Key Battles in the 2025 Champions League Final: PSG vs Inter Milan

The 2025 UEFA Champions League final at the Allianz Arena in Munich promises not just a clash between two foot balling giants, but also a series of intense individual battles that could decide the fate of the game. Paris Saint-Germain are chasing their first ever Champions League title, looking to cap off a historic treble winning season. For Inter Milan, this is a final shot at silverware after a domestic campaign that saw them miss out on Serie A and both Italian cups.

As football fans around the world prepare for one of the most anticipated matches of the year, here are the key matchups that will shape the final:

Achraf Hakimi vs Federico Dimarco: Speed Meets Tenacity on the Flank

Achraf Hakimi, one of the most explosive full-backs in world football, has racked up an impressive 22 goal contributions this season. The Moroccan international, who once lifted the Serie A title with Inter, is now PSG’s dynamic right-back, known for relentless runs and attacking flair.

He will go head-to-head with Federico Dimarco, Inter’s attacking left wing-back, who has notched 4 goals and 11 assists across Serie A and Champions League play. Dimarco thrives in Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 formation, but his defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in the semi-final against Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

This battle will be a tactical chess match: Hakimi’s overlapping runs could stretch Inter, but Dimarco’s ability to exploit the space left behind may turn PSG’s strength into a weakness.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia vs Denzel Dumfries: The Dribbler vs The Destroyer

January signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, already a sensation at Napoli, has seamlessly slotted into Luis Enrique’s PSG, his creativity, dribbling and unpredictability will test Denzel Dumfries, Inter’s tireless right wing back who has scored 11 goals this season and offers a major threat going forward.

But Dumfries’ primary mission will be to contain the Georgian winger, who is no stranger to inter, having faced them six times with Napoli (though winning just once). If Dumfries can suppress Kvaratskhelia’s influence while still contributing offensively, Inter gain a decisive edge.

Marquinhos vs Lautaro Martínez: The Captains’ Duel

In the heart of PSG’s defence stands Marquinhos club captain, elder statesman and a survivor of many painful European nights, including the 2020 final loss to Bayern Munich, at 31, he brings vital leadership to a youthful team.

He’ll be directly pitted against Inter’s talisman Lautaro Martínez. The Argentine has 22 goals this season, including nine in Europe and remains the most lethal threat in the Nerazzurri’s attack, their rivalry even has an international history most notably in the 2021 Copa América final, where Martínez’s Argentina edged Marquinhos’ Brazil 1-0 at the Maracanã.

Their duel promises to be physically and emotionally intense, with both players carrying not just tactical roles but symbolic weight for their respective clubs;

Ousmane Dembélé vs Alessandro Bastoni: The Playmaker and the Wall

Ousmane Dembélé has undergone a career revival under Luis Enrique. With 33 goals this season, he’s PSG’s most dangerous attacker and a leading Ballon d’Or contender should he deliver in Munich.

He’ll often find himself in the sights of Alessandro Bastoni, Inter’s left-sided center-back, renowned for his positioning and ability to carry the ball out from the back. Bastoni’s ability to shut down Dembélé while initiating Inter Milan’s counter-attacks could be a game changer.

Midfield Mayhem: Vitinha, Neves & Ruiz vs Barella, Çalhanoğlu & Mkhitaryan

Midfield is often where finals are won or lost, and this one features an engrossing clash of contrasting trios.

PSG’s setup is anchored by the industrious Vitinha, a creative dynamo who also handles penalty duties. Alongside him, Joao Neves brings boundless energy and aerial prowess despite his size, while Fabian Ruiz adds elegance and composure his goal against Arsenal in the semis exemplifies his knack for turning up at key moments.

Inter’s trio brings experience and guile. Nicolò Barella’s box-to-box drive complements Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s deadly set-piece delivery and ball control. At 36, Henrikh Mkhitaryan brings wisdom and composure, though his stamina could be tested against PSG’s high press.

If Inter are to win the midfield battle, they’ll need to keep up with PSG’s younger legs without sacrificing control or structure.

Marcus Thuram vs Milan Škriniar: A Familiar Foe

Marcus Thuram, enjoying his most prolific season with 18 goals, has proven to be an ideal foil for Lautaro Martínez, his physicality and off-ball movement stretch defences, creating space for his strike partner.

Milan Škriniar, a former Inter stalwart now with PSG, will be familiar with the nuances of Inter’s attack, his insight into Thuram’s style and Simone Inzaghi’s system could prove invaluable. But stopping his former side in a high-pressure final will test not only his tactics but also his nerve.

Luis Enrique vs Simone Inzaghi: The Tactical Tug-of-War

On the sidelines, two brilliant minds will be orchestrating this chessboard.

Luis Enrique has turned PSG into a fluid, cohesive unit, brimming with youthful energy and tactical adaptability, his belief in positional play and fast transitions has paid dividends in Ligue 1 and Europe.

Simone Inzaghi, meanwhile, has sculpted Inter into a disciplined, counter-attacking machine, his trust in the 3-5-2 has delivered resilience and structure especially in knockout football, where Inter’s calm under pressure has been a defining feature.

Whose philosophy prevails will hinge on their flexibility, substitutions, and nerve when it matters most.

Final Thoughts – A Legacy Defining Night

The 2025 Champions League final is more than just a football match, it’s a defining moment in the modern history of both clubs.

For PSG, it’s a shot at immortality: a first European crown and a historic treble. For Inter, redemption is on the line after the heartbreak of 2023 and a title-less season so far.

With so many elite players, intriguing matchups, and tactical layers, the Allianz Arena is set for a classic. Whether it’s decided by the brilliance of Dembélé, the leadership of Marquinhos, or the cunning of Lautaro, one thing is certain: this final will be remembered for years to come.