Despite reaching two finals in three years and thrilling victories in the semis, Inter Milan falls 5-0 to PSG in the Champions League final. Coach Inzaghi and Barella share their thoughts on the season.
Munich — Inter Milan’s stunning comeback against Barcelona only deepens the disappointment of their heavy Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Following an incredible 7-6 aggregate win over Barcelona in a thrilling semifinal, the Nerazzurri looked ready to go all the way.
But on Saturday in Munich, that same confidence was absent as PSG cruised to a 5-0 victory, the largest winning margin ever in a European Cup final.
Inter president Giuseppe Marotta urged perspective, saying, “It shouldn’t overshadow the season we’ve had. We just need to focus on the journey we’ve made in the Champions League,” while highlighting key wins against Feyenoord and Bayern Munich.
This marks Inter’s second Champions League final loss in three years, after falling to Manchester City in the 2023 final in Lisbon.
Inter had been chasing a potential treble after overcoming Bayern in the quarterfinals. However, they were eliminated by city rivals AC Milan in the Italian Cup semifinals and narrowly lost the Serie A title to Napoli by a single point last week.
“The image that remains somewhat overshadows the great season we have had,” Inter midfielder Nicolò Barella reflected after the latest setback. “Because unfortunately, in life as in soccer, what happens last is what we are left with.”
Champions League semifinals: Inter and Barcelona evenly poised, PSG holds a narrow lead over Arsenal
Champions League semifinals: Inter and Barcelona evenly poised, PSG holds a narrow lead over Arsenal
That impression was one of a team that simply failed to match PSG’s early intensity. PSG players looked sharper and hungrier, while Inter players gave the ball away with passes that failed to reach their intended recipient.
Inter ’keeper Yann Sommer kicked the ball out of play twice early. It was no surprise when Achraf Hakimi broke the deadlock against his former side. Hakimi didn’t celebrate but the PSG fans did. Their party was just beginning.
Désiré Doué scored twice, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ended the game as a contest, and Senny Mayulu completed the rout three minutes after going on as a substitute.
“They were stronger than us in every aspect—tactically and in their determination. They wanted it more, so we have to congratulate our opponents,” Barella said. “Sometimes setbacks like this happen, but you have to get back up, roll up your sleeves, and work to bring Inter back to where it belongs.”
Marcus Thuram created Inter’s best opportunities, nearly scoring with a header in the first half and later forcing a solid save from the otherwise unchallenged Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 75th minute.
There was no spirited comeback, no dramatic “remontada” like the one against Barcelona.
“We didn’t play a great final,” Inter coach Simone Inzaghi admitted. “That said, I’ve thanked the players for their efforts this season, and I’m proud to be their coach. It’s disappointing, but it doesn’t diminish what we’ve accomplished.”
Inzaghi added that it was too early to discuss his future as coach. Inter’s next challenge will be at FIFA’s Club World Cup in the United States.
Barella highlighted the achievement of reaching two Champions League finals in three years and surpassing expectations in recent seasons.
“We’ve had many matches, like those against Bayern and Barcelona, where heart mattered more than tactics,” he said. “Today, unfortunately, we were missing a crucial quality.”
Inter announced ahead of the game that their former club president, Ernesto Pellegrini, had passed away at the age of 84.
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