The stage is set for the UEFA Champions League final this Saturday, with the Inter facing off against the favored PSG. Betting odds reflect the Parisian team’s dominance, with a 100-euro wager on Inter yielding a potential 225-euro payout, while the same bet on PSG would only net 160 euros.
So, what’s behind this disparity? For starters, PSG’s roster boasts a significantly higher market value – 923.5 million euros, according to Transfermarkt – compared to Inter’s 663.8 million euros. The age gap is also notable, with PSG’s average age sitting at 23.6 years, while Inter’s is closer to 30.
Luis Enrique’s squad is marked by youth, with only captain Marquinhos, 31, and Fàbian Ruiz, 29, exceeding the 30-year threshold. In contrast, Inter’s lineup features several seasoned players, including 36-year-old Yann Sommer, 33-year-old De Vrij, and 32-year-old Taremi.
Despite these numerical advantages, the actual game may not be as lopsided as the odds suggest. Inter will need to tune out the “underdog” chatter and show the world that age is just a number in football. The team’s experience could prove valuable, especially if they can harness it to outmaneuver their younger opponents.
The Road to the Final
If the betting odds were based on the teams’ performances throughout the tournament, Inter might not be viewed as such a long shot. After all, they had a more successful group stage, winning six out of eight matches, while PSG struggled, winning only one of their first five games.
The Parisians did manage to bounce back, defeating Liverpool in the round of 16 and Aston Villa in the quarterfinals. They also edged out Arsenal in the semifinals. Inter, meanwhile, eliminated Feyenoord, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona, the latter in a thrilling 4-3 match that went into extra time.
The stage is now set for an epic showdown between these two teams. Will Inter’s experience and determination be enough to overcome PSG’s youthful energy and talent? Only time will tell.
- PSG’s market value: 923.5 million euros
- Inter’s market value: 663.8 million euros
- PSG’s average age: 23.6 years
- Inter’s average age: 29.6 years
