The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final between Paris and Inter will take place at the Munich Football Arena at June 1.
Last summer, when Mbappé decided to leave PSG and join Real Madrid, no one could have imagined that the performances of these two teams this year would be so contrary to people's expectations. As last year's Champions League champions, Real Madrid were eliminated early in the quarterfinals of this year's competition. However, Paris Saint-Germain, despite losing both Mbappé and Messi, achieved their best-ever Champions League performance under the guidance of manager Luis Enrique, reaching the final of the competition. So why has Paris become a better team after losing Mbappé and Messi?
Tactical Rebirth: Possession as a Weapon
Enrique abandoned the "MNM" era’s dependency on individual brilliance. His 4-3-3 system prioritizes 68% average possession (UCL’s highest) and relentless pressing. Wingers Ousmane Dembélé (8 goals, 4 assists in 14 games) stretch defenses, while midfielder Vitinha orchestrates transitions.
Defensive Discipline: Fixing the "Headless Chicken" Era
Historic flaw solved: The MMN Mbappé-Messi-Neymar era saw midfielders bypassed in transitions, leaving defenses exposed. Now, coordinated pressing traps force errors—evident in their 3-1 semifinal win over Arsenal.
Leadership Reset: Dembélé’s Rise and Enrique’s Authority
Dembélé, once inconsistent, became PSG’s emotional engine. His 78% dribble success rate terrorized opponents, replacing Mbappé’s solo bursts with team-integrated flair. Enrique’s bold man-management—benching stars for tactical lapses—cemented a "no-privileges" culture. Recall Mbappé’s early substitutions: "We must learn to play without him," declared the coach.
Let’s look forward to a fantastic performance by PSG in the final. Do you think Paris this year can make history by winning the Champions League for the first time?
