Tottenham Hotspur fans woke up this morning with a familiar sting of disappointment after last night's UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain in Udine, Italy. What started as a dream performance under new manager Thomas Frank ended in nightmare fashion, with Spurs squandering a 2-0 lead in the final minutes before falling 4-3 on penalties.
From a Tottenham perspective, this wasn't just a loss—it was a cruel reminder of the fine margins in elite football, especially for a side still bedding in new faces and a fresh tactical approach. Yet, amidst the agony, there were glimmers of promise that could set the tone for the season ahead.
Proud.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 13, 2025
There's plenty more to come 🤍 pic.twitter.com/bmlpIHmqeV
A Dominant Display Derailed
For 85 minutes, Tottenham looked every bit the worthy Europa League champions, frustrating the star-studded PSG side—who had claimed the Champions League crown—and striking twice from set-pieces. Frank's pragmatic shift to a 3-5-2 formation paid dividends early, with a high-pressing, man-for-man approach suffocating PSG's attacks and allowing Spurs to exploit dead-ball situations—a hallmark of Frank's successful Brentford tenure.
The breakthrough came in the first half when defender Micky van de Ven rose highest to head home from a corner, giving Tottenham a deserved 1-0 lead. Cristian Romero doubled the advantage in the second half with another set-piece strike, powering a header past PSG's goalkeeper and sending Spurs fans into raptures. At that point, it felt like redemption for a club that had endured a turbulent 2024-25 season, culminating in their Europa League triumph but also the departure of club legend Son Heung-min.
But football's cruelty struck late. In a frantic 85th minute, PSG substitutes Lee Kang-in and Goncalo Ramos capitalized on Tottenham's tiring legs, with Ousmane Dembele providing a pinpoint assist for Ramos' equalizer. The scoreline read 2-2 at full-time, forcing penalties—where Spurs' resolve finally cracked.
The Penalty Lottery: Heroes and Heartache
The shootout encapsulated the night's highs and lows. Dominic Solanke, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Pedro Porro converted confidently for Tottenham, but van de Ven saw his effort saved, and new signing Mathys Tel blazed over, handing PSG a 4-3 victory. On the other side, Goncalo Ramos, Dembele, Lee, and Nuno Mendes scored for the French giants, with only Vitinha missing.
Tel, the young forward who joined from Bayern Munich this summer, became the unfortunate scapegoat. Tragically, he faced a barrage of racist abuse online post-match, prompting Tottenham to issue a strong statement condemning the behavior: "We are disgusted by the racist abuse directed at Mathys Tel following last night's game. This has no place in football or society." The club vowed to support Tel and work with authorities, a sad footnote to an otherwise competitive display.
Standout Performances and Tactical Shifts
Despite the result, individual brilliance shone through. New arrivals Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus made impressive debuts, with Kudus' pace and power terrorizing PSG's defense. Pape Matar Sarr was a midfield powerhouse alongside Bentancur, dictating play before substitutions disrupted the rhythm. Guglielmo Vicario's long distributions helped maintain pressure, a tactical tweak from Frank that contrasts sharply with Ange Postecoglou's high-risk, possession-based style.
However, the late collapse raised questions about fitness and depth. Solanke, another summer addition, looked rusty, and the bench lacked the spark to see out the game. Pundits noted how Tottenham "wilted under pressure," a worry for Frank as he rebuilds morale.
Frank's Verdict: "The Operation Succeeded, But the Patient Died"
In his post-match press conference, Thomas Frank likened the game to a "special operation" planned after a previous defeat, admitting: "The operation succeeded, but the patient died." He praised his side's defensive solidity and set-piece prowess but lamented the inability to hold on, saying expectations were low against the European champions and that Spurs had made a "decent game" of it. Vicario echoed this, noting many predicted an easy PSG win, but Tottenham proved they could compete.
Looking Ahead: Building on Promise
This defeat stings, especially missing out on silverware so early, but it's not all doom and gloom. With the transfer window open until September 1, Tottenham are eyeing reinforcements like Manchester City's Savinho and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze to bolster the attack, plus a new centre-back. The squad's youth and competition for places bode well for a Champions League campaign and a push for European spots in the Premier League.
As Spurs prepare for their opener against Burnley, Frank's pragmatic blueprint offers hope. Last night was a lesson in resilience—now it's time to apply it. COYS!
