Lautaro Martinez vs Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes vs Denzel Dumfries and Six Key Battles That Will Decide the Champions League Final Between PSG and Inter

Where the European Cup Will Be Won and Lost in the Champions League Final in Munich

After 188 matches, 613 goals, and some of the most dramatic moments in recent Champions League memory, it all comes down to this. Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, two European powerhouses who have endured very different roads to Munich, are now just one win away from lifting the continent’s most coveted club prize. On Saturday night at the Allianz Arena, the 2024-25 Champions League final will crown its latest kings — but where exactly will this heavyweight clash be decided?

From box-to-box midfield generals to lightning-fast wing-backs and commanding centre-halves, this game is full of individual battles that could swing the outcome in either direction. Let’s take a closer look at the six key matchups that could shape the destiny of this season’s Champions League trophy.

Donnarumma vs Sommer: Shot-Stoppers in Spotlight

Champions League Final in Munich

Goalkeepers often fly under the radar until the very moment they are thrust into the centre of the action. In Champions League finals, the margin for error is minuscule — and it’s often the man in gloves who emerges as the unexpected hero or heartbroken scapegoat.

For PSG, Gianluigi Donnarumma has been nothing short of magnificent in Europe this season. The Italy international has delivered clutch performances time and again, none more memorable than his penalty shootout heroics at Anfield or his string of acrobatic stops against Arsenal in the semi-finals. His commanding presence and improved decision-making have been essential to Luis Enrique’s side navigating some treacherous waters in the knockout rounds.

On the other end, Yann Sommer might not always command headlines, but his impact on Inter’s journey to the final cannot be overstated. The Swiss veteran has been the picture of consistency since his arrival in 2023, and his remarkable stop to deny Lamine Yamal in the dying minutes against Barcelona may prove to be the save of the tournament.

This final could very well be decided by a single moment of brilliance — or a costly error — from either goalkeeper.

Nuno Mendes vs Denzel Dumfries: The Flank Duel of Fire and Fury

Nuno Mendes vs Denzel Dumfries

One of the most fascinating duels on the pitch will unfold down Inter’s right and PSG’s left, where Denzel Dumfries and Nuno Mendes will go head-to-head. Dumfries, a force of nature down the right flank, has enjoyed a phenomenal European campaign, including a two-goal, three-assist masterclass against Barcelona in the semis.

His ability to time his runs and stretch defences is a crucial element of Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 system. But he’ll meet a worthy adversary in Nuno Mendes, who has quietly established himself as one of the most complete left-backs in world football. His shut-down performances against Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka showcased his defensive nous, while his goals against Aston Villa in the quarters proved he’s still a potent threat going forward.

This battle could determine whether Dumfries is free to wreak havoc or if Mendes’ blend of athleticism and tactical awareness will keep him in check.

Hakimi vs Dimarco: Old Friends, New Foes

Achraf Hakimi vs Federico Dimarco

On the opposite flank, we’ll witness a reunion of sorts as Achraf Hakimi comes up against his former club. Now considered one of the best right-backs in the world, Hakimi has been integral to PSG’s attacking thrust this season, tallying over 20 goal involvements in all competitions.

Dimarco, Inter’s left wing-back, will be tasked with taming Hakimi’s relentless forward runs — no easy feat. While the Italian was given the runaround by Lamine Yamal in the semis, he remains one of Inzaghi’s most trusted performers. His defensive discipline and underrated passing range will be vital as Inter look to strike the right balance between attack and caution.

Expect this flank to be one of the most tactically complex areas of the pitch on Saturday, particularly with Hakimi often dovetailing with either Bradley Barcola or Desire Doue to create overloads.

Joao Neves vs Nicolo Barella: Midfield Engines Collide

Joao Neves vs Nicolo Barella

Midfield battles often decide finals, and in Joao Neves versus Nicolo Barella, we have two of the finest all-action midfielders in Europe right now going toe-to-toe.

Neves, signed from Benfica for a hefty fee, has been a revelation in PSG’s engine room. Only 20 years old, he combines the tenacity of a ball-winner with the poise of a playmaker, regularly recycling possession and breaking lines with his passing. His duel with Barella will be pivotal in disrupting Inter’s rhythm.

Barella, for his part, is the heartbeat of this Inter team. While Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan provide experience and guile, it’s Barella who pulls the strings and injects urgency into Inter’s play. If Neves can get the better of him, Inter’s creative spark could be significantly dimmed.

Marquinhos vs Lautaro Martinez: The Defensive Rock vs the Goal Machine

Marquinhos vs Lautaro Martinez

There are few forwards in world football as red-hot as Lautaro Martinez right now. The Argentine striker has bagged eight goals in seven Champions League appearances in 2025, his lethal finishing and clever movement helping Inter navigate past both Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

But standing in his way is Marquinhos — PSG’s loyal stalwart and captain, the last survivor of the Neymar-Mbappe-Messi era. The Brazilian centre-back remains a calming influence at the heart of Luis Enrique’s defence and will need every ounce of his experience to subdue Lautaro.

It’s a classic clash of styles — Lautaro’s explosive sharpness versus Marquinhos’ timing and positioning. Whoever comes out on top here could shift the balance of the game.

Kvaratskhelia vs Pavard: The Wild Card Showdown

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia vs Benjamin Pavard

While most of the tactical battles are expected, this one carries a little more mystery. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, affectionately nicknamed ‘Kvaradona’, has added a new dimension to PSG’s attack since his January move from Napoli. Though his goal tally (six in 24 appearances) may not be eye-catching, his ability to unbalance defences with his dribbling and vision has been crucial in unlocking tight games.

Inter’s ability to contain him may hinge on the fitness and sharpness of Benjamin Pavard. The Frenchman has only recently returned from injury, and if he is not quite at 100 percent, Luis Enrique will surely look to isolate Kvaratskhelia against him early and often.

Should Pavard falter, Inter could find themselves scrambling to reorganise their back three — something no side wants to do in a Champions League final.

Final Thoughts: A Clash of Styles, Stars and Strategy

Saturday night in Munich promises more than just a football match — it’s the culmination of a season’s worth of ambition, resilience, and tactical fine-tuning. PSG, still chasing their first-ever Champions League title, feel closer than ever before. Inter, wounded but wiser from their defeat to Man City two years ago, are back for redemption.

Whether it’s Lautaro vs Marquinhos, Mendes vs Dumfries, or Hakimi tearing down the right flank, the final will come down to these moments of individual brilliance and control. The margins will be razor-thin, the tension palpable, and the stage colossal.

One thing’s for sure: we are in for a final worthy of this incredible season.