UEFA Super Cup Comeback: PSG Stun Spurs in Penalty Drama
Udine, Italy — In a night of high drama at the Stadio Friuli, Paris Saint-Germain delivered a breathtaking UEFA Super Cup comeback, overturning a 2-0 deficit in the dying minutes to defeat Tottenham Hotspur 4-3 on penalties. The victory not only secured PSG’s first-ever UEFA Super Cup but also underlined their growing status as one of Europe’s elite sides.
A Dream Start for Tottenham
For much of the evening, it looked as though new Tottenham manager Thomas Frank was about to mark his debut with a trophy. His side controlled large spells of the match, breaking the deadlock in the 39th minute when Dutch defender Micky van de Ven capitalized on a loose ball to slot home.
Just three minutes after the interval, Spurs doubled their lead. A pinpoint cross found Cristian Romero unmarked in the box, and the Argentine defender’s powerful header left PSG’s new goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier rooted to the spot.
The Premier League side appeared comfortable, absorbing PSG’s sporadic attacks and looking to hit on the counter. However, the strategy of sitting deep eventually invited the French champions back into the game.
PSG’s Late Surge
Manager Luis Enrique, who had openly admitted that his side had trained for less than a week before the match, opted for bold substitutions. His changes paid off spectacularly in the final five minutes of normal time.
In the 85th minute, Lee Kang-in provided the spark PSG desperately needed. The South Korean midfielder latched onto a clever pass from Vitinha before drilling a low shot into the far corner. The goal instantly shifted the momentum.
With Tottenham now visibly rattled, PSG pressed for an equalizer. Four minutes into stoppage time, Ousmane Dembélé delivered a perfect cross to Gonçalo Ramos, who launched himself into a diving header to level the match at 2-2 and send the contest to penalties.
Penalty Shootout Decider
The shootout began poorly for PSG, with Vitinha sending his effort wide. But fortune turned when Chevalier dived brilliantly to save Van de Ven’s attempt. Mathys Tel then missed for PSG, but Nuno Mendes kept his cool to score the winning penalty after successful conversions from Ramos, Dembélé, and Lee.
For Spurs, Dominic Solanke, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Pedro Porro all found the net from the spot, but their efforts proved in vain.
Match Facts Table
| Event | Time | Team | Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goal | 39’ | Spurs | Micky van de Ven |
| Goal | 48’ | Spurs | Cristian Romero |
| Goal | 85’ | PSG | Lee Kang-in |
| Goal | 90+4’ | PSG | Gonçalo Ramos |
| Penalty Winner | Shootout | PSG | Nuno Mendes |
History Made in Udine
The triumph made PSG the first French club ever to lift the UEFA Super Cup, a fact not lost on captain Marquinhos.
“This win shows the mental strength of our squad,” Marquinhos said post-match. “We may not have been at our physical best, but our focus and belief carried us through.”
Manager Luis Enrique was equally delighted, calling the win “incredible” given the team’s minimal preparation.
“We trained for only five or six days,” Enrique explained. “To produce a performance like this against such strong opposition speaks volumes about the spirit in this team.”
New Faces and Tactical Choices
The match also marked competitive debuts for several new signings. Spurs unveiled Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha in their starting lineup, both showing promising glimpses despite the defeat. PSG’s new shot-stopper Lucas Chevalier had an eventful night, pulling off key saves despite conceding twice.
Enrique’s decision to bring on Lee and Ramos proved decisive, highlighting his adaptability and tactical awareness even in early-season fixtures.
Tottenham’s Perspective
For Thomas Frank, the result was a harsh lesson in the fine margins of top-level football.
“We had them where we wanted for over 80 minutes,” Frank said. “But at this level, one goal can change everything. I’m proud of the team’s performance, even if the result didn’t go our way.”
Despite the setback, Spurs’ display showed they could compete with Europe’s best — a promising sign for their upcoming Premier League campaign.
What’s Next for Both Teams
PSG will turn their attention to the Ligue 1 opener against Nantes on Sunday, hoping to build on their momentum. Tottenham, meanwhile, will kick off their Premier League season at home to Burnley on Saturday.
Internal & External Link Suggestions
- Internal Link: Link “UEFA Super Cup comeback” to a Writozy article covering historic Champions League finals.
- External Link: Link “UEFA Super Cup” to the official UEFA.com match report.
Summary
Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Super Cup comeback against Tottenham will be remembered as one of the competition’s most dramatic finishes. From 2-0 down to a penalty shootout triumph, PSG showed resilience, tactical adaptability, and mental fortitude to secure their first Super Cup title.
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