Tottenham impressed in Udine but ultimately succumbed to a penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup.
The tone was set right away, with Spurs intent on making this game as uncomfortable as possible for the rusty European champions. Whenever an opportunity arose for the ball to go long, Thomas Frank's side took it, and their superiority from the dead ball would ultimately bear fruit in Udine.
Frank's 3-4-1-2 was far from a mercy plea, with his team keen on testing themselves against PSG's build-up. They were a nuisance across the park, with their aggression unsettling an outfit that has so often made others look foolish this calendar year.
While PSG did have some success breaking in behind Kevin Danso, they ended the opening 45 minutes a goal behind and bereft of a shot-on target. A long Guglielmo Vicario free-kick towards the Parisian box, initially seized upon by Cristian Romero, led to Lucas Chevalier making an outstanding save from Joao Palhinha. Fortunately, the goalkeeper was powerless to prevent the rebound from falling at the feet of Micky van de Ven, who finished into an empty net.
Oh Micky 😍 pic.twitter.com/SCzBzB9j6S
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 13, 2025
A half-time lead was certainly what Frank's Spurs deserved, given the scale of their defensive effort which facilitated close to complete nullification.
A Parisian response may have been expected after the restart, but Enrique's men continued to flounder at the start of the second half. Again, their inability to defend Romero from a set-piece proved their undoing, and the new skipper thumped home with his head through the wrisst of Chevalier.
It was all too easy. Too good to be true, perhaps. Surely the world's best would turn up at some point...
They did. Fabian Ruiz's arrival on the hour ignited something within the struggling supergiant, but their lifeline didn't arrive until late. Lee Kang-in's strike rifled past the quiet Vicario, and the pessimist in us came to the fore. We knew what was coming next.
So, to penalties we went. Vicario back in his hometown against the newbie between the sticks, with shootout specialist Gianluigi Donnarumma watching at home with a Spurs shirt on. It wasn't to be. So good for so long, but defeat.
PSG 2-2 (4-3 pens) Tottenham: UEFA Super Cup Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Guglielmo Vicario (GK) - 6/10 - Had a far quieter night than expected. There was nothing he could have done to prevent the two goals, but he struggled in the shootout.
Pedro Porro (RWB) - 8/10 - Can only think of one occasion when he was beaten one-on-one. Otherwise held up superbly well, and his set-pieces are bound to be a threat under this manager.
Kevin Danso (CB) - 7/10 - Had a few issues dealing with Bradley Barcola, and tended to surrender too much space on the outside in one-on-one situations. Came into his own when forced to defend deep, and his long throw is a weapon.
Cristian Romero (CB) - 8.5/10 - This had the makings of a proper captain's performance for our new skipper, who didn't put a foot wrong and got himself on the scoresheet. Did not deserve to be on the losing side.
Micky van de Ven (CB) - 7.5/10 - Missed from the spot, having opened the scoring before half-time.
Djed Spence (LWB) - 8/10 - Defended almost perfectly for the most part, but PSG did eventually have joy penetrating his and Van de Ven's flank.
Midfielders
Joao Palhinha (CM) - 8/10 - After a tough 45 minutes back in Munich last week, Palhinha was at his stable best here. Neat and tidy in possession, screened well.
Rodrigo Bentancur (CM) - 8.5/10 - Thought he was really good, and I believed again when his penalty found the back of the net. Combined indsutry with calm work in possession, driving us forward on occasions.
Pape Matar Sarr (CM) - 9/10 - This was some way to cap off what's been a superb summer for Sarr. Everything, everywhere, all at once, there wasn't a blade of grass he didn't cover.
Forwards
Mohammed Kudus (ST) - 8/10 - The bloke's built like iron. PSG had issues trying to shrug him off the ball all night, and we saw just how good he is at creating preferable situations out of very little. This looks like an incredible signing, and we desperately missed him when he went off.
Richarlison (ST) - 8/10 - I was critical of Richy last week, and was hopeful Dominic Solanke would be fit to start here. However, the Brazilian was utterly brilliant. After a slow start, he grew into the contest wonderfully. His hold-up play in the second-half was Harry Kane-like. Some shift.
Substitutes
- Dominic Solanke - 6/10
- Archie Gray - 5/10
- Mathys Tel - 3/10
- Lucas Bergvall - 5/10