In one of the most stunning performances in European football history, Paris Saint-Germain crushed Inter Milan 5–0 in the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League final, setting a new record for the largest winning margin ever recorded in a final.
More than just a victory, this was a symbolic moment—a crowning of PSG’s transformation from perennial contenders to undeniable champions. On the biggest stage in club football, they delivered a masterclass in dominance, precision, and flair.
A Final for the Ages
PSG’s emphatic win eclipsed the previous record set in the 1960 final, where Real Madrid beat Eintracht Frankfurt 7–3. While that game was famous for its attacking spectacle, PSG’s performance against Inter Milan was a symphony of balance—clinical finishing, tactical control, and defensive solidity.
From the very first whistle, the Parisians imposed themselves on the match. Warren Zaïre-Emery, still only a teenager, led the charge with a dazzling brace, combining composure beyond his years with incisive movement. His runs from midfield repeatedly disoriented Inter’s back line, and his goals set the tone for what was to come.
Achraf Hakimi, facing his former club, brought energy and sharpness on the flanks, scoring a powerful goal that made it 3–0 before halftime. In the second half, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian maestro who had rapidly become a fan favorite in Paris, curled in a sublime effort to put the game beyond any doubt. Finally, Bradley Barcola—another young star with the future at his feet—sealed the historic win with a fifth goal, assisted by substitute Noha Lemina Mayulu.
Record-Breaking Triumph
PSG’s 5–0 victory doesn’t just top the night’s headlines—it rewrites the history books. Here’s how it compares to the largest winning margins in UEFA Champions League (European Cup) final history:
1. 2024–25: Paris Saint-Germain 5–0 Inter Milan
– New record (5-goal margin)
– Goals: Zaïre-Emery (2), Hakimi, Kvaratskhelia, Barcola
2. 1959–60: Real Madrid 7–3 Eintracht Frankfurt
– A 4-goal margin in a 10-goal thriller, led by legends Di Stéfano and Puskás
3. 1973–74: Bayern Munich 4–0 Atlético Madrid (Replay)
– Bayern crushed Atlético after a 1–1 draw in the initial final
4. 1988–89: AC Milan 4–0 Steaua Bucharest
– Sacchi’s Milan at their peak with Gullit and van Basten
5. 1993–94: AC Milan 4–0 Barcelona
– A tactical dismantling of Johan Cruyff’s Dream Team
PSG’s win stands above all. Not only is the scoreline historic, but the performance itself was arguably one of the most complete ever seen in a Champions League final. From front to back, Luis Enrique’s side operated with mechanical precision and creative artistry—a rare balance at this level.
A New Era for Paris
This result is more than just a long-awaited first Champions League title for PSG. It may also mark a changing of the guard in European football. With Kylian Mbappé having departed the previous summer, critics questioned whether PSG could fill the void. But this final answered emphatically: they are no longer reliant on one superstar.
Instead, PSG’s victory was powered by a new generation of emerging talents—Zaïre-Emery, Barcola, and Doué—flanked by world-class signings like Kvaratskhelia and guided by seasoned leaders like Marquinhos and Donnarumma.
In dismantling a seasoned Inter Milan side that had dominated Serie A and fought their way through a gauntlet of European giants, PSG proved they belong among football’s elite. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.
Final Thoughts
Years of investment, criticism, heartbreak, and near misses have finally paid off. PSG, once viewed as a project, have become a powerhouse. Their 5–0 win in the 2024–25 Champions League final will be remembered not only for the scoreline but for the way it was achieved—with swagger, youth, control, and a desire to make history.
The Champions League has a new record—and a new king.
—Congratulations PSG
