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Paris Saint-Germain FC logo and Inter Milan FC logo
Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are set to face off in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday at the Allianz Arena, with the spotlight on star forwards Ousmane Dembélé and Lautaro Martínez.
Both teams have defied expectations to reach this stage, with PSG chasing their first-ever Champions League title and Inter aiming for their fourth, their last triumph coming in 2010 under Jose Mourinho.
The matchup promises a thrilling battle, with key players poised to decide the outcome of this high-stakes encounter.
PSG, coached by Luis Enrique, survived a rocky start in the league phase, winning just one of their opening five European matches before eliminating Premier League giants Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal.
Inter, under Simone Inzaghi, showcased resilience, notably in their epic 7-6 aggregate semifinal win over Barcelona, highlighted by a 4-3 second-leg victory.
PUNCH Online highlights key players to watch in tomorrow’s highly anticipated date.
Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
The French forward has been a standout, with his performances putting him in Ballon d’Or contention. Dembélé’s fourth straight Champions League game with a goal contribution came in the semifinal against Arsenal, where he scored the winner in a 1-0 first-leg victory.
His eight goals and four assists in the tournament, including a tap-in against Liverpool, underline his threat. On Saturday, he will face a tough test against Inter’s defence.
Lautaro Martínez (Inter)
Inter’s captain has been clinical, scoring nine goals in the Champions League from an expected goals (xG) total of just 4.5, outperforming Dembélé’s eight goals from 8.4 xG. Martínez’s five consecutive Champions League games with a goal include a crucial strike against Bayern Munich.
Despite a recent injury, he played through pain in the semifinal against Barcelona. A win could cement his status as an Inter legend.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
The Italian goalkeeper has been pivotal, earning Player of the Match honours against Liverpool with a penalty shootout heroics, saving two spot-kicks. His five saves and clean sheet against Arsenal in the semifinal first leg further showcased his form.
Yann Sommer (Inter)
The Swiss goalkeeper has proven a masterstroke signing, with seven saves in a 3-3 semifinal draw at Barcelona earning him Player of the Match in the second leg. His experience will be vital against PSG’s dynamic attack.
Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
The marauding right-back has been a creative force, earning Player of the Match in the semifinal second leg against Arsenal with a goal in a 2-1 win. His runs will test Inter’s left wing-back, likely Federico Dimarco.
Denzel Dumfries (Inter)
The Dutch wing-back was electric in the semifinal, scoring twice and assisting Marcus Thuram’s opener against Barcelona, earning Player of the Match. His five-goal involvements across the semifinal legs make him a major threat.
Vitinha (PSG)
The midfielder is the heartbeat of PSG’s high-pressing game, winning Player of the Match in the semifinal first leg against Arsenal. His flawless penalty in the Liverpool shootout and ability to win the ball back high up the pitch have been crucial.
Federico Dimarco (Inter)
The Italian wing-back has been a dual threat, contributing four goals and seven assists in 33 matches this season, starting 29. His assist in Inter’s 3-1 win over Cagliari and two in a 2-1 victory against Udinese highlight his attacking prowess. Defensively, he boasts 27 tackles, 15 won, and 14 interceptions.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
The Georgian winger, a January signing, has been a revelation, earning Player of the Match against Aston Villa. His creative spark and direct play troubled Arsenal in the semifinal, with a blistering shot nearly finding the top corner against Liverpool.
Marcus Thuram (Inter)
The French striker’s early goal in the semifinal first leg and a thunderous shot off the crossbar against Feyenoord highlight his danger. His absence in recent games saw Inter’s attack struggle, but his return has revitalised them. (The PUNCH)