Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) etched their name into football history by securing their maiden UEFA Champions League title with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in a memorable final held in Munich. The triumph marked a significant milestone for the Parisian club, making them only the second French side to lift the prestigious European trophy and completing a domestic treble for the season.

A Dominant Performance on the Grandest Stage

PSG delivered a commanding performance from start to finish. Achraf Hakimi opened the scoring in the 12th minute, setting the tone for the match. The young sensation Désiré Doué further solidified PSG's lead with a remarkable brace, showcasing his burgeoning talent. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia added a fourth, and 19-year-old substitute Senny Mayulu sealed the historic win with a late goal. The 5-0 scoreline represented the largest margin of victory in a European Cup or Champions League final since 1962, underscoring PSG's dominance.

Luis Enrique's Emotional Second Treble and a Poignant Tribute

For PSG coach Luis Enrique, the victory was deeply personal and professionally significant. It marked his second Champions League trophy and his second career treble, having previously achieved the feat with Barcelona in 2015. The win was imbued with emotion due to the memory of his daughter, Xana, who passed away from bone cancer in 2019. After the 2015 final, he had planted a Barcelona flag with Xana. Following this victory, PSG fans unfurled a giant tifo depicting Luis Enrique and Xana, in PSG colors, planting a flag—a gesture that visibly moved the coach. He later wore a t-shirt with an image of himself and his daughter planting a PSG flag. Enrique expressed his happiness and the emotional impact of the fans' tribute, stating, "She’s always with me. She’s supporting me, and our family, and I feel her presence."

Celebrations in Paris Marred by Violence

Back in Paris, initial celebrations were joyous. Thousands of fans gathered, with around 48,000 watching the match on giant screens at a fanzone in PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium. The Eiffel Tower was bathed in PSG's red and blue hues. However, as the night progressed, the jubilant atmosphere in parts of the city, particularly around the Champs-Élysées and near the stadium, descended into chaos and violence. Disturbing footage showed police clashing with rioting youths. Fires were ignited, projectiles were thrown, and tear gas and water cannons were deployed by riot police. Paris police reported nearly 300 arrests, mostly for disorderly conduct and possession of fireworks. Over 5,400 officers had been deployed to manage the event.

Official Condemnation and Wider Disturbances

France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence, stating, "True PSG fans are getting excited about their team’s magnificent performance. Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke law enforcement." Disturbances were not limited to Paris. In Grenoble, a car drove into a crowd of celebrating PSG fans, injuring four members of the same family, two seriously. The driver later surrendered. Earlier in Munich, minor clashes occurred between PSG and Inter Milan supporters near the Allianz Arena.

PSG's Transformed Identity

This Champions League victory was particularly significant for PSG as it came after a strategic shift in the club's approach. Following the departures of superstars like Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Neymar, the club focused on building a team around younger talents and collective effort rather than individual brilliance. This new philosophy was vindicated on the grandest stage. As one fan expressed, "We got our faith back this year with a team without stars. They’re 11 guys who play for each other."

Inter Milan's Disappointment and Uncertain Future

For Inter Milan, the final was a source of deep disappointment. Coach Simone Inzaghi admitted PSG's superiority and that his team "didn’t play well" and appeared "more tired." Inter's starting XI was notably older than PSG's, with an average age of over 30. The Italian club ended the season without any silverware, having also lost the Serie A title to Napoli. Questions arose about a potential squad rebuild and the future of Inzaghi, who has been linked with other clubs and did not commit to his future at Inter post-match.

Official Praise and Planned Festivities

Despite the unfortunate turn of events during some celebrations, PSG's achievement received high praise. French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated the team, stating, "Bravo, we are all proud. Paris is the capital of Europe tonight," and announced plans to host the team at the Élysée Palace. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo also hailed the "historic" moment. A victory parade was planned for the Champs-Élysées, with hopes that further celebrations would remain peaceful.

A Night of Triumph and Turmoil

PSG's historic Champions League triumph, achieved with a youthful, cohesive team, will be long remembered. However, the victory was unfortunately overshadowed by the subsequent street violence in Paris, highlighting a troubling contrast between sporting glory and civic disorder. As the city prepared to honor its champions, the hope remained that the focus would shift back to the remarkable achievement on the pitch.