Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur kick off the 2025/26 European season with the UEFA Super Cup final on Wednesday, August 13, at 4:00 PM (Brasília time) at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Italy. PSG, Champions League winners, face Tottenham, Europa League champions, in a match marking the official debut for both clubs. The game will be broadcast live on SBT (free-to-air TV), TNT Sports (cable), and the Max streaming platform, with real-time coverage on the ge portal. Portuguese referee João Pinheiro officiates, with Tiago Martins on VAR. The absence of Gianluigi Donnarumma, dropped by Luis Enrique amid transfer rumors, steals the spotlight, with Lucas Chevalier taking over in goal. The clash promises a revamped PSG defense against a rebuilding Tottenham.
Luis Enrique’s decision to exclude Donnarumma has sparked debate, especially after the Italian’s stellar role in the Champions League triumph. With new signings and key absences, PSG aims to maintain dominance, while Tottenham, led by Thomas Frank, relies on reinforcements to pull off an upset.
- Venue: Bluenergy Stadium, Udine, Italy.
- Time: 4:00 PM (Brasília), 8:00 PM (local).
- Broadcast: SBT, TNT Sports, Max.
- Context: Donnarumma is out, with Chevalier debuting in goal.
The match will test PSG’s new lineup, focusing on young talents and tactical adjustments for the season.
PSG’s probable lineup
Luis Enrique shocked fans by leaving out Gianluigi Donnarumma from the squad for the Super Cup, signaling a potential exit for the Italian goalkeeper, whose contract ends in 2026. The decision follows the signing of Lucas Chevalier from Lille for 55 million euros ($60.5 million), including bonuses. Chevalier, named Ligue 1’s goalkeeper of the year in 2024/25, starts in goal, bringing a style more suited to Enrique’s system with better distribution. João Neves is suspended after a red card in the Club World Cup final, and new signing Illia Zabarnyi was not included due to late arrival.
- Probable lineup (4-3-3): Chevalier; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.
- Manager: Luis Enrique.
- Key players: Kvaratskhelia, with his pace, and Vitinha, with his playmaking vision.
- Main substitutes: Safonov, Marin, Beraldo, Hernández, Ramos, Barcola.
PSG retains its Champions League-winning core, with Marquinhos anchoring the defense and Dembélé as the attacking spearhead. Donnarumma’s absence shifts the focus to Chevalier, who faces a critical test against Tottenham’s attack.
Reasons for Donnarumma’s exclusion
Donnarumma’s omission reflects a strategic move by Luis Enrique and PSG’s board. The goalkeeper, who played 47 matches last season and was pivotal in the Champions League, failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension. Donnarumma, earning 850,000 euros monthly ($935,000), demanded a raise, while PSG offered a lower base salary with performance bonuses. Chevalier’s arrival, with his ability to initiate play, aligns with Enrique’s preference for a goalkeeper who fits his possession-based system.
Rumors link Donnarumma to clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea, and Inter Milan. The decision to bench him for the Super Cup suggests PSG is preparing for a future without the Italian, who could leave in this transfer window or as a free agent in 2026.
- Reasons for the exclusion:
- No agreement on contract renewal.
- Preference for Chevalier, suited to Enrique’s style.
- Potential transfer in the current window.
Impact on PSG’s defense
Without Donnarumma, PSG’s defense takes on a new dynamic. Chevalier, 23, is promising but faces pressure in his debut in a continental final. Marquinhos, the captain and defensive cornerstone, will be crucial in organizing the backline, especially against the pace of Tottenham’s Kudus and Johnson. Willian Pacho, the Ecuadorian center-back, pairs solidly with Marquinhos, while Hakimi and Nuno Mendes provide support on the flanks.
Zabarnyi’s absence, due to lack of training with the squad, limits defensive options, but Lucas Beraldo and Noham Kamara are among the substitutes. The shift to Chevalier may pose initial challenges, as Donnarumma was known for clutch saves despite criticism for his aerial play and distribution.
- Defensive strengths:
- Marquinhos: Experience in high-stakes matches.
- Nuno Mendes: Speed and defensive cover.
- Chevalier: Footwork to initiate plays.
- Challenges:
- Chevalier’s inexperience in finals.
- Lack of cohesion with Zabarnyi absent.
Matchup against Tottenham
Tottenham, led by Thomas Frank, arrives with absences like Maddison, Kulusevski, and Dragusin, plus doubts over Solanke. Their probable lineup includes Vicario; Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha, Sarr; Johnson, Richarlison, Kudus. The Spurs will rely on quick counterattacks, leveraging Kudus and Johnson’s speed, while PSG is expected to dominate possession.
Donnarumma’s absence could be exploited by Tottenham, testing Chevalier with long-range shots and aerial plays. However, PSG’s midfield, led by Vitinha and Zaire-Emery, should control the tempo, with Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé challenging the opposition defense.
- Tottenham (4-3-3): Vicario; Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha, Sarr; Johnson, Richarlison, Kudus.
- Key to the game: PSG’s midfield control vs. Tottenham’s rapid transitions.
- Players to watch: Kvaratskhelia (PSG) and Kudus (Tottenham).
Predictions for the final
PSG is favored, with average odds of 1.45 for a win, compared to 6.20 for Tottenham and 4.85 for a draw. Donnarumma’s absence adds uncertainty, but PSG’s squad quality maintains their edge. Analysts foresee a close contest, with both teams likely to score due to Chevalier’s inexperience and Tottenham’s absences.
- Predictions:
- PSG 2 x 1 Tottenham (Bruno Bertoncini, Gazeta Esportiva).
- PSG 3 x 2 Tottenham (Rafael Marques, ESPN).
- Draw 1 x 1 (Paulo Cobos, ESPN).
- Key factors: PSG’s cohesion and Chevalier’s performance in crucial moments.
Where to watch live
The final will be widely accessible in Brazil. SBT provides free-to-air coverage, while TNT Sports offers detailed analysis on cable. The Max platform enables streaming in high quality, ideal for mobile devices.
- Broadcast channels:
- SBT: Channels 3 or 4 (varies by region).
- TNT Sports: Channels 108/508 (SKY), 151/651 (NET and Claro).
- Max: Available on app or browser.
- Tip: Fans abroad can use VPNs to access Max.
Super Cup context
The 2025 UEFA Super Cup marks the first official clash between PSG and Tottenham, neither of whom has won the tournament. PSG, runners-up in 1996 against Juventus, seeks their first title. The Bluenergy Stadium, hosting the final for the first time, brings a vibrant atmosphere with its 25,000 capacity.
- Trivia:
- PSG and Tottenham aim for their first Super Cup.
- Donnarumma is linked to Manchester City and Chelsea.
- The match marks Chevalier’s official PSG debut.
The final promises a dominant PSG, with challenges in goal, against a Tottenham side chasing a historic upset.