Paris Saint-Germain supporters have caused a lot of ink to flow after their noisy performance in the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal, a match that saw PSG win 3-1 on all two games. The noisy celebrations in the streets of Paris, in particular around the Parc des Princes and on the Champs-Élysées, have created an electrical atmosphere but also aroused controversies. Some reports indicate that the intense noise of Parisian supporters, known for their fervor, had a significant impact on the players of Arsenal, disturbing their concentration during the crucial moments of the return match, where PSG won a 2-1 victory. This intimidating atmosphere, combined with exceptional performances of players like Fabián Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi, allowed PSG to secure their place in the final, where they will face Inter Milan on May 31 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
However, the enthusiasm of Parisian supporters has not been without consequences. After the match, chaos scenes broke out in the French capital, with clashes between supporters and police, as well as a serious incident where a car struck a group of fans, leaving a person in critical condition. These events have raised concerns about the security in the next final, where thousands of Parisian supporters are expected to go to Munich, while others will stay in Paris to celebrate. Local authorities are already preparing to manage crowds to avoid repetition of these disorders.
On the field side, PSG has shown impressive resilience throughout the competition. After a difficult European campaign start, the Luis Enrique team found its pace, eliminating formidable adversaries like Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal. Their victory against Arsenal was marked by the exceptional performance of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made crucial stops, neutralizing the attempts of the Gunners despite their early domination at the Parc des Princes. Expected Goals (XG) statistics show that Arsenal has had more opportunities (5.11 against 3.08 for PSG on both games), but PSG efficiency in decisive moments made the difference.
Opposite, Inter Milan, led by Simone Inzaghi, qualified for the final after an epic battle against Barcelona, won 7-6 on all two games. The Nerazzurri, who have lost only one match in this campaign, present themselves as a formidable opponent. Their defensive solidity, having conceded only one goal during the group phase, and their dynamism in counterattack make it a team difficult to beat. The shock between PSG, looking for its first title in the Champions League, and Inter, which aims for a fourth coronation, promises to be a captivating show.
However, the spotlights remain on the impact of Parisian supporters. Their passion was an undeniable asset, but post-match incidents against Arsenal led to speculation on a possible request from Simone Inzaghi to FIFA to ask the UEFA to ban PSG supporters in the stadium during the final, although UEFA has already rejected this idea, stressing the importance of fans for the atmosphere of the match. While Munich is preparing to welcome this historic final, the behavior of supporters and their influence on the game will remain a hot topic. PSG and Inter Milan will fight for glory, but the energy of the stands could well play a decisive role in the outcome of this duel.
