The highly anticipated Champions League final is set to take place in Munich on Saturday, showcasing a thrilling matchup between the French champions, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and the Italian runner-up, Inter Milan. This prestigious event marks the pinnacle of European club soccer, with PSG aiming to secure their first-ever European Cup title, while Inter seeks their fourth.
If PSG triumphs, they will become the first French club to win the Champions League since their arch-rival, Marseille, clinched the title in 1993. This victory would also validate the massive financial investments from their Qatari owners, who acquired a majority stake in the club back in 2011. On the other hand, Inter Milan is determined to avoid a trophyless season after narrowly missing out on the Serie A title to Napoli. However, Inter has demonstrated their resilience and capability on the European front, pulling off remarkable victories against Barcelona in the semifinals and Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals.
Kickoff Time: The Champions League final is scheduled to kick off at 9 p.m. local time in Germany on Saturday, which translates to 3 p.m. EDT or 7 p.m. GMT.
How to Watch: Fans in the U.S. can catch the action live on Paramount+, while those in Canada can tune in via DAZN. A comprehensive list of broadcasting options for other countries is available online.
On the Inter Milan side, all eyes will be on their captain, Lautaro Martínez, who is expected to lead the team in both goals and leadership on the pitch.
The final will be hosted at the iconic Allianz Arena, home to Bayern Munich, which has a seating capacity of 75,000. Although the arena opened in 2005, UEFA refers to it as the Munich Football Arena during its competitions. For the final, the usual branding and sponsor logos have been removed from the exterior, adding to the event's prestigious atmosphere.
Should PSG claim victory, they will join an exclusive group as only the second French club to win the Champions League. The closest they came previously was in 2020 when they lost to Bayern Munich in the final, a tournament that had to be restructured due to the pandemic.
Inter Milan last tasted success in 2010, ending a long drought since their consecutive wins in 1964 and 1965. However, they fell short in their most recent final appearance against Manchester City in 2023. This upcoming match will mark Inter's seventh final in total, with three wins and three losses to date.
Notably, this final will be the fifth European Cup final held in Munich. The previous four finals have each seen a first-time winner: Nottingham Forest in 1979, Marseille in 1993, Borussia Dortmund in 1997, and Chelsea in 2012.
For those interested in in-depth analyses, consider exploring:
Dembélé’s Incredible Transformation: How this player has brought PSG to the brink of Champions League glory. Inter Milan’s Last Shot at Glory: Can the Nerazzurri overcome PSG and secure a trophy for their coach? The Elusive Champions League Title: A deep dive into PSG's long-standing quest for European success.