Date: August 14, 2025
Venue: Stadio Friuli, Udine, Italy
The 2025 UEFA Super Cup, contested between Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Europa League victors Tottenham Hotspur, delivered a spectacle of high drama and resilience. Held at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy, the match concluded with PSG securing their first-ever Super Cup title in a thrilling penalty shootout after a remarkable comeback from a two-goal deficit. The final score was 2-2 after regular time, with PSG triumphing 4-3 in the subsequent shootout. This victory marked PSG's 56th major trophy and their third European title, adding to their previous Cup Winners' Cup and Champions League triumphs. The match was a tale of two halves, with Tottenham dominating the early proceedings before PSG's late surge turned the tide in a stunning fashion.
The match's narrative was defined by a stunning reversal of fortunes in the final minutes. Tottenham, under new manager Thomas Frank, executed a near-perfect game plan for over 80 minutes, establishing a commanding lead that seemed insurmountable. However, the resilience and quality of the European champions shone through as PSG mounted an extraordinary comeback, forcing the game into a penalty shootout where they ultimately prevailed. This sequence of events highlighted the unpredictable nature of football and the mental fortitude required to succeed at the highest level.
Tottenham took control of the match with two well-taken goals from unlikely sources. The opening goal came in the 39th minute when Dutch defender Micky van de Ven reacted quickest to a rebound after PSG's debutant goalkeeper, Lucas Chevalier, had tipped João Palhinha's close-range effort onto the crossbar . This goal was a testament to Tottenham's preparedness and sharpness, as they capitalized on a set-piece situation to break the deadlock. The lead was doubled just three minutes into the second half when new Tottenham captain Cristian Romero powered a header past Chevalier from a Pedro Porro free-kick . This second goal, scored in the 48th minute, put Tottenham in a commanding position and seemed to have sealed the victory for the London club. The defensive duo of Van de Ven and Romero, not typically known for their goal-scoring prowess, proved to be the heroes for Tottenham for the majority of the match.
With time running out and Tottenham seemingly on the verge of victory, PSG launched a furious assault in the final stages of the match. The comeback began in the 85th minute when substitute Lee Kang-in collected a pass from Vitinha on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful, low shot into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario with no chance . This goal injected new life into the PSG side and set the stage for a dramatic finale. The equalizer arrived in the fourth minute of stoppage time, as another substitute, Gonçalo Ramos, rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross from Ousmane Dembélé and head the ball into the net . This last-gasp goal completed the remarkable turnaround and sent the match into a penalty shootout, breaking the hearts of the Tottenham players and fans.
The penalty shootout was a tense affair that saw both teams experience moments of advantage and despair. Tottenham initially took the upper hand when PSG's Vitinha missed their first penalty . However, the tide turned when Tottenham's Micky van de Ven had his spot-kick saved by Lucas Chevalier, and Mathys Tel fired his effort wide . PSG, on the other hand, converted their remaining four penalties through Gonçalo Ramos, Ousmane Dembélé, Lee Kang-in, and finally Nuno Mendes, who scored the decisive kick to secure a 4-3 victory in the shootout . The shootout win was a testament to PSG's composure under pressure and provided a fittingly dramatic conclusion to a memorable match.
The statistical breakdown of the match reveals a fascinating contrast in styles and approaches between the two teams. While PSG dominated possession, as is their trademark, Tottenham were more efficient in their attacking play for the majority of the game. The numbers highlight the different phases of the match, with Tottenham's early dominance reflected in their shot count and PSG's late pressure evident in their overall control of the ball.
| Statistic | Paris Saint-Germain | Tottenham Hotspur |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 74.1% | 25.9% |
| Passing Accuracy | 90% | 70% |
| Shots | 12 | 13 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 5 |
| Corners | 7 | 2 |
| Goals (Open Play) | 2 | 0 |
| Goals (Set-Pieces) | 0 | 2 |
Table 1: A summary of key team statistics from the 2025 UEFA Super Cup final.
PSG's possession-based style was on full display, as they controlled the ball for 74.1% of the match . This dominance in possession is a hallmark of Luis Enrique's teams, who look to control the tempo of the game through intricate passing and patient build-up play. However, this control did not translate into a significant advantage in the first half, as PSG struggled to create clear-cut chances. Tottenham, in contrast, were content to surrender possession and focus on a more direct and counter-attacking approach. Their passing accuracy was lower, but their passes were often more purposeful and aimed at exploiting the spaces behind the PSG defense. The physical condition of the teams also played a role, with Tottenham having had a longer pre-season and reportedly running six kilometers more than PSG during the match .
Despite their dominance in possession, PSG were outshot by Tottenham for much of the game. At half-time, Tottenham had attempted nine shots compared to PSG's four, with the French side failing to register a single shot on target . This statistic underscores Tottenham's effectiveness on the counter-attack and their ability to create chances from set-pieces. In the end, Tottenham finished with 13 shots, five of which were on target, while PSG had 12 shots with three on target . The late surge from PSG saw them increase their attacking output, but it was the quality of their finishing in the final minutes that ultimately made the difference.
Set-pieces proved to be a crucial weapon for Tottenham throughout the match. Both of their goals originated from set-piece situations, highlighting a well-rehearsed and effective strategy . The first goal came from a long ball into the box that was not properly cleared, while the second was a direct result of a well-delivered free-kick from Pedro Porro . PSG, on the other hand, struggled to defend these situations, a weakness that has been noted in previous seasons . While PSG had more corners overall, they were unable to convert them into goals, whereas Tottenham's more direct approach from set-pieces yielded significant rewards.
The match saw a number of standout individual performances, with players from both sides making significant contributions. For PSG, their star players stepped up when it mattered most, while Tottenham's new-look side showcased their potential with a spirited and well-organized display.
PSG's victory was built on the contributions of their key attacking players, who combined to produce the goals that turned the game on its head. The impact of their substitutes was particularly noteworthy, as the introduction of fresh legs and new impetus in the second half proved to be the catalyst for their comeback.
Ousmane Dembélé was a constant threat for PSG and was named the official Player of the Match by UEFA . While he was relatively quiet in the first half, he grew into the game and was instrumental in the late comeback. His most significant contribution was the superb cross that set up Gonçalo Ramos's equalizing goal in stoppage time . Dembélé's ability to create chances and his willingness to take on defenders were crucial for PSG, and his performance was a key factor in their victory. In a touching gesture, Dembélé later handed his Player of the Match award to debutant goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, acknowledging the young keeper's crucial role in the penalty shootout .
Lee Kang-in made a significant impact after coming on as a substitute in the second half. The South Korean midfielder scored the goal that ignited PSG's comeback, a stunning strike from the edge of the box that gave the goalkeeper no chance . His goal in the 85th minute completely changed the momentum of the game and gave PSG the belief that they could still salvage a result. Lee's energy and quality on the ball were a welcome addition to the PSG midfield, and his performance was a testament to the depth of talent in the squad. He also successfully converted his penalty in the shootout, further cementing his role as a key contributor to the victory .
Gonçalo Ramos was another substitute who played a pivotal role in the comeback. The Portuguese forward scored the dramatic equalizer in the fourth minute of stoppage time, heading home Dembélé's cross to send the match into a penalty shootout . Ramos's goal was a classic center-forward's finish, showcasing his aerial ability and composure in a high-pressure situation. His introduction provided PSG with a more direct attacking threat, and his goal was the culmination of the sustained pressure that the team applied in the final stages of the match. Like Lee, Ramos also scored his penalty in the shootout, contributing to the team's success .
Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Tottenham can take many positives from their performance. The team displayed a level of organization and resilience that was impressive, particularly given that this was their first competitive match under new manager Thomas Frank. Several players stood out with their individual displays, demonstrating the potential of this new-look Spurs side.
Cristian Romero was a colossus at the heart of the Tottenham defense and was arguably their best player on the night. In his first match as the permanent club captain, Romero led by example, organizing the backline and putting in a series of crucial tackles and clearances . He was a constant threat from set-pieces and scored a vital goal to double Tottenham's lead in the second half . His performance was a perfect blend of defensive solidity and attacking contribution, and he was unlucky to end up on the losing side. Romero's display will have given Tottenham fans great hope for the future, as he appears to be the ideal leader for this new era at the club.
Pape Matar Sarr was the engine of the Tottenham midfield, providing a relentless work rate and a constant presence both in defense and attack. The young Senegalese midfielder was a constant menace to the PSG players, pressing and harrying them throughout the match . His energy and tenacity were key to Tottenham's ability to disrupt PSG's rhythm and launch their own counter-attacks. Sarr's performance was a testament to his growing maturity and importance to the team, and he was widely praised as one of Tottenham's best players on the night .
Micky van de Ven was another unlikely goalscorer for Tottenham, opening the scoring with a well-taken goal in the first half . The Dutch defender was in the right place at the right time to convert the rebound after Chevalier had saved Palhinha's shot, showcasing his alertness and finishing ability . Defensively, Van de Ven was solid, making a number of important clearances and tackles to keep the PSG attack at bay . While his missed penalty in the shootout was a disappointing end to his evening, his overall performance was a positive sign for Tottenham, as he demonstrated his value both at the back and in the opposition box.
The match was a fascinating tactical battle between two managers with distinct philosophies. Luis Enrique's PSG, true to form, sought to dominate possession and control the game through their technical superiority. In contrast, Thomas Frank's Tottenham adopted a more pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks.
PSG's game plan was centered around their ability to control the ball and dictate the tempo of the match. However, their lack of match sharpness, due to a shorter pre-season, meant that they struggled to implement this strategy effectively for much of the game.
As expected, PSG dominated possession, finishing the match with 74.1% of the ball . This allowed them to control the flow of the game and limit Tottenham's opportunities to attack. However, their possession was often sterile, as they struggled to break down a well-organized and disciplined Tottenham defense. The team's lack of pre-season training was evident in their play, as they looked lethargic and lacked their usual sharpness in the final third . Despite these struggles, their ability to keep the ball was crucial in the final stages of the match, as it allowed them to apply sustained pressure and create the chances that led to their comeback.
While PSG had the majority of the possession, they were unable to convert this into a significant number of clear-cut chances for much of the game. In the first half, they failed to register a single shot on target, a rare occurrence for a team of their attacking quality . Their play was often too slow and predictable, allowing Tottenham to get into their defensive shape and snuff out any danger. The team's lack of match fitness also contributed to their struggles, as they were unable to maintain a high tempo and intensity in their attacking play. It was only in the final 10 minutes of the match that they began to create genuine goal-scoring opportunities, a testament to their quality and resilience.
The introduction of substitutes in the second half was a key turning point in the match. The fresh legs and energy of players like Lee Kang-in and Gonçalo Ramos provided PSG with a new impetus and a more direct attacking threat . Luis Enrique's decision to bring on these players proved to be a masterstroke, as they were directly involved in the goals that turned the game around. The team's mentality also played a crucial role, as they never gave up and continued to believe that they could get a result, even when they were two goals down with only five minutes remaining. This late-game surge was a display of the champion's mentality that has become a hallmark of this PSG side.
Under new manager Thomas Frank, Tottenham displayed a well-organized and disciplined defensive performance, complemented by a dangerous counter-attacking threat. Their game plan was perfectly executed for the majority of the match, and they were unlucky not to come away with the victory.
Tottenham's defensive performance was one of the standout aspects of their display. They defended with a low block, making it difficult for PSG to find space in behind their defense. The back three of Romero, Van de Ven, and Danso were excellent, winning their individual battles and making a series of crucial blocks and clearances . The midfield also played a key role, with players like Sarr and Bentancur providing a shield in front of the defense and pressing the PSG players relentlessly . This defensive solidity was the foundation of their performance and allowed them to frustrate the PSG attack for long periods of the game.
Tottenham's counter-attacking strategy was a constant threat to the PSG defense. They were quick to transition from defense to attack, using the pace of players like Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison to exploit the spaces behind the PSG full-backs. While they were unable to create a large number of chances from open play, their ability to launch quick and incisive counter-attacks kept the PSG defense on their toes and prevented them from committing too many players forward. This tactical approach was a key part of their game plan and was executed to near perfection for much of the match.
Tottenham's set-piece delivery was a major weapon throughout the match. Both of their goals came from set-pieces, highlighting a well-rehearsed and effective strategy . The delivery from Pedro Porro was particularly dangerous, and the movement of the Tottenham players in the box caused the PSG defense all sorts of problems. The height and physicality of their defenders, such as Romero and Van de Ven, made them a constant threat from corners and free-kicks. This set-piece prowess was a key factor in their ability to take a two-goal lead and was a testament to the work done on the training ground by the new coaching staff.
The aftermath of the match was filled with a mixture of joy and disappointment, as well as a sense of optimism for the future from both camps. The result had significant implications for both clubs, marking a historic achievement for PSG and a missed opportunity for Tottenham.
The post-match interviews provided a fascinating insight into the thoughts and emotions of the managers and players involved. The quotes reflected the dramatic nature of the match and the different perspectives of the two teams.
PSG manager Luis Enrique was full of praise for his team's character and resilience after the match. He acknowledged that they did not play at their best but highlighted their ability to come back from a two-goal deficit. He stated, "We didn't play at our best, but we showed character to come back. This win is significant for the club moving forward" . His comments reflect the importance of the victory for PSG and the team's mental strength.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank expressed pride in his team's performance, despite the defeat. He acknowledged that they were in control for most of the match but ultimately fell short. He stated, "We are proud of the performance. We competed well and were in control. It's a tough lesson but we'll learn" . His comments highlight the positives for Tottenham and the lessons they can take from the match.
PSG forward Ousmane Dembélé expressed his joy at winning the trophy, stating, "The win means everything. We worked hard for it and are happy to start the season with a trophy" . Tottenham forward Mathys Tel, who missed a penalty in the shootout, was understandably disappointed, stating, "It's really disappointing, especially missing the penalty. But we have to pick ourselves up" . The players' reactions reflect the highs and lows of the dramatic encounter.
The result of the match had significant implications for both clubs, both in terms of their immediate objectives and their long-term aspirations.
The victory marked PSG's first-ever UEFA Super Cup title, adding to their impressive trophy collection in 2025 . The win is a significant milestone for the club and further enhances their European pedigree. It also provides a boost of confidence for the upcoming season, as they look to build on their success and challenge for more trophies.
For Tottenham, the defeat was a missed opportunity to win a major European trophy. However, their strong performance against one of the best teams in Europe will give them confidence for the upcoming season. The match highlighted their potential under new manager Thomas Frank and their ability to compete at the highest level.
The match has significant implications for the upcoming season, as it provides a glimpse into the form and potential of both teams. For PSG, the victory will have given them a huge boost of confidence and will have reinforced their belief that they can win every trophy they compete for. However, the match also highlighted some areas for improvement, particularly in their defensive organization and their ability to convert possession into goals. For Tottenham, the performance will have given them a solid foundation to build on for the new season. The team's tactical discipline and defensive organization were impressive, and they will be a force to be reckoned with if they can maintain this level of performance.