Football: Paris SG and Inter Milan in CL Final for Eternal Success
First title for Paris Saint-Germain or the fourth triumph for Inter Milan: This question will be answered on Saturday (21.00/live Canal+, Sky, ZDF) in the final of the UEFA Champions League in Munich. While Inter, with Marko Arnautovic, narrowly missed the Italian championship and wants to avoid a trophyless season, PSG is aiming for the treble. "One last step is needed to fulfill a dream," said Inter coach Simone Inzaghi, speaking for both teams.
Premiere in the Champions League Final
A clear favorite cannot be determined in this duel, and both teams are meeting for the first time in an official competitive match. Inter wants to continue where it left off with successes against Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona. "The players have achieved something extraordinary. We played four great games against two strong teams," said Inzaghi, who wants to complete what was missed two years ago in the CL final against Manchester City (0:1) with his team.
The Italians traveled to Munich with confidence on Friday. "We deserve to be in the final. Honestly, I am very proud of this team and hope that we can now put the cherry on top," explained captain Lautaro Martinez. In this CL campaign, the Nerazzurri have lost only one of 14 games (0:1 in the group stage in Leverkusen). Inter will play as the away team in the final and will wear gold-yellow jerseys. In these jerseys, they have already been successful twice away in the CL this year.
Second CL Title with Inter for Arnautovic?
For ÖFB national team player Arnautovic, the circle closes with Inter. Fifteen years ago, the then 21-year-old won the CL trophy with the Milanese. "In 2010 I was here, 15 years later I am here again. The last two years have been emotional, exciting for me. Of course, there have been ups and downs," said the 36-year-old in the Sky interview. "I hope we can crown ourselves on Saturday." The story could repeat itself for the veteran, as the final will likely be his last game in Inter's squad. "Probably yes, indeed."
PSG has already played 16 games in Europe's premier class this season, more than any other finalist before. In the knockout phase, they prevailed against Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal, and in the league phase against Manchester City and also against Salzburg (3:0). "Thanks to the quality and development of our players and despite a difficult schedule, we have managed to come this far. This has prepared us for games like this, which is very positive for such a young team," explained coach Luis Enrique.
"Want to achieve something historic with PSG"
His Spanish compatriot Fabian Ruiz hopes for the big hit, the treble. "We want to achieve something historic with PSG. We are only one step away, so why not dream? This team, this city deserves it. We have worked hard over several years to get here," said the European champion.
Enrique pointed out the opponent's experience and their strength with set pieces. "It is Inter's second final in three years. They are ready. They haven't made many changes. It is a team that dominates in set pieces." This is countered with a younger average age, playing competence, and above all, the same tactical discipline for which Inter is also known.
(APA/Red)
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