Inter's Unique Role: When the First Champions League is Conquered Against the Nerazzurri

The history of the UEFA Champions League is replete with heroic feats, dynasties, and unforgettable moments. Within this vast tapestry, Inter Milan holds an honorable place with their three continental titles. However, fate has dictated that the Italian giant also plays a peculiar and, perhaps, bittersweet role: being the opponent that three legendary teams have had to defeat to lift their first and long-awaited European Cup. The Nerazzurri, by a curious coincidence of destiny, have become the final stepping stone for others to fulfill their inaugural dream in Europe's premier club competition.

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The first chapter of this unique narrative was written on May 25, 1967, at the Nacional in Portugal, Lisbon. Celtic FC, under the guidance of Jock Stein and with their legendary team known as the "Lisbon Lions," faced an Inter Milan that then dominated Europe with its famous "catenaccio." In a vibrant match, the Scots, playing offensive and audacious football, managed to win 2-1, marking a milestone not only for the club but for British football as they became the first team from the United Kingdom to win the European Cup. Inter, despite their experience and reputation, couldn't avoid witnessing Celtic's inaugural feat.

More than five decades later, we arrive at the 2022-2023 season. Manchester City, after years of massive investment and under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, was on an obsessive quest for their first Champions League title. After a journey full of obstacles, City met Inter Milan in the Istanbul final. The match was a tight tactical battle, true to the competitive spirit of the Italians. However, a solitary goal from Rodri in the 68th minute sealed a 1-0 victory for the Citizens. Joy was unbridled for the Manchester team, who finally saw their dominance in England crowned with the continental title, while Inter, once again, was the opponent in the achievement of a first and long-awaited European glory.

The most recent, and perhaps most emphatic, episode took place in the 2024-2025 season. Paris Saint-Germain, another club with a decade of immense investment and a frustrating pursuit of the Champions League, faced Inter Milan in the Munich final. In what was described as an "epic thrashing," PSG overcame Inter with a dominant performance, culminating in a 5-0 result. This match not only meant PSG's first Champions League but did so in an overwhelming fashion, finally breaking their own continental "curse" against an Inter side that, despite reaching another final, couldn't stop the Parisian onslaught.

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Thus, Inter Milan, a club with a rich and glorious history in the Champions League, has found itself, by a strange irony of fate, in the role of "godfather" for the first coronations of other champions. A peculiar statistic that, while bittersweet for the Nerazzurri, underscores their constant presence in the decisive stages of European football, even when their role is to be the opponent in someone else's moment of glory.