Former Barcelona and Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic has named Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as favourites to lift the UEFA Champions League trophy ahead of their highly anticipated final clash with Inter Milan this Saturday.

Rakitic, a Champions League winner with Barcelona in 2015, believes the Ligue 1 champions are poised for European glory after a phenomenal season under Spanish coach Luis Enrique. The 37-year-old shared his thoughts with 3Sports via La Liga media.

“For Luis Enrique at PSG, I think that they’ve grown incredibly, and with the matches they’ve played recently, they are clear favorites to win the title,” Rakitic stated. “Although in a final, it’s very difficult to talk about a favorite because Inter has done a very good job to be there too.”

The Croatian midfielder acknowledged Inter Milan’s resilience and growth, particularly highlighting their performance against Barcelona and their past experience in the 2023 final loss to Manchester City.

“PSG perhaps seem a little bit stronger now, but Inter showed what they are capable of against Barca. I’m sure they’ve learned from that final they lost a few years ago,” he added.

A Historic Night Awaits

A Champions League triumph would see PSG secure a historic treble, having already clinched the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France. For Luis Enrique, it would mark his second treble as a manager—his first coming with Barcelona in 2015—making him only the second manager after Pep Guardiola to achieve the feat with two different clubs.

On the other hand, Inter Milan are determined to turn their season around. After falling short in both Serie A and the Coppa Italia, Simone Inzaghi’s men see the Champions League as their shot at redemption. A win would also make Inter the first Italian team to win Europe’s elite competition since their own historic 2010 triumph under José Mourinho.

The final will take place on Saturday night at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. With two of Europe’s elite clubs battling it out, and legacies on the line, fans around the world are set for an unforgettable football spectacle.