the 2023 champions, Manchester City. Despite falling 2-0 behind by the 53rd minute, PSG demonstrated remarkable resilience, scoring four goals to clinch a pivotal and statement-making victory. A convincing 4-1 win at Stuttgart the following week solidified their position, ensuring Enrique`s side finished comfortably within the top 24 teams, ultimately securing 15th place in the group standings.
The Knockout Stages
In the knockout phase playoffs, PSG were drawn against fellow French club Brest, presenting an opportunity for a fresh start after a challenging group stage. The results were emphatic – despite Brest being a surprise package earlier in the competition, PSG dominated the tie with a resounding 10-0 aggregate triumph. Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha each netted two goals across the two legs, while Kvaratskhelia registered his inaugural European goal for his new club.
The comfortable progression against Brest was followed by an exceptionally demanding test in the Round of 16 against Liverpool. PSG suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to the in-form Reds, yet Enrique`s team largely outplayed them. Carrying that momentum into the return leg at Anfield, PSG levelled the aggregate score at 1-1 within just 12 minutes through Dembele. The match remained tightly contested, eventually requiring a penalty shootout to decide the winner, which PSG won decisively 4-1.
The quarter-finals saw PSG face Aston Villa, managed by their former coach, Unai Emery. Villa were enjoying a deep and impressive run in their first Champions League campaign in forty years. Enrique`s squad established a strong 3-1 lead in the first leg at home and extended their aggregate advantage to 5-1 early in the second leg at Villa Park. Villa mounted a spirited comeback, scoring three goals, but PSG ultimately prevailed with a thrilling 5-4 aggregate victory.
In the semi-finals, Enrique`s side encountered yet another English opponent, Arsenal, who had recently eliminated Real Madrid. The Gunners struggled to effectively counter PSG`s high press, and Enrique`s team quickly took a 1-0 lead at the Emirates Stadium just four minutes into the first leg, courtesy of another goal from Dembele. Arsenal spent much of the tie pushing for an equalizer, but PSG`s defense, supported by a strong performance from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and hindered by Arsenal`s missed opportunities, held firm. PSG won the second leg 2-1 at home, providing more than enough cushion to secure their spot in the Champions League final.
