How does Paris Saint-Germain’s remarkable victory against Internazionale in the Champions League compare to other outstanding performances in European Cup finals?
Paris Saint-Germain stunned the watching world with a spectacular 5-0 victory over Internazionale to win the UEFA Champions League in Munich on Saturday night. This historic triumph marks the first time the French giants have lifted the coveted trophy, and their performance was nothing short of sensational.
But how does their display compare with other great performances in European Cup finals over the past seven decades?
In 1960, Real Madrid produced a magical performance at Hampden Park, dismantling Eintracht Frankfurt with a remarkable 7-3 victory. This match is often regarded as one of the greatest club matches ever played, with Alfredo Di Stefano scoring a hat-trick and Ferenc Puskas netting four goals. The attendance that night was a staggering 127,621, adding to the spectacle.
Fast forward to 1989, and AC Milan showcased their dominance at the Nou Camp, thrashing Steaua Bucharest 4-0. With 97,000 fans in attendance, iconic Dutch players Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten both scored twice, leaving the Romanian side in their wake.
The 1994 final saw Barcelona face off against AC Milan in Athens, but it proved to be a one-sided affair. Daniele Massaro’s two first-half goals set the tone for a 4-0 rout, with Dejan Savicevic and Marcel Desailly also getting on the scoresheet. This victory marked Milan’s third European Cup win in six seasons.
In 2011, Wembley hosted a repeat of the 2009 final, with Barcelona once again outclassing Manchester United. Pedro opened the scoring, but Wayne Rooney equalised before half-time. However, Lionel Messi and David Villa sealed a 3-1 victory for the Catalan giants, leaving a lasting image of Sir Alex Ferguson’s frustration on the bench.
Now, in 2025, PSG have finally broken through, hammering Inter to win the trophy for the first time. Their 5-0 victory is the widest margin in any European Cup final, showcasing their dominance throughout the match. Achraf Hakimi opened the scoring early, followed by goals from Doue, who netted twice, and further strikes from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Senny Mayulu capped off a stunning display.
As Rio Ferdinand remarked during the coverage of PSG’s win, “this has to be the most dominant final I’ve seen since the 2011 final at Wembley when Barcelona absolutely destroyed our Man United team. Pure and utter dominance.” PSG have finally claimed their place among the elite in European football.