Paris St-Germain mounted a remarkable late surge to claim the UEFA Super Cup via a penalty shootout, denying Thomas Frank a maiden trophy as Tottenham manager.
Tottenham appeared in full control, holding a 2-0 lead until the 84th minute and on the verge of a notable win. But substitute Goncalo Ramos headed in a dramatic leveler in stoppage time, taking the contest straight to spot-kicks.
Although Vitinha sent PSG’s first penalty wide, Lucas Chevalier saved from Micky van de Ven, who had earlier scored Tottenham’s opener. Mathys Tel then missed for Frank’s side, allowing Nuno Mendes to seal the French club’s first Super Cup title.
Frank’s debut in charge followed his appointment after Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal in June, just 16 days after Tottenham’s Europa League triumph over Manchester United.
Early control slips away
The match took place in Udine, Italy, with Van de Ven striking first just before the break. Joao Palhinha’s shot came back off the bar, and the Dutch defender reacted quickest to slide home after Chevalier’s initial save.
Tottenham doubled their advantage early in the second half when Pedro Porro’s set piece found Cristian Romero, whose header squirmed past Chevalier despite the goalkeeper getting both hands to it.
PSG, returning to action only a week after losing the Club World Cup final to Chelsea in the United States, reduced the deficit when Lee Kang-in fired in from a distance. Ramos then made it 2-2 deep into added time, forcing the shootout that delivered PSG the silverware.
Signs of progress for Spurs despite defeat
Before kickoff, PSG skipper Marquinhos carried the Champions League trophy onto the pitch, while newly appointed Spurs captain Romero held the Europa League prize. By the end, Marquinhos was lifting a third piece of European silverware for his side in the space of a year.
Tottenham’s defensive organisation – a back five when out of possession – restricted PSG to no shots on target for over an hour. Both of Spurs’ goals came from dead-ball situations, an encouraging sign given last season’s defensive frailties.
Despite the spirited display, the London club missed the chance to add a fifth European trophy to their cabinet and must quickly regroup for Saturday’s Premier League opener against Burnley, with some supporters planning a protest over the club’s transfer dealings.
