Teen sensation Désiré Doué struck twice as Paris Saint-Germain stormed to their maiden European Cup victory, dismantling Inter Milan 5-0 on Saturday — the most dominant win ever in the final of the continent’s top club competition.
Having fallen short in the 2020 final against Bayern Munich, Luis Enrique’s PSG, who flirted with elimination in the group stage, finally secured the coveted trophy that their Qatari owners have pursued since acquiring the club in 2011.
This young PSG squad accomplished what former icons like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé could not — delivering Europe’s top prize. They now join Olympique de Marseille (1993) as the only French teams to win the title.
“Making history was a goal from the start of last season,” said manager Luis Enrique.
“I felt a connection with the players and the fans, a very strong connection that we saw throughout the season. We were able to handle the tension and excitement in the best possible way.”
PSG dominated from the outset, leaving Inter’s experienced lineup stunned with their energy and cohesion. The scoring began in the 12th minute when Vitinha threaded a pass to Doué in the box. Although Inter defenders appealed for offside, Federico Dimarco played him on. Doué calmly squared the ball for ex-Inter man Achraf Hakimi to slot into an open goal.
“We have made history, we have written our names in the history of this club,” Hakimi said.
“For a long time, this club deserved it, and we are pleased. We have created a great family.”
Eight minutes later, PSG struck again through a counter-attack launched by Ousmane Dembélé. Charging down the left flank, Dembélé floated a ball across to Doué, who controlled it on his chest and sent a deflected strike off Dimarco past a wrong-footed Yann Sommer.
Inter tried to respond after halftime, but PSG quickly put the result beyond doubt. Vitinha once again played provider, slipping the ball through to Doué, who calmly slotted it past Sommer to make it 3-0.
Inter’s defense continued to unravel. Dembélé split the defense with a long pass from his half to find Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who outran his marker and fired past Sommer at the near post, prompting wild celebrations from the PSG bench, including an emotional Luis Enrique.
With the win, Luis Enrique became only the second coach after Pep Guardiola to win the treble — league, domestic cup, and Champions League — twice. Both managers won their first with Barcelona and their second by defeating Inter.
“He is the man who has changed everything at PSG. Since he arrived, he has changed the way football is perceived. He is a loyal man; he deserves it more than anyone else,” said Hakimi.
There was still time for one more. Substitute Senny Mayulu added a fifth with a close-range finish from a Bradley Barcola assist, sparking deafening roars from the PSG fans who had been in full voice all night.
Inter, hoping to make up for their 2023 loss to Manchester City, ended the season empty-handed.
“It didn’t feel like my Inter out there, and the players are the first to know it, but I’m proud of the journey we’ve taken,” said Inter coach Simone Inzaghi.
Luis Enrique, visibly moved at the final whistle and wearing a T-shirt honoring his late daughter Xana, has transformed PSG from a star-studded ensemble into a united team playing with purpose and humility — and now, at last, crowned champions of Europe.
