Paris Saint-Germain lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy for the first time in their history after a tense 1-0 win over Inter Milan at Munich's Allianz Arena on May 31, 2025. The goal, scored by 21-year-old forward Warren Zaïre-Emery in the 67th minute, was a moment of quiet brilliance—just a touch off a cross from Achraf Hakimi, a finish that slipped past Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer. It wasn’t flashy, but it was decisive. And in a tournament defined by chaos, noise, and record-breaking goal totals, this quiet finish was enough to seal history.
The Semifinal That Broke the Record
But the real story of the 2024/25 campaign wasn’t the final—it was what came before. Inter Milan and FC Barcelona delivered a semifinal series that will be replayed for decades. Seven goals in the second leg at San Siro on May 6, 2025, capped a 7-6 aggregate thriller that tied the record for most goals in a Champions League semifinal. The first leg at Camp Nou on April 30, 2025, had already ended 3-3, with Raphinha scoring twice for Barcelona and Federico Dimarco replying for Inter. The return leg? Pure theater. Inter won 4-3, with Denzel Dumfries, the 28-year-old Dutch right-back, involved in five of those seven goals—three assists and two goals. His runs down the flank weren’t just fast; they were surgical. As Bleacher Report’s Mike Lynch wrote, "His timing was almost unbelievable. It was like he knew where the ball would be before the pass was even made."
Barcelona’s high defensive line, once a hallmark of their attacking identity, became their undoing. Eric García’s stunning long-range strike briefly gave Barça hope after falling 2-0 down, and Gerard Martín’s two assists kept them alive until Raphinha’s late equalizer made it 3-3 on the night. But it wasn’t enough. Inter’s resilience, their physicality, their sheer refusal to fold—they outlasted the Catalans in a game that felt more like a war than a football match.
PSG’s Quiet Rise
While Inter and Barcelona burned out in a firestorm of goals, Paris Saint-Germain moved with chilling efficiency. They eliminated Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate, winning 1-0 at Emirates Stadium on April 29, 2025, and then 2-1 at Parc des Princes on May 7, 2025. The difference? Gianluigi Donnarumma. The 26-year-old Italian goalkeeper, once mocked for his shot-stopping lapses and occasional blunders, delivered two masterclasses. Against Arsenal, he made seven saves across both legs, including a fingertip stop on Martin Ødegaard’s curler in the second leg that preserved PSG’s lead. "He didn’t just save goals—he saved their season," wrote UEFA’s match analyst in the official report.
PSG’s midfield, led by the unflappable Warren Zaïre-Emery and the ever-present Marco Verratti, controlled the tempo without flashy names. They didn’t need them. This was a team built on discipline, patience, and the kind of calm that only comes from years of near-misses. And now, after 53 years of trying, they had it.
Numbers That Define an Era
The 2024/25 Champions League was a statistical anomaly. A total of 618 goals were scored across 189 matches—the highest in tournament history. Raphinha of Barcelona and Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund tied as top scorers with 13 goals each. Harry Kane, with 11, came close but couldn’t catch them. Jhon Lucumí Pacho, João Neves, and Bradley Barcola each made 17 appearances, the most by any players. The tournament began in September 2024 and ended with the final on May 31, 2025. The next season, 2025/26, is already scheduled to kick off in September 2025.
Inter Milan’s journey was heroic but ultimately heartbreaking. They reached their first final since 2010, and for a moment, it felt like destiny. But PSG, cooler, calmer, and more experienced in the big moments, seized the chance. The final whistle wasn’t met with fireworks—it was met with silence. Then, slowly, the PSG bench erupted. Players collapsed to their knees. Neymar, watching from the stands, stood and clapped. He’d been here before. He knew what this meant.
What This Means for European Football
PSG’s triumph ends the long narrative of "almost"—the club that spent billions, signed superstars, and came up short. Now, they’re champions. For Inter, it’s a bittersweet legacy. They played with heart, but the final was won by composure, not courage. And for Barcelona? The cracks are widening. Their defense, once a strength, is now a liability. Their midfield lacks control. Their next manager will have to rebuild from the back.
Meanwhile, the Champions League continues its evolution. More goals. More drama. More unpredictability. And now, a new champion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Paris Saint-Germain win their first Champions League title after so many near-misses?
PSG’s victory came from tactical discipline, defensive stability, and the emergence of young talent like Warren Zaïre-Emery, who scored the decisive goal. Unlike past campaigns where they relied on individual brilliance, this team played as a unit. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s redemption as a reliable goalkeeper and the midfield control of Verratti and Sarr neutralized their opponents’ attacks. It wasn’t about stars—it was about structure.
Why was the Inter Milan vs Barcelona semifinal considered historic?
The 7-6 aggregate score tied the record for most goals in a Champions League semifinal. The second leg alone saw seven goals, with Denzel Dumfries playing a pivotal role in five of them. It was the first time since 2002 that a semifinal featured over 10 combined goals across two legs. The match also marked Barcelona’s most goals conceded in a two-leg tie in European competition history.
Who were the top scorers in the 2024/25 Champions League?
Raphinha of FC Barcelona and Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund tied for the top spot with 13 goals each. Harry Kane of Bayern Munich finished third with 11. Raphinha’s goals came in crucial moments, including two in the semifinal second leg against Inter. Guirassy’s were spread across the group stage and knockout rounds, making him the most consistent finisher in the tournament.
What does this mean for Inter Milan’s future?
Inter’s run to the final signals a resurgence under Simone Inzaghi, but their defense—especially in high-stakes games—remains vulnerable. They’ll likely target a central defender in the summer transfer window. Denzel Dumfries’ performance may trigger a contract extension, but the club must balance ambition with sustainability. This final could be the foundation for a new era—or a flash in the pan.
How did the 2024/25 season compare to previous Champions League campaigns?
With 618 goals across 189 matches, this was the highest-scoring season ever, surpassing the previous record of 594 in 2019/20. The number of 3+ goal matches increased by 22% compared to 2023/24. The rise in attacking play was attributed to rule changes favoring attacking transitions and the decline of ultra-defensive tactics. It was a tournament defined by offense, not defense.
When will the next Champions League season begin?
The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League is scheduled to begin in September 2025, with the first qualifying rounds starting in late July. The final is set for May 30, 2026, at the Wembley Stadium in London, England. Paris Saint-Germain will enter as defending champions, and all eyes will be on whether they can repeat—or if another club will rise to challenge them.
