PSG – Tottenham: UEFA Super Cup Final Sees Dramatic Comeback and Penalty Triumph
PSG – Tottenham delivered perhaps the most electrifying Super Cup final in recent memory. Paris Saint-Germain, trailing 2-0 with only minutes remaining, found miraculous equalizers and ultimately prevailed in a nerve-shredding shootout.
Match Overview
In Udine’s Stadio Friuli, PSG and Tottenham clashed in the 2025 UEFA Super Cup—pitting the reigning UEFA Champions League holders against the Europa League winners. Tottenham took a commanding lead courtesy of Micky van de Ven and captain Cristian Romero, and for much of the match, PSG looked off the pace ReutersWikipediaThe IndependentESPN.com.
- 39’ – Van de Ven opened the scoring after capitalizing on a rebound ReutersThe Independent.
- 48’ – Romero doubled Tottenham’s advantage with a powerful header ReutersThe Independent.
With Spurs looking in control, PSG’s prospects appeared bleak—especially given their limited preseason buildup ReutersESPN.comWikipedia.
The Incredible Turnaround
PSG, however, refused to surrender.
- 85’ – Substitute Lee Kang-in ignited the comeback with a precise long-range strike ReutersCartilage Free CaptainThe Independent.
- 90+4’ – In dramatic stoppage time, another substitute, Gonçalo Ramos, leaned in to head home Ousmane Dembélé’s pinpoint cross, tying the game 2-2 ReutersCartilage Free CaptainThe GuardianThe Independent.
The match headed to penalties, where Tottenham faltered: Mathys Tel and Van de Ven squandered their kicks, while PSG’s Nuno Mendes calmly buried the decisive spot-kick, sealing a 4-3 shootout win and PSG’s first Super Cup triumph ReutersCartilage Free CaptainThe SunThe GuardianESPN.com.
PSG thus became the first French club ever to lift the UEFA Super Cup ReutersWikipedia.
Key Performers & Tactics
- Ousmane Dembélé was named Player of the Match for his dynamic impact from the flanks Wikipedia.
- Lucas Chevalier, PSG’s new goalkeeper, emerged as a surprise hero. Making his debut after being preferred over Donnarumma, he delivered crucial saves—including a vital stop against Van de Ven in the shootout—and earned praise from Luis Enrique and teammates Reuters.
- Coach Luis Enrique admitted PSG “didn’t deserve” to win for much of the match, attributing the turnaround to fortune and his team’s resilience, especially after minimal training time ESPN.comReuters.
- On the other side, Thomas Frank lauded his players: “We played a very good game… we showed we can play against any team in the world,” he said, expressing pride despite the late collapse The Guardian1.
Match Stats at a Glance (UEFA data)
| Statistic | PSG | Tottenham |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 2 (4 on pens) | 2 (3 on pens) |
| Possession | ~67% | ~33% |
| Shots (Total) | 12 | 13 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 5 |
| Corners | 7 | 2 |
| Man of the Match | Dembélé | – |
| Attendance | 21,025 | – |
| Weather | Clear, 27°C | – |
| Wikipedia |
Visual Recap & Highlights
What This Means Going Forward
- The PSG – Tottenham showdown underscores PSG’s European dominance: they wrapped a continental treble last season and now added the Super Cup to their haul Wikipedia1Reuters.
- The unexpected trust in Chevalier and success of subs like Lee and Ramos highlight Enrique’s bold squad rotation and depth.
- For Tottenham, the result is a bitter blow—but Frank’s side proved their mettle and tactical credibility ahead of the Premier League opener against Burnley, as he focuses on reinforcement The GuardianCartilage Free Captain.
