In the 2024 UEFA Champions League final, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan will clash at the Allianz Arena in Munich, marking the first time in 21 years without a Premier League, Bundesliga, or La Liga club participating. Both PSG and Inter have defied expectations to reach the final, challenging the notion of the perceived strength of the Premier League.
PSG, who won Ligue 1 with six games to spare this season, have been building a high-pressing, collective team under manager Luis Enrique after parting ways with the 'Galactico' era. The departure of Kylian Mbappe and the sales of Lionel Messi and Neymar allowed the club to focus more on team dynamics, and their success in the Champions League knockout stages - eliminating four English clubs - is a testament to this shift.
Inter, on the other hand, relied on their experienced squad to outmaneuver Barcelona in the semi-finals, with players like Francesco Acerbi (age 37) and Yan Sommer (age 36) making key contributions. Simone Inzaghi's side finished fourth in the Champions League group stage and previously knocked out Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, demonstrating their consistency in European competitions.
Arsenal, the only English team to reach the Champions League's last four, are in danger of being overshadowed by two Premier League sides in the Europa League final. Both Manchester United and Tottenham hold leads going into their semi-final second legs, and should they meet in the final, it would be their fourth encounter this season.
Source: BBC Sports Football
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