European champions Paris Saint-Germain lifted the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 4-3 on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Stadio Friuli.
Tottenham, playing their first competitive match under new coach Thomas Frank, looked poised to claim the trophy, leading 2-0 just after half-time. Micky van de Ven opened the scoring in the 39th minute, followed by Cristian Romero’s header three minutes into the second half.
PSG staged a late comeback thanks to substitutes Lee Kang-in and Goncalo Ramos. Lee pulled a goal back in the 85th minute, and Ramos headed in a dramatic injury-time equaliser in the 94th minute, forcing a penalty shoot-out.
Despite an early miss from Vitinha, PSG prevailed in the shoot-out after goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier saved Van de Ven’s attempt and Tottenham’s Mathys Tel missed. Nuno Mendes converted the decisive spot-kick to secure the victory.
Dominic Solanke, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Pedro Porro had scored for Spurs, while Ramos, Ousmane Dembele, and Lee found the net for PSG.
The triumph marks PSG’s first UEFA Super Cup win and the fifth trophy for the club in 2025. Captain Marquinhos praised his side’s mental strength and tactical discipline: “Football is not only about the physical aspect, it is also about being in the right place and having the right tactics. After going 2-0 down, it is dangerous to invite PSG to come at you.”
The match also marked debuts for Spurs’ new signings Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha, as well as PSG goalkeeper Chevalier, who joined from Lille and replaced Gianluigi Donnarumma.
PSG now turn their focus to the Ligue 1 opener at Nantes on Sunday, while Tottenham prepare for their Premier League season debut against Burnley on Saturday.
Frank described his team’s performance positively despite the loss: “We played a very good game against one of the best teams in the world…there is a lot to be happy with. It is a flip of a coin when you go into a penalty shoot-out.”
Written By Rodney Mbua
