Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain left behind the ghosts of the Club World Cup final in the European Super Cup. Just like in the match played exactly one month ago in the United States, the current European champion was at times surpassed by a rival, in theory, of lower hierarchy.
In Miami, it was Chelsea (3-0) who gave the Gauls a harsh lesson. In Udine, Tottenham did the same at the Bluenergy Stadium, with two goals at strategic moments, in the final stretch of the first half and the beginning of the second half. However, the Gauls reacted in the second half to force penalties.
Tottenham punished PSG with set-piece plays
Despite the short time working together, coach Thomas Frank won the tactical duel against 'Lucho' in the first half with a solid defensive block. The Dane opted for a line of three central defenders led by the Argentine Cristian 'Cuti' Romero. Two of the three at the back ended up scoring for the 'Spurs'.
Paris struggled, from the start of the match, to take control of the midfield. Without Fabián Ruiz (on the bench) and Joao Neves (suspended), the French had many problems putting together plays and taking possession.
Tottenham did damage with the high press, with Richarlison being the first to pressure the Parisian defense. The Brazilian tested the reflexes of the new PSG goalkeeper, Lucas Chevalier, with a powerful shot from medium distance that forced the goalkeeper to send the ball to the corner. The French goalkeeper, in the end, would be a key figure, amidst the controversial departure of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The minutes passed and the English felt more and more comfortable in Udine. In the 39th minute, a free kick on the edge of the area allowed the 'Spurs' to open the scoring with a prepared play. Vicario served the cross to the far post, Romero headed down and Palhinha finished at point-blank range.
Although Chevalier managed to contain the shot, the rebound fell to Micky van de Ven. The Dutch central defender put his foot in to push the ball into the back of the net. After the break, another free kick, this time served by Pedro Porro, allowed 'Cuti' to head freely. The shot did not have too much power, but it did have placement. Given Chevalier's weak response, the ball ended up in the goal.
Paris reacted late in Italy and prevailed on penalties
In 48 minutes, Tottenham was winning 0-2 and deservedly so. Paris reacted after the hour mark, with the entry of Fabián for Kvaratskhelia. Bradley Barcola scored in the 66th minute, but the goal was disallowed for a clear offside by Ruiz beforehand.
As the minutes passed, Luis Enrique's team took control of the midfield and the 'Spurs', little by little, retreated closer and closer to their goal. Ousmane Dembélé, who had a very poor game, warned with a shot from medium distance in the 71st minute.
Finally, in the 84th minute, Lee Kang-in, who had entered 18 minutes earlier for Zaïre-Emery, scored for the French with a powerful shot from medium distance. After the discount, PSG went all out for the equalizer and, in the fourth minute of added time, Gonçalo Ramos made it 2-2 with a header, after a good collective action and a cross from Dembélé from the right.
The changes changed the face of Paris, while Tottenham, in the final quarter of an hour, paid dearly for retreating so far back, ceding control of the midfield to their rival.
In the penalties, the glory was Parisian, thanks to the failures of Van de Ven and Tel. Kang-In, Dembélé and Nuco Mendes scored the shots that gave the team its fifth title this 2025, after obtaining the treble and the French Super Cup in 24/25.