Paris Saint-Germain achieved a significant milestone by adding the UEFA Super Cup to their trophy cabinet in 2025, triumphing over Tottenham Hotspur in a penalty shootout following an intense match that ended in a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes. Prior to the match, there was speculation about whether Spurs would be overwhelmed by PSG, much like Inter Milan had been in the Champions League final in May. However, it soon became evident that coach Thomas Frank had prepared his team with a resilient formation, featuring three centre-halves and two agile wing-backs. This strategy allowed Tottenham to cede possession to the French side, but PSG struggled to capitalize on their dominance.
Tottenham showcased a counter-attacking threat, particularly through the dynamic partnership of Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus. The opening goal was a display of classic Brentford tactics, initiated by an indirect free kick from Guglielmo Vicario. After a shot from Palhinha hit the bar and was rebounded, Micky van de Ven capitalized, giving Spurs an unexpected yet well-deserved lead. Remarkably, PSG entered the half-time break without a single shot on target, marking just the fifth instance of this occurring during the Luis Enrique era.
Less than three minutes into the second half, Tottenham doubled their lead. Another indirect free kick resulted in Cristian Romero heading the ball past Lucas Chevalier, further establishing Spurs’ advantage. However, as the second half continued, PSG began to find their rhythm, having a goal disallowed for offside in the 66th minute. In a dramatic turn of events, PSG finally broke through in the 85th minute with a powerful finish from Lee Kang-in, leading to a tense ending for Spurs fans. Their worries were confirmed when a cross from Dembele was headed in by Goncalo Ramos during injury time, pushing the match to penalties.
Despite a missed penalty from Vitinha, PSG regrouped and executed flawlessly for the remainder of the shootout. Tottenham's Van de Ven and Mathys Tel both failed to convert their penalties, sealing a heartbreaking end for Spurs. Analysts Jack Pitt-Brooke, Elias Burke, and Conor O’Neill dissect the implications of this match for Tottenham.
Adding silverware is crucial for a club like Tottenham, which has been yearning for success. The dejected expressions on the Spurs players' faces as they watched PSG celebrate illustrated just how close they were to claiming their second trophy in three months. Nevertheless, Frank should take solace in his team's performance against the reigning European champions during his first official match in charge. Spurs demonstrated their potential, even if they faltered under late pressure. Losing in penalties was a harsh outcome for a team that showcased their capabilities against one of the best teams globally.
As Tottenham prepares to face Burnley on Saturday, it is likely that Frank will revert to a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring two wide forwards supporting a central striker. The players should approach this fixture with newfound confidence, especially as the club is actively seeking replacements for injured stars James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski in the transfer market. The prospect of enhancing their attacking options within a well-structured team is certainly appealing.
The decision to eliminate extra time from the Super Cup in 2023 allowed matches to go directly to penalties, much to the relief of football fans. In a surprising twist, Enrique chose to debut new goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, sidelining Gianluigi Donnarumma, known for his exceptional shot-stopping ability, especially in high-pressure situations like penalties. The shootout began with Tottenham taking the first shot, as Dominic Solanke confidently struck the ball into the top-right corner. PSG's Vitinha then attempted a no-look stutter but missed the target wide.
After both Bentancur and Ramos found the net, Spurs took a 2-1 lead early in the shootout. However, Chevalier made a crucial save against Van de Ven, which restored parity when Dembele scored for PSG. As the shootout progressed, Mathys Tel also missed, echoing Vitinha's earlier blunder. Yet, Lee stepped up to give PSG a 3-2 lead. Porro converted his penalty, putting pressure on PSG to score their final penalty. Nuno Mendes delivered under pressure, scoring down the middle and sealing an extraordinary comeback for his side.
One of the standout aspects of Tottenham's performance was their newfound pragmatism and tactical intelligence under Thomas Frank. In his inaugural competitive match, Frank employed a 3-5-2 system that effectively maximized Spurs’ strengths while neutralizing PSG’s threats. The wing-backs, Djed Spence and Pedro Porro, successfully contained PSG's full-backs, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, preventing them from dominating the game. Tottenham made it challenging for PSG to penetrate the midfield while swiftly countering through Kudus and Richarlison.
Spurs were particularly effective from set pieces, scoring both of their goals via clever routines. It marked a refreshing change from their previous style under Ange Postecoglou, who had downplayed the importance of set-piece strategies. Frank’s focus on these situations was evident, as he implemented long throw-ins and intricate free-kick routines, leading to the goals. With a renewed emphasis on set pieces, Tottenham could find an immediate impact in future matches.
Having recently concluded their Club World Cup campaign in mid-July, PSG returned to pre-season training just last week, suggesting they were not fully prepared for the season opener. In his debut match for PSG, Lucas Chevalier faced constant pressure from Tottenham's forwards and midfielders. Vitinha, pivotal to PSG's midfield control, struggled to find space as Pape Matar Sarr effectively tracked him throughout the match. Although PSG managed to create some chances, particularly in the first half, Tottenham maintained a strong grip on the game for the majority.
Nevertheless, PSG's late resurgence, including goals from Lee Kang-in and Goncalo Ramos, showcased their resilience and reinforced their status as favorites for another Champions League title this season. Even after Vitinha’s penalty miss, PSG’s composure under pressure was notable, and Chevalier’s crucial save from Van de Ven highlighted his potential as a reliable goalkeeper.
As Spurs head into the season, concerns about squad depth and quality have surfaced, especially with key players like Son Heung-min departing and Maddison and Kulusevski recovering from injuries. However, the match against PSG revealed that Tottenham possesses a wealth of young talent ready to step up. Mohammed Kudus shone brightly on his debut, consistently pressuring PSG’s defense and winning the free kick that led to Spurs' opener. Djed Spence, recently securing a new contract, excelled at left wing-back, effectively neutralizing Hakimi.
Pape Matar Sarr also demonstrated his growing influence in midfield, driving Spurs forward and asserting control. Alongside Richarlison, Porro, Palhinha, and the solid defensive duo Romero and Van de Ven, it was clear that Spurs have the potential to develop a competitive squad. While the late-game collapse indicated a need for more experience, the performance of the younger players suggests that Tottenham's future could be brighter than anticipated.
