Paris Saint-Germain has made it to the Champions League final after a 2-1 victory over Arsenal (3-1 on aggregate). They are set to face Inter on May 31st. Their path to the final wasn`t always smooth; during the League Phase, this same PSG squad only just managed to qualify for the knockout playoffs, needing wins in their final three matches to secure their spot. However, the attack began to click, significantly boosted by the addition of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the January transfer window, which propelled them forward.
This mid-season improvement was enough for PSG to stabilize and emerge as the last team standing with a chance at a treble, including a major European title.
The Parisians have had an impressive run this season, but what were the key factors behind their success?
Having Faith in Luis Enrique
A critical element for PSG has been their manager, Luis Enrique, who brings immense experience from previous triumphs. He not only won a treble with Barcelona but also achieved strong results with the Spanish national team from 2018 to 2022. PSG quickly appointed Enrique, and his impact has been remarkable. He implements an aggressive, attacking style of football that is visually appealing, reminiscent of his Barcelona teams, yet this PSG side often displays even greater fluidity. Their midfield trio of Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz is incredibly versatile, effectively covering various roles while also allowing fullbacks like Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi to push forward.
Enrique also possesses invaluable experience in preparing for high-stakes matches, meaning he`s encountered and navigated through virtually every possible scenario. This calmness is reflected in his team`s demeanor; even when trailing, PSG maintains composure, sticks to their core principles, and finds ways to turn the game around, often adapting personnel as needed.
Adapting After Kylian Mbappé`s Departure
Moving on from a superstar is rarely simple, and this season wasn`t entirely without challenges for PSG. The departure of Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid in the summer left a noticeable gap in the attack – or so many believed. While significant funds were invested to bring in players like Willian Pacho, Desire Doue, Joao Neves, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, notably absent from this list was a recognized, traditional striker. This led to a shift towards a more collective attacking approach before Ousmane Dembélé transitioned into a central number nine role, a move that has proven historic.
Alongside Doue, Kvaratskhelia, and Bradley Barcola, no player in 2025 has scored more goals than Dembélé, who netted 25 goals in 26 appearances. What was initially a team effort to compensate for Mbappé`s absence eventually saw Dembélé step up significantly. Previously known for immense talent but hampered by injuries and inconsistency, Dembélé, along with many teammates, is now thriving and finding peak form under Enrique`s guidance.
The Energy of Youth
Reflecting on the recent signings, a striking observation is that none were older than 23 when they joined (Kvaratskhelia turned 24 in January). While they possess experience at high levels, they also bring boundless energy and a profound willingness to embrace Enrique`s strategic vision. Managing star players can be complex, as individual desires can sometimes overshadow the collective goal, a dynamic particularly evident in the past with the often-dysfunctional attacking trident of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé.
Under Enrique, this team exhibits none of that. Even in the 90th minute, players like Kvaratskhelia are diligently tracking back to contribute defensively. This commitment isn`t accidental; it`s a direct result of the identity PSG has forged under Enrique, supported by targeted recruitment. The coach`s next task is to guide this young squad to European glory, but simply by becoming the youngest team ever to reach a Champions League final, they have already made history.
Adrian Whitmore 
Benedict Kingsley