Inter’s Martinez and Pavard Return for the Champions League Final
At the same time that up-and-coming teenager Desire Doue kick starts his career in attack for Paris St Germain, his team prepares to face Inter Milan in the Champions League final at the Allianz Arena. On Saturday, they came face to face with defender Benjamin Pavard and captain Lautaro Martinez starting for the Italian side. Just like Marcus Rashford recently succeeding in his journey to be part of the Barcelona FC, a gamble of trust and faith has been made. Specifically for this game, PSG manager Luis Enrique has placed his trust in the 19-year-old Doue, partnering him with Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the forward line, leaving Bradley Barcola on the bench as the French champions aim to secure their maiden Champions League trophy.
Doue, who joined PSG from Rennes last August in a deal reportedly worth 50 million euros or $56.74 million, has enjoyed a breakout season. The young forward has scored 13 goals and provided 15 assists in all competitions, earning his first call-up to the French national team in March. Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi, meanwhile, has been bolstered by the return of key players. Both Pavard and Martinez are back in the starting team after recovering from injuries that sidelined them for several weeks. Their inclusion is a major boost for the Italian side, who are chasing their fourth Champions League title and their first since 2010. Martinez, the club captain, has been instrumental for Inter this season, while Pavard, a 2023 signing from Bayern Munich, has brought stability to Inter’s backline.
For the Champions League Final, Inter are likely to name their ideal starting lineup. With Yann Sommer defending the post and with three center backs like Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi, and most notably Benjamin Pavard, who was finally back in the squad this week and will likely start, while German defender Yann Bisseck is expected on the bench. The rest of the team is the one we all expect with Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Henrik Mkhitaryan in the midfield, and with Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries on the wings. Inter captain Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram will lead the attack, as always.
