PSG Triumphs Over Tottenham in Dramatic UEFA Super Cup 2025 Penalty Shootout

Match Overview

In a thrilling encounter at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Italy, on August 13, 2025, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) clinched their first-ever UEFA Super Cup title, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time. The match, pitting the Champions League winners against the Europa League champions, showcased a tale of resilience, tactical adjustments, and late heroics, culminating in a tense penalty shootout.

First Half: Tottenham’s Set-Piece Dominance

The match began with both teams feeling each other out, but Tottenham, under new manager Thomas Frank, displayed a disciplined and direct approach. Despite PSG’s possession dominance (74% by the end of the match), Spurs created the better chances early on. In the 39th minute, their persistence paid off. A long free kick from goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was headed by Cristian Romero to João Palhinha, whose shot was brilliantly saved by PSG’s new goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, only for Micky van de Ven to pounce on the rebound and fire Tottenham into a 1-0 lead. Moments later, Mohammed Kudus struck the post, hinting at Tottenham’s set-piece threat.

Second Half: Spurs Extend Lead, PSG Fight Back

Tottenham doubled their advantage just three minutes into the second half. Another set-piece, this time a deep free kick from Pedro Porro, found Romero unmarked, and the newly appointed Spurs captain headed past Chevalier, who was criticized for weak goalkeeping. At 2-0, Tottenham seemed poised for a historic upset against the Champions League holders.

PSG, however, showed signs of life as the match progressed. A goal by Bradley Barcola in the 66th minute was disallowed for offside, but the French side’s pressure intensified. In the 85th minute, substitute Kang-in Lee sparked hope with a stunning low strike from the edge of the box, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Then, in the 94th minute, Ousmane Dembélé’s precise cross was met by another substitute, Gonçalo Ramos, who headed in a dramatic equalizer to force a penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout: PSG’s Nerve Prevails

The shootout began poorly for PSG, with Vitinha missing their first attempt. Tottenham capitalized, with Dominic Solanke and Rodrigo Bentancur scoring to take an early lead. However, Lucas Chevalier redeemed himself by saving van de Ven’s penalty, and Mathys Tel missed for Spurs. Ousmane Dembélé and Kang-in Lee converted for PSG, leveling the score. Nuno Mendes stepped up for the decisive kick, coolly slotting it home to secure a 4-3 victory and the Super Cup for PSG.

Key Performances

Ousmane Dembélé (PSG): Named Player of the Match by UEFA’s Technical Observer Group, Dembélé was instrumental in PSG’s comeback, providing the assist for Ramos’ equalizer and scoring in the shootout.
Micky van de Ven (Tottenham): Scored the opener and was a defensive rock, though his missed penalty proved costly.
Cristian Romero (Tottenham): The new Spurs captain led by example, scoring and anchoring the defense until PSG’s late surge.
Lucas Chevalier (PSG): Despite criticism for Tottenham’s second goal, the new goalkeeper made crucial saves, including in the shootout, justifying Luis Enrique’s bold decision to replace Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Kang-in Lee and Gonçalo Ramos (PSG): The substitutes’ late goals were pivotal in turning the tide.

Tactical Insights

Tottenham’s Thomas Frank employed a 3-5-2 formation, a departure from his usual 4-2-3-1, to counter PSG’s attacking prowess. The strategy emphasized set-pieces and physicality, exploiting PSG’s rustiness after a shortened pre-season. For 85 minutes, Spurs executed Frank’s game plan to perfection, with high pressing and aerial dominance. However, PSG’s substitutions and relentless pressure in the final stages exposed Tottenham’s fatigue. Luis Enrique’s faith in his squad’s depth and mental resilience was rewarded, as PSG’s substitutes turned the game around.

Post-Match Reactions

Luis Enrique (PSG Coach): “Tottenham played a great match; they were stronger than us. I don’t know if it’s a fair result, but that’s football. We had the ability to fight until the end… Lucas Chevalier was incredible, and I’m very happy for him.”
Ousmane Dembélé: “It’s enormous – to win another European trophy for the club is magnificent. Starting the season with a trophy, there’s a lot of pride involved.”
Thomas Frank (Tottenham Coach): “We played very well… We had them exactly where we wanted for 80-something minutes… There’s a lot to be happy with.”
Marquinhos (PSG Captain): “We have hadn’t much preparation but you could see that football is not only about the physical aspect – it is also about the mental aspect.”

What’s Next?

PSG will carry this momentum into their Ligue 1 title defense, starting with an away match against Nantes on August 17, 2025. Tottenham, despite the heartbreak, showed promise under Frank and will aim to rebound in their Premier League opener against Burnley on August 16, 2025. Both teams will also look ahead to the UEFA Champions League league phase draw on August 28, 2025.

Historical Context

This victory marks PSG’s fifth trophy of 2025, following their Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions triumphs. It is the first time a French club has won the Super Cup, with PSG becoming the 26th different winner in the competition’s 50th edition. Tottenham, meanwhile, missed the chance to become the seventh English club to claim the title.

Conclusion

PSG’s dramatic comeback and penalty shootout victory underscored their championship pedigree, while Tottenham’s performance offered hope for a bright future under Thomas Frank. The match was a fitting curtain-raiser for the 2025/26 European season, blending tactical intrigue, individual brilliance, and high drama.