European champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, rallying to secure the UEFA Super Cup and preventing Thomas Frank from claiming his first trophy as manager of Tottenham Hotspur.
Tottenham held a commendable 2-0 lead with just six minutes remaining in the match, appearing well on their way to a significant victory.
However, a late header from PSG substitute Gonçalo Ramos in the 94th minute leveled the score, leading to a tense penalty shootout. In the shootout, PSG missed their initial penalty, with Vitinha sending his attempt wide.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, who had previously scored one of the goals for his team, unfortunately had his spot-kick saved by PSG’s Lucas Chevalier. Mathys Tel then missed for Tottenham, allowing Nuno Mendes to convert the decisive penalty for PSG, securing the victory.
This outcome meant that Tottenham fell just short of winning a second European trophy in three months.
Notably, this match marked Thomas Frank’s first competitive game in charge of the team since his appointment, succeeding Ange Postecoglou, who parted ways with the club shortly after leading them to a Europa League final victory over Manchester United in May.
Van de Ven’s early goal in Udine, Italy, showcased his awareness and quick reaction, as he capitalized on a rebound after Chevalier had expertly tipped Joao Palhinha’s effort onto the crossbar just before the half-time interval.
Chevalier, who is expected to be PSG’s primary goalkeeper this season in the absence of Gianluigi Donnarumma, was tested again early in the second half.
Although he got a hand to Cristian Romero’s header following a free-kick from Pedro Porro, he was unable to prevent the ball from crossing the line.
Even after having only recently returned to training following a tough loss to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final in July, PSG’s response was commendable.
Lee Kang-in ignited the team’s resurgence with an impressive strike from 20 yards, followed by Ramos’s dramatic equalizer that set the stage for the decisive penalties, ultimately culminating in PSG’s victory.
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