European champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) pulled off a stunning late comeback before winning a penalty shootout to clinch the UEFA Super Cup, breaking Tottenham’s hopes of lifting silverware under new manager Thomas Frank.
Tottenham looked set for glory in Udine, Italy, after leading 2-0 until the 84th minute. But PSG fought back, with Lee Kang-in pulling one back and substitute Gonçalo Ramos heading in a dramatic 94th-minute equaliser.
The match went straight to penalties, and despite PSG missing their first attempt when Vitinha fired wide, Spurs’ Micky van de Ven saw his spot-kick saved by Lucas Chevalier. Mathys Tel missed for Tottenham, allowing Nuno Mendes to score the winning penalty and secure PSG’s first-ever UEFA Super Cup.
The night began with a symbolic moment as PSG captain Marquinhos carried the Champions League trophy and Spurs’ new captain Cristian Romero held the Europa League trophy. By the end, it was Marquinhos lifting the Super Cup high as the French champions celebrated.
For Tottenham, it was a cruel blow. Just months ago, they won the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou, their first major trophy in 17 years, but still sacked the Australian after a poor domestic season that ended with them finishing 17th in the Premier League. Frank, in his first competitive game in charge, saw his side execute a disciplined defensive plan, denying PSG a shot on target for over an hour.
Both Spurs goals came from set-pieces. Van de Ven opened the scoring just before halftime, converting a rebound after Joao Palhinha’s shot hit the bar. Romero then doubled the lead with a header from Pedro Porro’s free-kick, though Chevalier might have done better.
However, PSG’s resilience shone through. Despite only returning to training a week earlier after their Club World Cup loss to Chelsea, they produced yet another big win over an English side, having already beaten Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal in last season’s Champions League campaign.
Tottenham now turn their attention to their Premier League opener at home to Burnley on Saturday, while PSG will start their Ligue 1 title defence away to Nantes on Sunday.
According to a 9am News report, some Spurs supporters are planning a protest this weekend against club chairman Daniel Levy, citing frustrations over limited summer transfer activity.
Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Business News, Sports updates And Entertainment Gists.
