The 2025 UEFA Champions League final in Munich is expected to be a thrilling encounter between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter. Both teams bring energy, structure, and attacking intent, making this a showdown that could deliver on the big occasion. As with any top-level clash, the match may come down to a handful of crucial individual duels where the outcome could tilt the balance.
Here are three areas where the final could be won or lost.
Nuno Mendes and Denzel Dumfries in the wide duel
The flanks could have a decisive influence on this year’s final, with both teams relying heavily on their wing-backs to stretch the game, support attacks, and create openings.
On PSG’s left, Nuno Mendes will be tasked with containing the threat of Denzel Dumfries, who has been a standout performer for Inter, especially in the semi-final tie against Barcelona, where he was involved in most of their goals. Dumfries has shown his ability to influence games in the final third, and he’ll aim to impose himself in similar fashion.
For Mendes, keeping Dumfries in check could be just as vital as making overlapping runs of his own. If the Portuguese defender can force his opposite number onto the back foot, it would shift momentum in PSG’s direction.
Meanwhile, the other side of the pitch will see Achraf Hakimi and Federico Dimarco go head-to-head in what should be an equally pivotal contest.
Tracking Dembele’s movement in the final third
Ousmane Dembele has hit top form this season, but he presents a different challenge to most centre-forwards. Rather than occupying a fixed role through the middle, the French international drifts between lines and looks for moments to strike when defenders switch off.
His off-the-ball positioning means that defenders must stay alert to sudden bursts, rather than physical battles. Dembele’s impact typically comes in isolated moments, often detached from PSG’s broader attacking build-up.
Inter may turn to either Yann Bisseck or Alessandro Bastoni to shadow Dembele, ensuring he doesn’t find time or space to threaten. Francesco Acerbi is unlikely to take on that responsibility given the nature of the matchup.
Should Inter lose track of Dembele’s positioning, he could be the one to punish them at the key moment.
Donnarumma’s presence between the posts
Gianluigi Donnarumma has arguably been PSG’s most influential player in their journey to the final. The Italian shot-stopper has made countless saves at vital stages, particularly during the clash with Arsenal, where his reflexes left attackers frustrated.
His consistency and dominance in goal have made him a cornerstone of the team’s European success this campaign. His ability to deny clear-cut chances means Inter will need to be especially clinical if they are to convert their attacking efforts into goals.
Regardless of how well Inter move the ball and create opportunities, they still have the enormous task of getting past one of the game’s standout performers this season.
