Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has a team filled with stars in every position following significant signings made during the last summer transfer window. PSG acquired Donnarumma, Wijnaldum, Sergio Ramos, Achraf Hakimi, and Messi, prompting the media to discuss a "Galácticos" of a different kind in the French capital. These signings joined an already star-studded squad at PSG, including Neymar, Mbappé, Di Maria, Verratti, and Keylor Navas.
Before the season began, many predicted the Parisian giant to win the UEFA Champions League title this season, yet the team's performance and results domestically and continentally under coach Mauricio Pochettino have raised concerns and doubts. However, Pochettino stated in a press conference regarding the match, "Paris is on the same level as Real Madrid, I do not see one team as more favored than the other." Nonetheless, Mauricio expressed great respect for the Madrid giant and its illustrious history of winning the Champions League 13 times, also appearing cautious by noting "Real Madrid's superiority at the continental level, even if its domestic success in La Liga and the Copa del Rey has not been as prominent."
**Dreams End at the Gates of Madrid**
Real Madrid's recent history in the Champions League is filled with football adventures where it has successfully dashed the dreams of teams aspiring for continental glory. In 2014 and 2016, the royal team denied its city rival Atlético Madrid a historic achievement by defeating them in two different finals under Argentine coach Diego Simeone. Real Madrid dashed the dreams of two different teams formed by Simeone, featuring prominent players such as Courtois, Oblak, Diego Costa, Griezmann, David Villa, Fernando Torres, Godín, Miranda, Juanfran, Filipe Luis, Gabi, Koke, Carrasco, and Thomas Partey.
In the 2017 final, Real Madrid overwhelmed Juventus with a score of 4-1, dismantling what coach Massimiliano Allegri had built with a squad that included Buffon, Bonucci, Dani Alves, Chiellini, Khedira, Pjanic, Dybala, Higuaín, Benatia, and Mario Mandzukic. In its last title win, Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 3-1 in the 2018 final, ending the journey of German coach Jürgen Klopp, who had cultivated a remarkable lineup featuring Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Wijnaldum, and the fiery attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Mane, and Firmino.
