Epic Comeback: How PSG Stunned Tottenham to Win the 2025 UEFA Super Cup
By Ayaz.
Introduction
When two of Europe’s top football clubs clash, you expect fireworks — but the 2025 UEFA Super Cup delivered a full-blown blockbuster.
On August 13, 2025, at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) — winners of the Champions League — faced Tottenham Hotspur, the Europa League champions.
The result? A dramatic tale of missed chances, late heroics, penalty shootout tension, and a slice of football history. PSG not only came back from two goals down but also became the first French club ever to win the UEFA Super Cup.
This article breaks down everything: from the key match events to the tactical decisions, the heroes, the heartbreaks, and what it all means for the season ahead.
What is the UEFA Super Cup ?
(Quick Explanation for Non-Fans)
The UEFA Super Cup is an annual football match that brings together:
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The winners of the UEFA Champions League (Europe’s biggest club competition)
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The winners of the UEFA Europa League (the second-tier European competition)
It’s like a “Champions vs. Champions” match that acts as a curtain-raiser for the European football season.
The Stage Was Set
PSG came into the game with the weight of expectation. Led by coach Luis Enrique, they had conquered Europe’s toughest tournament. Tottenham, under new manager Thomas Frank, had just ended their long trophy drought by winning the Europa League.
The matchup promised high-quality football — and it didn’t disappoint.
First Half: Tottenham’s Early Dominance
Tottenham started the match with surprising aggression. While PSG preferred keeping possession, Spurs looked to hit quickly on the counterattack — a strategy where the team waits for the opponent to lose the ball, then breaks forward at speed.
39th Minute – Micky van de Ven Strikes
A dangerous Spurs attack saw PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier fail to fully clear the ball. Dutch defender Micky van de Ven reacted quickly, smashing the rebound into the net. Tottenham led 1–0.
Second Half: Tottenham’s Lead Doubles
52nd Minute – Cristian Romero’s Header
Tottenham won a corner kick — a set-piece situation where the ball is crossed in from the corner flag. Defender Cristian Romero rose above the PSG defense to power a header into the net.
At 2–0, it looked like Tottenham were on course for a famous victory.
PSG’s Slow Fightback
For much of the second half, PSG looked frustrated. Tottenham’s defensive shape — often called a low block (a compact defensive line near their own goal) — made it difficult for the French side to find space.
However, football is a game of moments. And PSG’s stars delivered exactly when needed.
85th Minute – Lee Kang-in Ignites Hope
South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in picked up the ball outside the penalty area. With no clear passing option, he decided to take a long-range shot — a strike from far outside the box.
The ball flew past Tottenham’s goalkeeper and into the net. 2–1. Game on.
Stoppage Time – Gonçalo Ramos Levels It
In the dying moments of added time, Ousmane Dembélé — known for his blistering pace — whipped in a cross from the right. Striker Gonçalo Ramos timed his run perfectly and scored with a powerful header.
2–2. The PSG bench erupted. Tottenham looked stunned.
Penalty Shootout Drama
With no extra time in the Super Cup, the match went straight to penalties.
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Tottenham’s Mathys Tel and Micky van de Ven both missed their shots.
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PSG scored all their penalties with composure.
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Nuno Mendes scored the decisive kick, sealing a 4–3 shootout victory.
PSG’s players sprinted towards goalkeeper Chevalier, who had redeemed himself after his early mistake by saving a crucial penalty.
Tactical Analysis — Breaking It Down for All Fans
Tottenham’s Plan
Thomas Frank set up Spurs in a 3-4-1-2 formation:
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Three center-backs to deal with PSG’s attack
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Two wing-backs for both defense and attack
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Quick transitions to exploit PSG’s high defensive line
For 80 minutes, it worked perfectly. Spurs frustrated PSG, defended deep, and hit with precision from set pieces.
PSG’s Response
Luis Enrique’s 4-3-3 system struggled against Tottenham’s compact shape until the final 10 minutes. The introduction of fresh legs and more direct wing play (especially Dembélé’s crosses) turned the tide.
Key Players of the Night
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Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) – Constant threat down the right, provided the assist for Ramos’s equalizer. (Named Player of the Match)
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Gonçalo Ramos (PSG) – The man for big moments, scoring the stoppage-time header.
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Lee Kang-in (PSG) – Sparked the comeback with his long-range strike.
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Lucas Chevalier (PSG) – From early blunder to penalty hero.
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Cristian Romero (Tottenham) – Strong defensive display plus a goal.
Quotes & Reactions
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Luis Enrique (PSG Coach):
“For 80 minutes, we didn’t deserve to win. Tottenham were the better team. But football is about moments, and we took ours.” -
Thomas Frank (Tottenham Manager):
“I’m proud of my players. We had a special plan and it worked for most of the game. We just couldn’t see it through.” -
Lee Kang-in:
“I just saw space and decided to shoot. In games like this, you have to take risks.”
Historic Win for PSG
This victory means more than just a trophy:
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First French club ever to win the UEFA Super Cup
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A huge morale boost before the new season
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Proof of PSG’s mental toughness under pressure
Fan & Social Media Reactions
Social media exploded after the match:
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PSG fans praised the never-give-up attitude.
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Tottenham fans were heartbroken but proud of their team’s fight.
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Neutral fans called it “one of the best Super Cup matches in years.”
What’s Next ?
For PSG, this win could set the tone for another dominant season. For Tottenham, the challenge is to recover quickly and build on the positives from their performance.
Conclusion
The 2025 UEFA Super Cup will be remembered as a lesson in perseverance. Tottenham had the game in their hands, but PSG’s resilience, tactical changes, and star quality flipped the script.
In football, it’s never over until the final whistle — and PSG proved that in spectacular style.
