In a UEFA Super Cup clash, PSG overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat Tottenham 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw, claiming their first Super Cup title.
The match showcased high-intensity football, tactical battles, and a nail-biting finish that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Tottenham, under new manager Thomas Frank, dominated much of the game, taking a deserved 2-0 lead through set-piece precision.
In the 39th minute, Micky van de Ven capitalized on a rebound after PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier parried Joao Palhinha’s effort onto the post, giving Spurs the lead.
Just three minutes into the second half, Cristian Romero doubled their advantage, heading home a free-kick that slipped under Chevalier’s dive. “We had them exactly where we wanted them for over 80 minutes,” Frank said post-match, praising his team’s resilience against a star-studded PSG side.
PSG, the reigning UEFA Champions League winners, struggled to find their rhythm early on, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia missing a chance in the seventh minute after a fluid team move. Tottenham’s relentless pressure saw Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus test Chevalier, with Marquinhos’ crucial block denying Kudus a goal.
Spurs nearly extended their lead when Kudus’ header struck the post, showcasing their threat from set pieces and quick transitions.
However, PSG’s substitutes turned the tide. With five minutes remaining, Lee Kang-in ignited hope with a stunning strike from the edge of the box, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Deep into stoppage time, Goncalo Ramos headed in Ousmane Dembele’s cross to level the score at 2-2, sending the match to penalties.
In the shootout, PSG’s Vitinha missed their first attempt, but Tottenham’s Van de Ven was denied by Chevalier, who proved decisive. After Mathys Tel missed for Spurs, Nuno Mendes stepped up to score the winning penalty, securing PSG’s historic triumph as the first French club to lift the Super Cup.
Frank expressed pride in his squad despite the loss, stating, “Very, very proud of the players, the team, the club, the fans. We were almost perfect for 75, 80 minutes against one of the best teams in the world.”
He acknowledged the fine margins, noting, “It’s a shot from the edge of the box and then the momentum built. Small margins.” Frank also emphasized the Super Cup’s importance, saying, “Every game matters. We’re hugely disappointed, but we’ll be ready to come flying out on Saturday” for their Premier League opener against Burnley.
PSG manager Luis Enrique, gracious in victory, admitted Tottenham’s dominance, saying, “I think Tottenham deserved to win the match.” He hailed his team’s resilience, adding, “Trailing by two goals until the 85th minute, Paris Saint-Germain achieved the seemingly impossible.” The Parisians now turn their focus to their Ligue 1 campaign, starting with an away match against Nantes on Sunday.
For Tottenham, injuries to James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Radu Dragusin hampered their preparations, with Frank confirming Kulusevski’s prolonged absence due to a knee injury. Despite the setback, Frank’s side showed promise under his leadership, with Pedro Porro and Dominic Solanke impressing.
Porro, speaking before the match, called the Super Cup a “massive moment” for Spurs, who were making their first appearance in the competition.
This electrifying encounter highlighted both teams’ quality and set the tone for the 2025/26 European season, with PSG adding another trophy to their cabinet and Tottenham left to rue missed opportunities in a match decided by the narrowest of margins.
