PSG roars back from the brink to snatch 2025 Super Cup on penalties

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) claimed their first-ever UEFA Super Cup title in a thrilling showdown against Tottenham Hotspur, overcoming a 2-0 deficit to secure a 4-3 victory in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Bluenergy Stadium.

The match, a clash between the Champions League and Europa League winners, showcased PSG’s resilience and marked a historic milestone for the French club.

Tottenham, under new manager Thomas Frank, dominated the early stages, capitalizing on set-pieces to take a commanding lead.

In the 39th minute, Micky van de Ven opened the scoring after PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier parried João Palhinha’s volley onto the crossbar, leaving Van de Ven to slot home into an open net.

Early in the second half, Cristian Romero doubled Spurs’ advantage, heading in a Pedro Porro free-kick in the 48th minute, with Chevalier unable to hold onto the effort.

PSG struggled to find their rhythm, with Tottenham’s disciplined defense stifling stars like Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

However, the tide turned in the final 10 minutes as PSG mounted a stunning comeback.

Lee Kang-in ignited hope in the 80th minute with a fierce strike from a tight angle, finding the bottom corner to make it 2-1.

With just three minutes remaining, Gonçalo Ramos leveled the score, powering a header past Guglielmo Vicario from Dembélé’s pinpoint cross.

With no extra time in the UEFA Super Cup format, the match proceeded directly to penalties.

Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke and Rodrigo Bentancur scored their opening kicks, while PSG’s Vitinha missed his attempt, putting Spurs in the driver’s seat.

However, Chevalier redeemed his earlier errors, saving Van de Ven’s penalty, and Tottenham’s Mathys Tel blazed his shot wide.

PSG’s Ramos, Dembélé, and Lee Kang-in converted their attempts with composure, and Nuno Mendes sealed the victory with a decisive strike, clinching a 4-3 shootout win.

PSG’s lineup was notably without star goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who announced his departure from the club hours before the match amid a contract dispute.

Lucas Chevalier, a recent signing from Lille, stepped into the spotlight, enduring a challenging debut but ultimately proving crucial in the shootout.

Tottenham, meanwhile, were without key players James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski due to injuries, with Yves Bissouma also absent for disciplinary reasons.

This victory marks PSG’s first UEFA Super Cup title, adding to their 2025 trophy haul after their Champions League triumph.

For Tottenham, the loss is a bitter pill, having been minutes away from their first Super Cup crown.