BY Nadia Ntiamoah
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) pulled off a sensational late comeback to deny Tottenham Hotspur a historic victory, winning the UEFA Super Cup 4-3 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw in Udine, Italy.
For much of the match, Tottenham appeared destined to secure their second European trophy in three months, leading 2-0 with just six minutes left on the clock.
Goals from Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero had put the North London side in control.
Van de Ven reacted quickest to a rebound after PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier tipped Joao Palhinha’s shot onto the crossbar, before Romero headed in from a Pedro Porro free-kick early in the second half.
The match marked a significant moment for Spurs manager Thomas Frank, who was making his competitive debut after replacing Ange Postecoglou earlier this summer.
Postecoglou had been dismissed just 16 days after guiding Tottenham to Europa League glory against Manchester United, a decision that angered sections of the fanbase.
Despite finishing 17th in the Premier League last season—their worst league finish since 1977–78—many supporters felt the Australian deserved more time.
Frank’s tactical setup, deploying a back five without the ball, frustrated PSG for long periods.
The European champions failed to register a shot on target for the first 65 minutes, and Tottenham looked set to cap a disciplined display with silverware.
However, PSG—who only resumed training a week ago after losing the Club World Cup final to Chelsea—showed their resilience.
Lee Kang-in sparked the fightback with a precise 20-yard strike in the 84th minute.
Then, deep into stoppage time, substitute Goncalo Ramos headed in a dramatic equaliser to force a shootout.
The penalty drama swung back and forth. Vitinha missed PSG’s opening attempt, but Chevalier redeemed himself by saving Van de Ven’s effort.
Spurs’ Mathys Tel shot wide, leaving Nuno Mendes to convert the decisive kick and hand PSG their first UEFA Super Cup triumph in the club’s history.
Before kickoff, captains Marquinhos and Romero walked onto the pitch holding the Champions League and Europa League trophies respectively, a symbolic clash of Europe’s reigning champions.
By the final whistle, it was Marquinhos lifting the night’s prize as PSG celebrated their fifth victory over an English side in 2025—having already beaten Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal in last season’s Champions League run.
For Spurs, the loss was a bitter pill, especially with only three days until their Premier League opener against Burnley.
While fans may take heart from their set-piece threat and defensive organisation, the defeat leaves lingering frustrations.
Many supporters are already planning protests against chairman Daniel Levy over what they see as inadequate summer investment.
