PSG 2, Tottenham 2 (4-3 on Penalties): Spurs Experience Heartbreak After Late Comeback Thwarts Quest for Second Trophy in 84 Days
THOMAS FRANK has felt the full weight of being a bit Spursy.
Just as he began to establish himself at Tottenham, the new manager was on the cusp of securing a trophy.
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However, Frank’s resolute team, which had held out against a sluggish PSG, saw victory slip away in Udine.
Where have we seen this before? At least Tottenham will fondly recall Bilbao and May 21, 2025, ensuring this penalty loss in the UEFA Super Cup isn’t too bitter.
Nonetheless, watching PSG defender Marquinhos lift the trophy was a stark reminder of Spurs’ near-miss.
With Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero finding the net, Tottenham seemed destined for a win but retreated instead of pressing their advantage.
PSG capitalized on a resurgence, fueled by substitute Kang-in Lee, who scored one and fellow substitute Goncalo Ramos equalized in the dying moments of injury time.
Vitinha missed the first penalty, but once Van de Ven’s was turned away, the outcome felt predetermined.
Mathys Tel appeared nervous while taking his shot, leaving it to Nuno Mendes to send a penalty soaring into the net.
This was a tough moment for Frank and his players, many of whom observed PSG ascend the podium to collect their medals in disbelief.
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Still, there were positive signs. Both Spurs goals originated from free-kicks, a strategy rarely utilized under Ange Postecoglou.
Moreover, Tottenham struggled defensively against set-pieces during post-match debriefs with the determined Aussie.
Tottenham and PSG fans were limited to purchasing only BEER before the Super Cup as bars stated ‘blame Uefa’
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Tottenham fans were eager to head to work on Thursday, ready to boast about being the top team in Europe.
However, Arsenal supporters, likely weary of this arrogance, found joy in PSG’s shoot-out victory in front of a sea of white shirts.
Except for those nail-biting final moments, Tottenham displayed organization rather than disorder. They defended admirably and launched purposeful counter-attacks.
This marked their sixth match of the summer, while for PSG, it was their first since returning to training a mere eight days prior.
Luis Enrique’s dynamic team had only recently lost the Club World Cup final to Chelsea, so it would be unrealistic to expect Ousmane Dembele and his teammates to be at their peak readiness for this clash.
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When Tottenham slipped, they were fortunate to escape punishment until the very end. Old habits die hard, as there were moments when Spurs’ build-up was sluggish, a trend that may soon change under the new Brentford manager.
At one point, Richarlison scolded Pedro Porro for not quickening the pace and instead opting to revert the ball back to defense.
Mindful of PSG’s obvious danger, Frank instructed his team to adopt a 5-3-2 formation while defending, but in possession, they transformed to a 4-3-3 with Djed Spence venturing wide left.
However, when PSG held onto the ball—as they often did—Spence dropped back to defend, assigned with limiting the crafty Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s influence.
The new PSG goalkeeper, Lucas Chevalier, who replaced Gianluigi Donnarumma, was only tested a quarter of the way through the first half, when he had to react quickly to deflect a fierce shot from Richarlison.
This chance arose from a precise pass from Mohammed Kudus, and the £55 million newcomer from West Ham capitalized on it, even forcing a block from PSG captain Marquinhos.
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In 27°C heat, nearly 9:30 PM local time, both teams took a drinks break, and the spirited Tottenham fans offered a thunderous cheer.
But that cheer was dwarfed by the joy when center-back Van De Ven scored from a rebound after Chevalier deflected Joao Palhinha’s shot onto the post.
This opportunity arose when PSG mismanaged a lengthy free-kick from Vicario, with Romero skillfully redirecting the ball into the danger zone.
Early in the second half, Spurs struck yet again, prompting PSG fans to lament Donnarumma’s absence. Romero, unmarked, connected with Porro’s free-kick, and Chevalier inadvertently guided the ball into his own net.
Once Enrique shuffled his lineup, PSG looked a touch better, but Tottenham seemed to have sealed the match before Lee curled in a shot to pull one back.
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Then came the disaster. Dembele’s cross found Ramos, who netted just moments away from victory for Spurs.
PSG’s keeper Chevalier denied Van de Ven during the shoot-out, making for a challenging debut.
Equally, Frank and Spurs must keep their heads high as they prepare for Burnley ahead.
For a team that suffered 22 defeats in the Premier League last season, Tottenham will aim to avoid another loss under their new manager.
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