It had all the sparks of a befitting final. A fantastic cross to the far post, a small leap and well-placed header made the difference. Neymar was in inconsolable tears.
Bayern Munich were crowned Champions League winners after an entertaining final that was decided by a lone Kingsley Coman goal against PSG.
Their first since 2013 brings their sixth Champions league triumph. Indeed, they are the joint-third most successful Champions league side behind only Real Madrid (13 times) and AC Milan (seven times). It also adds to their record eighth consecutive Bundesliga and DFB Pokal this season, becoming the first side to win a second treble since Barcelona in 2015.
Hansi Flick made only one change to the lineup following their semifinal win over Lyon, Kingsley Coman coming in for Ivan Perišić. Coman haunted Paris Saint Germain for his 12th trophy in five years with Bayern. The Paris native completed a personal journey from PSG’s academy to his first European cup by beating his boyhood team.
Kingsley Coman has been an important member of the Bayern squad and was returning after injury; he had an inspired performance up against right back Thilo Kehrer. The 24-year-old serial winner was electric on the left-wing, with the rest of his attacking colleagues kept at bay by PSG, he proved a creative outlet throughout and crucially got on the end of a delightful Joshua Kimmich cross at the far post after a quick combination with Thomas Müller.
The Germany duo personify the Bayern spirit, with incredible resilience and solid team spirit, teed up the inspirational addition to bring the treble home. Coman himself has had to contend with a series of major injuries in his career despite his unquestionable talent, and crucially shows the level of talent and desire within the Bayern squad.
Die Roten became the first team in Champions League history to finish the competition with a 100% record. They won the final with an unexpectedly low scoreline and clean sheet, as a revitalised Manuel Neuer was immense in goal as they kept PSG scoreless in the Champions League for the first time since 2016.
The Bavarians have blown away teams with ruthless execution this season but were required to dig in and come out best against the lively Parisiens.
The story of Bayern Munich’s overall success this season was grounded on the collective spirit – as opposed to PSG’s lavish investment on superstars – which was all the more fitting that it was decided by a change to the starting lineup. PSG will certainly be back on this stage, however, after so many lessons learnt from seasons past, have got the most important lesson on self-perception after seeing one of their own deny them a first European Cup.
Hansi Flick deserves all the plaudits for bringing the work-rate and belief out of this talented bunch having taken over a fourth-placed side after a heavy 5-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in November. The experienced German was able to get the best out of their veterans and youngsters to devastating effect.
Bayern Munich are the kings of Europe, and this team is only getting started.
