London-UK, August 14, 2025
– In a breathtaking display of resilience, Paris Saint-Germain staged a dramatic late rally to defeat Tottenham Hotspur in a penalty shootout and win the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday. The match, which took place at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy, concluded with a 2-2 tie after regulation time before PSG secured the victory with a 4-3 win in the shootout, sealing a fifth trophy of 2025 for the French club.
The annual season-opening match, pitting the Champions League winners against the Europa League champions, delivered an unforgettable spectacle that showcased the contrasting preparations and fortunes of the two sides. Tottenham, entering the new season with a new sense of purpose under manager Thomas Frank, appeared to be cruising to an upset victory, holding a comfortable 2-0 lead as the clock ticked down to the 85th minute.
Tottenham’s dominance was evident for much of the game. Micky van de Ven, the newly signed defender, opened the scoring for Spurs in the 39th minute. The goal was a testament to his quick reactions, as he pounced on a rebound after PSG goalkeeper Chevalier parried a powerful shot from Joao Palhinha onto the crossbar. Tottenham doubled their lead shortly after the break when Cristian Romero headed home from a free kick in the 48th minute, leaving PSG, the reigning Champions League winners, visibly stunned. The performance from Tottenham was so controlled and assured that manager Thomas Frank later remarked that his side “played almost perfectly” for the majority of the match.
However, the tide turned in a frantic final few minutes. PSG, who seemed to be struggling to find their rhythm, finally discovered their customary slickness with a series of substitutions. It was one of those substitutes, Lee Kang-in, who breathed new life into the match with a fierce shot into the bottom corner in the 85th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1. This lifeline galvanized the Parisian side, and they pushed forward relentlessly in the dying moments of the game.
The dramatic equalizer came in the fourth minute of stoppage time, courtesy of another substitute, Gonçalo Ramos. He met a perfectly delivered right-wing cross from Ousmane Dembele with a powerful header, sending the ball crashing into the back of the net and sending the game to penalties.
Even in the shootout, Tottenham initially looked set for victory. After PSG’s Vitinha missed the first spot kick, Spurs took a 2-0 lead. However, the pressure seemed to get the better of them, with Micky van de Ven and Mathys Tel failing to convert their penalties. PSG, by contrast, remained composed and scored four consecutive penalties, with Nuno Mendes slotting home the winning spot kick to secure the 4-3 shootout victory. The dramatic conclusion was a bitter pill to swallow for Tottenham, who had been within touching distance of their first ever UEFA Super Cup title.
The result marks a significant achievement for Paris Saint-Germain, completing a historic haul of five trophies in 2025. It also provides a major boost for the club as they prepare for the start of the new domestic season. For Tottenham, despite the heartbreak of the late collapse, the performance for the first 85 minutes of the match showed promising signs for their upcoming campaign. The intensity, organization, and tactical discipline they displayed against one of Europe’s top clubs will be a source of confidence, even as the sting of defeat lingers.
The match, which serves as the traditional curtain-raiser for the European football season, was broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1. Fans were able to stream the game via the TNT Sport or Discovery Plus apps. The event drew millions of viewers from around the globe, and the dramatic conclusion ensures that it will be remembered as one of the most thrilling Super Cup finals in recent memory. As both clubs now turn their attention to their respective domestic leagues, the legacy of this dramatic encounter will undoubtedly shape their narratives for the season ahead.
