PSG (11/10 to win in 90 minutes) achieved their first UEFA Champions League title by convincingly defeating Inter Milan 5-0 in Saturday night’s final.
Initially expected to be a closely contested match, PSG quickly secured a 2-0 lead within the first 20 minutes through goals from Achraf Hakimi and Désiré Doué. Doué then extended PSG’s lead to three with his second goal ten minutes into the second half, further solidifying their position. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Senny Mayulu’s later strikes confirmed PSG’s dominant victory in Munich.
This final marked the end of a Champions League season that featured several unexpected outcomes, including Arsenal’s 5-1 aggregate victory over Real Madrid and a high-scoring semi-final where Inter Milan triumphed 4-3 against Barcelona in extra time.
With this victory, PSG became the first French club to win the Champions League title since Marseille in 1993, making them the 24th different club to win the tournament.
Reflecting on the final, Betfred’s Alan Firkins commented, “PSG spectacularly lit up the football season, especially in the early months, but on Saturday night, they outdid even themselves. Poor Inter, who almost tasted Champions League final glory against Manchester City two years ago, were utterly overwhelmed by a superior PSG side.”
“For coach Luis Enrique, it was a highly emotional second victory in Europe’s premier club competition, now broadened to include 36 teams and a new league-based format. He previously lifted the trophy in 2015 with Barcelona, facing Italian opposition then as well.” Firkins added, noting how Enrique dedicated this triumph to the memory of his late daughter Xana, as he had done with his previous victory.
According to Firkins, the result was well-received by bettors, with PSG being a popular choice and over 2.5 match goals being a heavily backed condition.
The one-sided bout also turned out favorable for bet365, as per Steve Freeth, who noted that it was a profitable evening due to the betting patterns, highlighted by 103 punters who had placed bets on PSG winning 5-0 at 66/1 odds.
“The match results,” Freeth explained, “were financially advantageous primarily because the popular prediction of both teams scoring did not materialize, combined with heavier bets placed against Inter Milan compared to those on PSG.”
Looking forward to next season’s competition, Betfred has priced PSG at 13/2 to retain their title, whereas Liverpool, England’s reigning champions, are slightly ahead at 6/1, the favorites to add to their six European Cups collection.
“Considering PSG’s triumphant display, their chances next season are promising,” Firkins remarked, showcasing confidence in PSG’s potential for a consecutive Champions League victory.
For bet365, odds for PSG’s consecutive win have been improved from 9/1 to 7/1, with Ousmane Dembele, despite not scoring in Munich, now placed at 1/3 odds for the Ballon d’Or, a significant shift from 150/1 earlier in the year.
“This team,” Freeth noted, “after several unfulfilled expectations, now stands as a prime contender for the 2025-26 season.”
The exciting weekend continues with the Betfred Derby Festival at Epsom, commencing with the Oaks on Friday. The Derby on Saturday sees Delacroix leading the odds at 5/2 in several places after recent victories at Leopardstown.