PSG beat Tottenham Hotspurs to lift the UEFA Super Cup trophy, yesterday in Udine, Italy.
Champions League winners PSG yesterday gave an impressive showing as they thrash Tottenham Hotspurs to clinch the UEFA Super Cup trophy. The match which drew the attention of many, lived up to the expectation as both teams gave us nothing but pure, thrill and excitement on the field of play. Spurs held PSG to a 2-2 draw in normal time and extra time, and it only took penalties to separate the two sides, where PSG won by 4-3.
The Super Cup showdown started on a really high not, from the blast of the whistle, with Spurs parading in a 3-5-2 formation. Thomas Frank’s side deployed a high pressing tactic, that was cleverly orchestrated to disrupt the rhythm of PSG, stifling them of any room to fully operate in their full capacity. PSG struggled to deal with the set-piece prowess of Spurs, as they failed to deal with the 39th minute set piece, when Joao Palinha struck the crossbar, with Micky van de Ven pouncing on the rebound to give the North London team, the lead.
Despite having the chunk of possession, PSG struggled to make any meaningful impact, as they struggled to have any shot on target, for most parts of the first half. This gave Spurs extra motivation to pose more threat to the PSG defence. This extra motivation nearly paid off, as they nearly took the lead just before the break, as Richarlison struck a fiery shot which shook the post, after a long throw delivery from Kevin Danso.
Tottenham came back in the second half of the game posing more threat. Their efforts yielded fruit, as they extended their lead very early in the second half. A power header from captain Christian Romero, past goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier ensured that Spurs extended their lead to 2-0, much to the dismay of the French side.
PSG attacking powers struggled to pose any meaningful threat. They struggled to play through the compact defensive shape of Spurs, together with their relentless pressing game. Players like Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, had a really tough time posing any significant threat.
However, despite their earlier struggles, PSG rose to the occasion during the dying embers of the game. Manager Luiz Enrique made very decisive substitutions, which aided the course of PSG. Subtitute, Lee Kang, in the 85th minute struck a long rage shot from far out that beat Vicario, in the Spurs post, to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
This inspired hope and motivation in PSG, as they began to capitalise on the tiring nature of the Spurs side to pile more pressure on them. It took a 4th-minute stoppage time header, by Goncalo Ramos which drew them level, thanks to a superb cross from Ousmane Dembele, pushing the game into penalty shootout, as the Super Cup does not feature extra time.
The penalty shootout, by virtue of the toss, was played in front of the Tottenham fans, who did their best to inspire their team on. PSG took the first penalty, as midfielder Vitinha missed from the spot kick, giving Spurs the upper hand. Unfortunately, Micky van de Ven and Mathys Tel missed from the spot for Tottenham, which brought PSG back in contention. Left back Nuno Mendes powered the ball home in the decisive penalty which secured victory for the French side, clinching a 4-3 victory. This victory secured a first ever Super Cup trophy for PSG.
This match was indeed a thriller from start to finish. It sets the tone for an exciting European football season, as team in various leagues are poised to compete for honours and Laurels, most especially in the UEFA club cup competitions; Champions League, Europa League and Conference League).
