PSG destroy Inter Milan to lift first ever Champions League trophy

PSG thrash Inter Milan 5-0 in a historic Champions League final, clinching their first title and completing a treble in stunning fashion.

PSG players lift the Champions League trophy after embarrassing Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena on Saturday. (Photo credit: GOAL)

For the first time in the history of the UEFA Champions League, a team was beaten black and blue by a team that has never lifted the trophy before; it ended 5-0 to PSG against Inter Milan.

For many reasons, it was against all bookmakers’ expectations. With the type of defence that Inter boasted on the night, shipping five wasn’t ever going to be on anyone’s mind; it was a rout, an embarrassment and one that will forever be etched in the history books.

How did this happen? How did youth beat experience in such a disgraceful manner? How did PSG, a team that survived the group stage by the skin of their teeth, rise to continental glory in a rampaging manner, including their showing at the Allianz Arena on Saturday night?

After beating Barcelona the way they did, Inter Milan was the favourite to win the title, but what went wrong? From a back three of Bastoni, Acerbi and Darmian to their wingbacks Di Marco and Dumfries, Inter Milan were shocking in their defending; it was horrific.

It was a drab game, arguably the worst since Liverpool vs Tottenham in 2019, but beating a finalist 5-0 in the Champions League final will earn you so much respect. Luis Henrique and his lads deserve all the plaudits, but where does Simeone Inzaghi go from here?

Former Inter Milan fullback Achraf Hakimi tapped home a simple Desire Doue low cross in the 12th minute to kickstart the romp, and PSG never looked back from there. Doue doubled the PSG advantage not long after as the game went into the break without Inter Milan offering anything going forward.

So much was expected from Lautaro Martinez, but nothing was seen from him and all the Inter Milan players on the night. Two became three as Doue doubled his personal tally and Kvicha Kvaratshkelia joined the party late on before substitute Mayulu wrapped up the scoring.

"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; we are very happy. We have created a great family.

"He [Luis Enrique] is the man who has changed everything at PSG. Since he came here, he has changed the way football is seen. He is a loyal man; he deserves it more than anyone else."

For a team that lost Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Neymar over the last two years, landing the Champions League without those super names means a lot. Luis Henrique becomes the first manager to win the treble with two separate clubs in the modern era, having won it with Barcelona in 2015.