PSG win Super Cup on penalties after comeback

An editorial look at how Tottenham came up short after leading PSG then losing on penalties in the UEFA Super Cup.

Tottenham undone by late PSG comeback in Super Cup

Paris Saint-Germain beat Tottenham Hotspur on penalties after a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes to lift the UEFA Super Cup. Spurs adopted a three-centre-back setup with two wing-backs and used the break to hit PSG on the counter, with Richarlison and Kudus linking well up front. Tottenham's opener came from an indirect free kick that Ping-ponged through the area, finished by Micky van de Ven, while Romero doubled the lead shortly after the restart from another indirect set-piece.

PSG slowly found their footing and pressed into the closing stages. A disallowed goal in the 66th minute was followed by a late charge that culminated in Lee Kang-in’s equaliser in the 85th minute and Goncalo Ramos’s injury-time header to force penalties. In the shootout, Lucas Chevalier impressed for PSG, saving one and helping his team win after Spurs missed two of their efforts. The result underscored PSG’s resilience and exposed a few familiar gaps for Spurs as they look to build for the season.

Tottenham showed they can compete with Europe’s best when their plan is clear and players are confident. Frank’s 3-5-2 kept PSG off balance and allowed Spurs to strike on the break, but the late pressure exposed a lack of depth and stamina that could become a recurring issue as the season wears on. The night was also a reminder that setting pieces are no longer a novelty in modern finals; Spurs made them count, while PSG needed them at the end to swing the tie in their favor. For Spurs fans, the takeaway is tempered optimism: enough in the tank to challenge great teams, but not yet enough to seal a trophy.

Looking ahead, Tottenham will need to manage injuries and bring in attacking options to convert performance into silverware. PSG, meanwhile, reinforced their status as title contenders, yet their first competitive test of the season showed small flaws that coaching staff will aim to iron out before the big European nights return.

Highlights

The night ends with a lesson: progress for Spurs does not always come without risk. The work starts now.