Vitinha says ‘incredible’ PSG win over Manchester City inspired run to UEFA Champions League final - ‘Felt we could beat any team’
Published 31/05/2025 at 10:06 GMT+1
Paris Saint-Germain are aiming to win the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history when they face Internazionale in Munich on Saturday - live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Midfielder Vitinha has been a key player for the French champions on their way to the final, and he spoke exclusively to TNT Sports about the moments that have defined PSG's campaign so far.
Highlights: Man City on UCL brink after astonishing PSG comeback
Video credit: TNT Sports
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha said his side's memorable victory over Manchester City was a turning point on the way to the UEFA Champions League final.
With both sides unexpectedly languishing in the bottom half of the league phase table in January, PSG ran out 4-2 winners at the Parc des Princes, coming from 2-0 down and kickstarting a superb run of form in the competition.
And Vitinha pointed to the City victory as a key point in the season for the Ligue 1 champions, who face Internazionale in Saturday's Champions League final - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
"If I have to say one moment, I think it was clearly that moment [against Manchester City], because the game, like many others before them, was the same," Vitinha told TNT Sports.
"We were leading the game, we were controlling, we had the opportunities, and then we arrive to the second half and conceded two goals from nothing, and it's difficult.
"It wasn't just that game, it was a lot of baggage from behind we had to take, and knowing if we lose that game it would be almost impossible to qualify, so it was really, really incredible from our team. Incredible from the fans as well, that helped us in that great environment.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/05/27/4126006-83657773-2560-1440.jpg)
'Felt we could beat any team' - Vitinha says Man City win was turning point for PSG
Video credit: TNT Sports
"It was key because we really felt at the time that we could beat any team."
Despite their slow start in the inaugural league phase, Vitinha insisted there was no lack of self-belief amongst the PSG squad.
"We always believed, even though things weren't the best for us at the time," he said. "We spoke at the time that we didn't deserve that place [in the table], we didn't deserve the results we were having.
"A lot of times people say that but sometimes it's not what it seems. But that's really what was happening. It was just luck sometimes, confidence, the ball didn't go in.
"When we started to gain confidence, then we said to ourselves that we had the capacity to beat any team and go to the final. We had a click, we attained a different level and that was the key."
- 'We are better than last year' - Enrique hails PSG team effort after losing Mbappe
- Why Inter will wear yellow in UEFA Champions League final
- UCL final Preview: Massively underrated v Everyone's second favourite team
PSG have earned plaudits for their attractive football in Europe this season, although some tactical adaptability has been required.
"We are a team of possession, we are a team of control, try to control the game always," Vitinha added. "We did it almost every time. We think if we have possession we are closer to winning the game because that's what our players do better and we feel comfortable doing.
"Sometimes it's not easy or possible to be 90 minutes controlling the game, we know that. We showed a great side of us and we did it even when we didn't have the ball.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/05/22/image-5f84faad-022a-4667-a8be-328c81d6d5a3-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Dembele: PSG will give it our all to make history in Champions League
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I remember the game against Arsenal at home, we didn't have a lot of the ball. Even the second half at Arsenal as well.
"Aston Villa away, even though we conceded, we managed to stay on that result. That's important to have that side of the team."
With PSG still coveting a first-ever Champions League title, Vitinha acknowledged the magnitude of the final.
"It's the biggest game of my career, and it's the biggest game for almost everyone," he said.
"We are a young group but we are ready for it. We have a lot of will to play this game and to win it."
Thoughts?