In a thrilling clash at the Friuli Stadium in Udine, Italy, Tottenham Hotspur took a commanding 2-0 lead over Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 UEFA Super Cup final on Wednesday, August 13. With goals from Micky van de Ven in the 38th minute of the first half and Cristian Romero in the 2nd minute of the second half, the Spurs showcased their strength under new manager Thomas Frank. PSG, the reigning Champions League champions, are struggling to respond but face a solid English defense. The match, kicking off the European season, remains ongoing with intense moments and chances for both sides. The duel pits the Champions League winners against the Europa League champions, promising excitement until the final whistle.
The game began with both teams cautiously studying each other, with Tottenham controlling possession early on while PSG looked for openings with quick passing. The first major chance came at the 22nd minute when Richarlison stole the ball and fired a shot saved by Lucas Chevalier. PSG responded with attempts from Barcola and Dembélé but failed to create real danger. The match gained momentum late in the first half with Van de Ven’s goal, capitalizing on a rebound from João Palhinha’s shot. In the second half, Romero extended the lead early, solidifying Tottenham’s advantage.
- Key moments so far:
- 38’ 1H: Van de Ven opens the scoring after a rebound from Palhinha’s shot.
- 2’ 2H: Cristian Romero heads in from Sarr’s free kick, making it 2-0.
- 22’ 1H: Richarlison shoots, and Chevalier makes a great save, denying the first goal.
- 35’ 1H: Dembélé shoots over the bar after a cross, wasting a PSG chance.
- 4’ 2H: PSG attempts crosses into the box, but Tottenham clears the danger.
The intensity of the clash reflects the significance of the title, pitting two teams with high ambitions for the season. Tottenham, after winning the Europa League, aims to cement their new project under Thomas Frank, while PSG seeks to solidify their European dominance.
Tottenham’s attack makes the difference
Tottenham arrived with key absences like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, but their lineup, led by Cristian Romero and Mohammed Kudus, proved effective. The first goal came from a set-piece, with Van de Ven exploiting a PSG marking error. Romero’s precise header in the second half, from Pape Sarr’s free kick, caught the French defense off guard. Richarlison, active in attack, created chances and nearly scored in the first half.
PSG, meanwhile, felt the absence of Gianluigi Donnarumma, with Lucas Chevalier stepping in and making key saves but unable to stop both goals. The attacking trio of Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia lacked synergy, with imprecise finishing. The defense, featuring Marquinhos and Willian Pacho, struggled with aerial balls, a strength for the Spurs.
- Factors favoring Tottenham:
- Defensive solidity, with Romero and Van de Ven dominating aerial duels.
- Effectiveness in set-pieces, scoring twice from free kicks and corners.
- High-intensity counter-attacks led by Kudus and Richarlison.
Manager Thomas Frank, in his first major final with Tottenham, appears to have found a tactical balance combining aggression and defensive organization.
PSG’s struggles in the match
Despite being favorites, PSG has struggled to impose their style of play. Luis Enrique’s team, which dominated the Champions League last season, has underperformed in Udine. The suspension of João Neves, sent off in the Club World Cup final, weakened the midfield, leaving Vitinha and Zaïre-Emery overstretched. The switch in goal, with Donnarumma out, also brought uncertainty at key moments.
PSG held 65% possession in the first half but lacked sharpness in finishing. Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia created chances but missed precision. Barcola, on the left, attempted crosses, but Tottenham’s well-organized defense neutralized the threats.
- Key areas for PSG:
- Defensive lapses in set-pieces, allowing both Tottenham goals.
- Difficulty converting possession into clear goal-scoring chances.
- Pressure to react quickly as time advances in the second half.
- Need for tactical adjustments to break Tottenham’s defense.
Luis Enrique, known for turning games around, may look to his bench, with players like Gonçalo Ramos and Lee Kang-In as potential game-changers.
Minute-by-minute breakdown
The match has been marked by high-intensity moments, with Tottenham capitalizing better on their chances. Below are the key plays up to the 6th minute of the second half:
- 1’ 1H: Pedro Porro shoots from distance after Hakimi’s mistake, but the ball goes wide.
- 22’ 1H: Richarlison steals the ball, links with Kudus, and shoots, with Chevalier saving.
- 38’ 1H: Van de Ven scores after Palhinha’s shot hits the crossbar.
- 2’ 2H: Romero extends the lead with a header from Sarr’s free kick, beating Chevalier.
- 4’ 2H: PSG attempts crosses into the box, but Tottenham’s defense clears the danger.
The match remains open, with PSG pushing to close the gap and Tottenham maintaining pressure on the counter-attack. The crowd at Friuli Stadium, with a capacity of 25,000, creates a vibrant atmosphere, spurring both teams on.
Historical context and match significance
This is the first official meeting between PSG and Tottenham, making the game even more special. PSG, who competed in the Super Cup in 1996, are chasing their first title in the competition, while Tottenham are making their debut. The Spurs’ Europa League victory over Manchester United gave them confidence, though their 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season highlights their challenges. PSG, after a 5-0 Champions League final win over Inter Milan, aim to maintain their European dominance.
The UEFA Super Cup offers both clubs a chance to kick off the season with a trophy. For Tottenham, it’s an opportunity to solidify Thomas Frank’s project, while PSG seeks to reinforce their status as a European powerhouse.
- Match trivia:
- Tottenham beat PSG 4-2 in a 2017 International Champions Cup friendly.
- Friuli Stadium hosted matches for the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
- Portuguese referee João Pinheiro officiates, with Tiago Martins on VAR.
Tactical strategies at play
Tottenham’s 4-3-3 emphasizes quick transitions and aerial strength, leveraging Romero and Van de Ven’s physicality. João Palhinha, a Bayern signing, anchors the midfield, while Kudus and Richarlison bring speed. PSG, also in a 4-3-3, rely on possession and their attacking trio’s creativity but need to improve finishing efficiency.
The second half will likely see adjustments, with PSG possibly pushing their lines higher to press. Tottenham will aim to maintain defensive compactness and exploit counter-attacks. Luis Enrique’s experience in finals could be a factor, but the Spurs’ determination, led by Romero, keeps the outcome unpredictable.
- Players to watch:
- Cristian Romero: Tottenham’s captain, decisive in defense and scoring.
- Ousmane Dembélé: PSG’s main attacking threat, needing more precision.
- João Palhinha: Provides midfield balance for Tottenham.
- Lucas Chevalier: Under pressure replacing Donnarumma in PSG’s goal.
The match remains open, with Tottenham holding the edge but PSG capable of a comeback. The 2025 UEFA Super Cup promises to be a defining moment in the season, with two giants battling for glory at Friuli Stadium.
