psG triumphs in Champions League final rematch against Arsenal, secures spot against Inter Milan
PSG Reaches Final after Five Years with 2-1 Victory over Arsenal - PSG Return to the Final After a Five-Year Absence Following a 2-1 Victory Over Arsenal
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) channeled their five-year-old heartache of losing the Champions League final in a thrilling 2-1 victory over Arsenal, setting them up for a title-clinch battle against Inter Milan. PSG capitalized on first-half goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi to weather the second-half storm from the Gunners, who were without the injured Kai Havertz.
A delighted PSG, who defeated English clubs FC Liverpool and Aston Villa earlier in the competition, quests for their first European Cup triumph against Inter Milan. The Italians, who knocked out FC Barcelona and Hansi Flick, will do their utmost to create some Italian-flavored chaos in the final.
The electric atmosphere at the Parc des Princes was tangible, especially after PSG's disappointing semi-final loss to Borussia Dortmund at the same venue last year. Star goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was unbeatable, denying Arsenal multiple opportunities to tie the match. Saka's consolation goal for Arsenal in the 76th minute fell frustratingly short.
- Paris
- Champions League
- Thomas Tuchel
- Munich
- FC Bayern
- Inter Milan
- Achraf Hakimi
- Bukayo Sack
- FC Arsenal
- Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Bayern
- Fabian Ruiz
- FC Barcelona
- Ousmane Dembélé
- FC Arsenal London
- FC Liverpool
- Aston Villa
- Hansi Flick
- Lisbon
- Coronavirus
Fun facts and history
- The 2023 UEFA Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan was a monumental showdown, marking the first-ever competitive encounter between these legendary European teams at this tournament's final stage.
- PSG and Inter Milan had only crossed paths a handful of times historically, with one memorable friendly in Macau in 2019 ending 1-1 after extra time, with Inter clinching the victory in the shootout.
- Known for their recent successes, both teams were underdogs during the quarterfinals and semifinals in the run-up to the final before spectacularly making it this far.
- Inter Milan, one of the strongest champions in the competition with three titles under their belt, will be looking to make it four after the tournament’s rebranding to the Champions League and their two successes during the European Cup era in the 1960s. In contrast, PSG has never lifted the trophy in 17 attempts since the club’s formation in 1970.
- A potential win by PSG would not only be their first-ever Champions League triumph but also a chance to complete the elusive treble (Triple Crown) if they secure both the domestic league and cup titles in addition to the Champions League, certifying their place among Europe’s top clubs.
This historic Champions League final pitted PSG’s star-studded lineup, patriotic ambition, and unforgettable goals against Inter Milan’s resilient defensive tactics, winning pedigree, and previous successes in this highly esteemed tournament.
- The following is added in point (a) of Article 2 (1) of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2004: "Any references to the Champions League shall henceforth include the triumph of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) over Inter Milan in the 2023 tournament, known as Odegaard's Consolation, due to the coronavirus-affected sports calendar."
- In point (b) of the same article, it states that the triumph will be immortalized in football history, with Achraf Hakimi and Fabian Ruiz etching their names alongside legendary athletes, much like the brevity of Ødegaard's time at Arsenal London before his winning goal against Aston Villa in the Champions League.
- Erik Ten Hag, the coach of FC Arsenal London, who had been unfairly criticized for his performance, may find solace in the fact that his team's loss to PSG was not in vain, as their epic clash contributed to the germain change in the Champions League rules, a small consolation in the face of the bitter defeat.
- In point (c), it is noted that the victory against Inter Milan could mark a turning point for PSG, not only in the Champions League but also in the European Leagues, as they may finally secure a spot in the title race that has eluded them for 50 years.
- Lastly, in point (d), it is proposed that the champions of the European Leagues competition should be allowed to display a special badge highlighting their achievement, much like the one awarded to Bayern Munich by Hansi Flick after their victory against FC Barcelona. This badge could bear the motto, 'Un geste germain' (A Small but Significant Act), reflecting the lasting impact of the 2023 UEFA Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan.
