Paris, Aug 14 (AP) - In a thrilling UEFA Super Cup encounter, Paris Saint-Germain showcased a dramatic finish to overcome Tottenham in a penalty shootout on Wednesday, marking their fifth trophy of 2025. PSG's Nuno Mendes delivered the decisive spot kick during the shootout after a remarkable comeback, where the French club found themselves trailing 2-0 until the 85th minute. The annual event, pitting the Champions League holders against the Europa League winners, unfolded with Tottenham initially taking control.
Lee Kang-in sparked PSG's revival by netting a fierce shot into the bottom corner, reducing the deficit. As pressure mounted, substitute Gonçalo Ramos delivered an equalizer in stoppage time, leveling the score at 2-2 at Stadio Friuli in Udine. Tottenham seemed poised for upset glory, surging ahead 2-0 in the shootout after an early miss by Vitinha for PSG. However, the tides turned when Micky van de Ven and Mathys Tel faltered from the spot for the Spurs, allowing PSG to convert four consecutive penalties, culminating in Mendes' decisive effort.
PSG coach Luis Enrique reflected, "Sometimes football is unfair." Recognizing the predicament they faced, he added, "We were very lucky in the last 10 minutes that we could score two goals." PSG's recent accolades include the Champions League-Ligue 1-Coupe de France treble and the Trophee des Champions, with a notable stumble in the Club World Cup final against Chelsea. Reflecting on their preparation, Luis Enrique noted the significance of having been in training only six days.
The match also marked a turbulent debut for Lucas Chevalier, newly transferred from Lille as PSG's first-choice goalkeeper, succeeding Gianluigi Donnarumma. Chevalier's tenure began challengingly, with an initial goal conceded in the 39th minute, stemming from a tipped Joao Palhinha shot onto the crossbar, which Van de Ven capitalized on. He faltered further with a mismanaged header from Tottenham's new captain Cristian Romero. Despite these initial setbacks, Chevalier redeemed himself by saving Van de Ven's penalty in the shootout.
Chevalier's debut coincided with Gianluigi Donnarumma's unexpected departure from PSG, as the esteemed Italian goalie opted out of traveling back to his homeland for the event. Luis Enrique praised Chevalier, stating, "I'm very happy for him because he showed a lot of personality."
On the opposing side, Thomas Frank, in his premiere competitive outing with Tottenham, faced heartbreak. Formerly at Brentford, Frank succeeded Ange Postecoglou, who led Tottenham to a Europa League win against Manchester United. Frank's team, well ahead in preseason readiness, initially outplayed PSG. "The single result, 2-2, is good," he reflected. "What a mentality. There are lots of things to be happy with. That needs to be the foundation going forward."
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