Paris Saint-Germain emerged victorious in a dramatic UEFA Super Cup clash against Tottenham Hotspur, winning 4-3 on penalties after staging a remarkable late comeback to level the match 2-2 in regulation time. The French giants, fresh off their Champions League triumph and a grueling Club World Cup campaign in July, showed immense character and resilience to claw their way back into the contest, ultimately lifting their fifth trophy of 2025. The match, held under the bright lights of a packed stadium, was a showcase of elite European football, filled with tactical intrigue, individual brilliance, and emotional swings that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final kick.
Tottenham, under the guidance of newly appointed manager Thomas Frank, looked poised to add another piece of silverware to their cabinet just three months after winning the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou. The London club started brightly, asserting control in the early stages and capitalizing on set pieces to build a 2-0 lead. Cristian Romero, now captain following Son Heung-Min’s departure to LAFC in Major League Soccer, led by example in a back three, anchoring a defense that looked solid for much of the match. Spurs’ first goal came from a well-worked set piece, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario launching a diagonal ball to the far post. Romero rose highest to nod it back into the danger zone, where João Palhinha’s close-range effort was denied by the crossbar, only for Micky van de Ven to pounce and slot home the rebound. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations and gave Tottenham the momentum they needed heading into halftime.
The second half began with more of the same from Spurs, who doubled their lead just three minutes after the restart. Another set piece proved decisive, as Pedro Porro found Romero unmarked at the back post. The Argentine defender’s header bounced awkwardly and slipped through the hands of PSG debutant Lucas Chevalier, who had been preferred over Gianluigi Donnarumma for this high-stakes encounter. It was a moment Chevalier would want to forget, but it underscored Tottenham’s growing confidence and tactical discipline under Frank’s leadership. Mohammed Kudus, making his first start since a summer move from West Ham United, nearly added a third with a stabbed effort that struck the post, while Kevin Danso sent a shot into the side netting as Spurs continued to threaten.
Despite the deficit, PSG refused to wilt. Manager Luis Enrique made a series of bold substitutions, injecting pace and creativity into the side with the likes of Lee Kang-in, Gonçalo Ramos, and Désiré Doué. The French champions began to dominate possession, pinning Tottenham back and probing for openings. Last-ditch defending from Romero and Van de Ven kept PSG at bay, while Djed Spence blocked a dangerous effort from Ousmane Dembélé. The Parisians thought they had pulled one back in the 66th minute when Bradley Barcola found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Danso’s heroic block moments earlier had denied Fabián Ruiz a clear chance, and Vicario’s reflex save from Doué kept Spurs’ lead intact.
As the clock ticked down, PSG’s pressure intensified. With five minutes remaining, substitute Lee Kang-in arrowed a precise shot into the bottom corner, giving the French side a lifeline and setting the stage for a tense finale. Tottenham, who had defended valiantly for much of the match, began to show signs of fatigue and nerves. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Achraf Hakimi slipped a clever pass to Dembélé, who delivered a pinpoint cross for Ramos to head home the equalizer. The goal stunned the north London club and sent the PSG bench into raptures. From the brink of defeat, Luis Enrique’s men had dragged themselves back into contention, forcing a penalty shootout that would decide the winner of the prestigious Super Cup.
The shootout began with drama as Vitinha missed PSG’s first kick, handing Tottenham an early advantage. Romero, having chosen to take the penalties in front of Spurs fans, looked to have made a decisive call. However, the momentum quickly shifted. Van de Ven, who had scored earlier, failed to convert his spot kick, and Mathys Tel also missed for Spurs. PSG held their nerve, with Nuno Mendes stepping up to take the final kick. His calm and composed finish sealed the victory for the Parisians, capping off a remarkable comeback and securing yet another trophy in a season already brimming with success.
This Super Cup clash was more than just a curtain-raiser for the European season—it was a statement of intent from PSG, who continue to assert their dominance on the continental stage. Their ability to rally from a two-goal deficit, despite limited preseason preparation, speaks volumes about the depth and quality of their squad. Lee Kang-in and Gonçalo Ramos, both introduced late in the game, proved to be game-changers, while Dembélé and Hakimi showcased their chemistry in the build-up to the equalizer. Chevalier, despite his earlier error, redeemed himself with key saves and composure during the shootout.
For Tottenham, the defeat will sting, especially given how close they came to victory. Yet there were positives to take from the performance. Romero’s leadership, Kudus’ dynamism, and Frank’s tactical setup all point to a promising future. The team showed grit and organization, and their set-piece prowess remains a potent weapon. However, the inability to close out the match and the missed penalties will serve as lessons as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the Premier League and beyond.
The UEFA Super Cup, traditionally contested between the winners of the Champions League and Europa League, has often produced thrilling encounters, and this edition was no exception. It was a night of high drama, emotional swings, and unforgettable moments. PSG’s triumph adds another chapter to their growing legacy, while Tottenham will look to regroup and build on the foundations laid by their new manager. As the European season kicks into gear, both clubs will be ones to watch, with ambitions that stretch far beyond this early-season showcase.
In the end, football fans were treated to a spectacle that highlighted the beauty and unpredictability of the sport. From set-piece mastery to last-gasp heroics, from missed opportunities to clutch finishes, the 2025 UEFA Super Cup delivered everything one could hope for. PSG’s victory was a testament to their resilience and star power, while Tottenham’s performance hinted at a team on the rise. As the players left the pitch and the celebrations began, one thing was clear: this was a match that would be remembered for years to come.
