This season, the reigning champion has made its European ambitions clear. From the new format group stage of the Champions League, PSG has sent strong signals to the entire continent: a 4-0 victory against Atalanta at Parc des Princes, a 2-1 win against Barcelona showcasing youthful talent, and a resounding 7-2 triumph over Bayer Leverkusen on their own turf. In total, Luis Enrique’s men have scored 19 goals in the group stage.
Liverpool swept aside, the message is clear
If the quarter-finals against Liverpool were to determine the level of Parisian ambition, the message has been received loud and clear. On April 8 at Parc des Princes, Désiré Doué opened the scoring in the 11th minute followed by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia securing a 2-0 victory over the Reds in the 65th minute. A week later at Anfield, the PSG once again emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline, thanks to a ruthless Ousmane Dembélé who scored a brace in the second half. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 4-0 aggregate score, without ever trembling. A demonstration reminiscent of the great European nights for clubs accustomed to reigning over Europe.
The Bayern, guardian of the temple
Tonight, the opponent is much more formidable. Bayern Munich reached the semi-finals after defeating Real Madrid 6-4 over two legs, in an intense match where Kane and Olise made the difference. The Bavarians have not lost their killer instinct: a 10-2 victory over Atalanta in the Round of 16. Recent European history between the two clubs is filled with intense encounters. But the context has changed. Paris no longer arrives as a nervous contender but as a champion, exuding the calmness of a reigning champion and the hunger of one seeking a second title.
Three matches, a place in history
If PSG manages to reach Budapest on May 30 for the final at Puskas Arena, they will have the opportunity to achieve what no club has done since Real Madrid in the new format of the competition: win two consecutive Champions League titles. An accomplishment that would elevate Paris to another level, not just as a one-night winner but as a true European powerhouse established for the long term.
The plan is simple, the stakes are high. The first leg of the semi-final on Tuesday, April 28 at Parc des Princes. The return leg in Munich on Wednesday, May 6. Then the final on May 30 in Budapest.
Three matches. Three steps. And at the summit, the pantheon.
