Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) claimed the UEFA Super Cup by defeating Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling penalty shootout, ending in a 2-2 draw after regular time. This victory adds another trophy to PSG’s impressive collection.
Many wondered if Spurs would struggle against PSG, but coach Thomas Frank employed a strong strategy with three center-backs and agile wing-backs. This setup allowed Tottenham to absorb pressure effectively while looking dangerous on counter-attacks with players like Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus.
The game opened with Tottenham surprising everyone by scoring first. After a free kick taken by Guglielmo Vicario created chaos in the box, Micky van de Ven capitalized, giving Spurs an unexpected lead. PSG went into halftime without a shot on target, a rare occurrence under coach Luis Enrique.
Tottenham doubled their advantage shortly after the break when Cristian Romero scored from another set piece. However, as the game progressed, PSG found their rhythm. They had a goal disallowed for offside but eventually equalized late in the match through Lee Kang-in’s fierce shot, followed by Goncalo Ramos’s header in injury time. This forced the match into penalties.
During the shootout, PSG bounced back after Vitinha missed their first penalty. However, their remaining shooters remained composed, securing the win as Tottenham’s Van de Ven also faltered.
**Why this match matters for Tottenham**
For Spurs, this match showcased potential. Despite the loss, they demonstrated resilience against a top-tier team. The players were visibly disappointed post-match, highlighting their desire for silverware, especially given recent performances. Moving forward, their execution will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming match against Burnley.
**Set pieces: A focus of the future?**
One notable aspect of Spurs’ performance was their effectiveness from set pieces, a strategy emphasized by Frank. In the past, under Ange Postecoglou, they had not relied heavily on set pieces. Yet, this game saw tweets and social media buzzing about the tactical change, with many fans praising the meticulous planning that led to both goals.
Research shows that teams focusing on set pieces can increase scoring opportunities significantly. In fact, Brentford’s use of long throw-ins last season is cited as an effective tactic, which Frank clearly intends to replicate at Spurs.
**A fresh perspective on PSG**
On PSG’s side, they lacked sharpness after a busy summer that included the Club World Cup. Their slow start raised concerns among fans and analysts that they might not be ready for the season. Lucas Chevalier, making his debut in goal, faced significant pressure from Tottenham’s relentless attacks. However, PSG managed to show their class late in the game, hinting at the star power they carry. PSG’s ability to regain composure in key moments is a cornerstone of their past successes, further noted in studies about team resilience in high-stakes scenarios.
**Future directions**
For Tottenham, while the team is in a transition period, young players like Mohammed Kudus and Djed Spence are stepping up. This potential growth is a silver lining for fans seeking hope, especially with big names sidelined due to injuries. If Frank can harness this talent effectively, Spurs could develop a robust squad capable of competing with the best.
The match highlighted the evolving dynamics in football tactics, with both teams presenting new strategies and showcasing their strengths. Moving forward, both teams will likely analyze this match to build on their respective journeys this season.
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Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, Champions League, Europa League, Ligue 1, Premier League
