Prompt:
Here’s a sports‑news style breakdown for a general audience, pulling in expert commentary and reporting to explain why Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG) finally captured their long‑elusive UEFA Champions League title, and why they then fell short in two subsequent tournaments.
Why PSG Won the Champions League (2024–25 Season)
Historic Breakthrough and Tactical Overhaul
A dominant triumph: PSG dismissed Inter Milan 5‑0 in the final on May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich—the largest margin of victory in any Champions League final. They clinched their first Champions League title, completing a continental treble (league, cup, and Champions League)—a first for a French club. AP NewsWikipedia
Tactical evolution under Luis Enrique: Previously criticized for star-studded imbalance, PSG transformed under coach Luis Enrique, who emphasized a disciplined, high‑pressing team ethic over individual brilliance. This change was pivotal to their European success. The Wall Street JournalFourFourTwo
Youth Emergence and Tactical Strength
Young stars shine: 19-year-old Désiré Doué starred with two goals and an assist in the final, earning Man of the Match and signaling PSG’s smart youth integration. AP NewsWikipedia
Collective work ethic off the ball: Veteran Khvicha Kvaratskhelia highlighted PSG’s revamped off‑the‑ball organization: “a key factor… their collective off‑the‑ball effort under coach Luis Enrique, highlighted by their superior pressing and defensive coordination.” FourFourTwo
Evolving into a model: The Times framed PSG’s win as a turning point in Ligue 1, dispelling stereotypes and elevating the league’s status internationally—crediting the blend of local talent (like Doué) and smart recruitment under Enrique’s system. The Times
Muted glamour, mainstream victory: The Guardian termed the win a triumph of sporting vision over celebrity culture—though it noted that PSG's Qatari‑backed financial power raised questions of sportswashing. The Guardian
Why PSG Then Lost Two Tournaments
FIFA Club World Cup (Summer 2025)
Club World Cup final defeat: After thrashing Atlético Madrid, Inter Miami, and Real Madrid in earlier rounds, PSG fell in the final to Chelsea 3‑0, despite earlier promise. Wikipedia
UEFA Super Cup (August 13, 2025)
Dramatic Super Cup victory: In Udine, PSG overcame a 2‑0 deficit to draw 2‑2 with Tottenham and won 4‑3 on penalties, becoming the first French team to win this trophy. Wikipedia
Expert Insights: The Deeper Why
1. Long‑Standing European Frustrations
PSG had a decades‑long European ceiling—reaching finals, but never winning:
They lost the 2020 final (to Bayern), faced multiple round‑of‑16 exits, and experienced heartbreaks like Barcelona’s “remontada” in 2017. ESPN.com+1
Former defender Maxwell explained the challenge: “There is this obsession… it becomes negative. The Champions League is so difficult... You have to build a team with consistency.” PSG Talk
2. Building Cohesion, Not Just Buying Talent
A Reddit echo captures criticisms of PSG’s past strategy:
“If you sign players who are more interested in money… you can never expect to win the Champions League.” Reddit
Thiago Silva lamented the weight of expectation:
“The pressure was too much… It’s not an investment. It’s a question of consistency, year after year.” Reddit
Summary: What Led to Victory—and What Came After
Why Champions League Success Came in 2025:
Visionary coaching from Luis Enrique prioritized structure, pressing, and unity.
Youthful energy and depth, particularly from rising talents like Doué and Dembélé.
Strategic overhaul allowed PSG to shed the "star-play" image for collective execution.
They emerged at a moment where Ligue 1’s reputation was rising—and PSG became its standard-bearer.
Why They Fell in Subsequent Tournaments:
Club World Cup final defeat highlighted inconsistency and perhaps fatigue or tactical mismatch.
Super Cup win, though dramatic, showed resilience—but not necessarily the dominance seen in the Champions League.
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