The pinnacle of European club football, the UEFA Champions League final for the 2024-25 season is confirmed following the intense semifinal matchups. What began with 81 hopeful teams aspiring to conquer Europe, navigating the inaugural 36-team league phase filled with drama, has now culminated in just two finalists. The ultimate match is fast approaching, with legacies on the line. Here are the essential facts about the final showdown:
Who is playing in the Champions League final?
The final will feature Italian powerhouse Inter Milan facing off against French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Inter secured their place by overcoming Barcelona in a dramatic semifinal tie, while PSG advanced after defeating Arsenal.
Inter Milan boasts a strong pedigree, having won the competition three times previously. They were recent finalists, reaching the showpiece event just three seasons ago where they were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Manchester City. In contrast, Paris Saint-Germain is seeking their first-ever Champions League title. Should they win, they would become only the second French club to lift the trophy after Marseille. PSG`s only prior final appearance was in 2020, where they lost to Bayern Munich.
Commentators and fans alike did not widely consider either club among the primary favorites to win the tournament this season, as the title has predominantly gone to teams from Spain, England, or Germany. The last time a club outside these three nations won was Inter Milan in 2010, while France`s single victory dates back to 1993.
Despite needing to replace key players over recent years, Inter Milan has consistently remained competitive, notably eliminating strong contenders like Bayern Munich and Barcelona on their path to the final. While their experience and steady improvement led some observers to consider them a potential threat, many pre-tournament predictions favored powerhouses such as Manchester City, Barcelona, or Real Madrid to win the trophy this season.
For several seasons, PSG has been seen as a potential contender, featuring global superstars like Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and Lionel Messi. Interestingly, they reached this final without those prominent attackers, as Mbappé departed for Real Madrid before the season began. Paradoxically, after years of trying with their star-studded attack, they now reach the final and are even considered early favorites.
When and where is the Champions League final?
The 2024-25 Champions League final is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025. The prestigious match will be held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. While regular Champions League fixtures are typically played on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the final is traditionally hosted on a Saturday.
What time does it start?
Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Where can I watch it?
In the United States, the final will be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, which serves as the platform for Champions League coverage.
