Udine, Italy — Paris Saint-Germain clinched the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, defeating Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling penalty shootout after a dramatic comeback that saw them score two late goals to level the match. The victory marked PSG’s fifth trophy of the calendar year.

Nuno Mendes sealed the win for PSG by successfully converting the decisive penalty kick. This closely contested match highlighted the resilience and determination of the French side, who had only recently returned to action following their participation in the Club World Cup.

Tottenham initially took control with two set piece goals, displayed both by Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. Their efforts put Spurs in a commanding position, especially after a successful Europa League campaign just a few months prior under former coach Ange Postecoglou. However, the lead proved harder to maintain as PSG demonstrated their fighting spirit in the final minutes.

PSG’s Lee Kang-in struck in the 85th minute, narrowing Tottenham’s advantage. Fellow substitute Gonçalo Ramos then netted a dramatic equalizer in the fourth minute of stoppage time, forcing the match into penalties. This sequence electrified the crowd and shifted momentum as both teams prepared for the high-stakes shootout.

Initially, it looked advantageous for Tottenham when PSG’s Vitinha missed the first penalty. However, missed opportunities for Spurs by both van de Ven and Mathys Tel ensured that PSG’s fortunes turned. Despite a strong showing from Tottenham under new manager Thomas Frank, PSG emerged victorious in the tense final moments.

The annual Super Cup pits the winners of the Champions League against the Europa League champions, making this match a notable early-season clash. Romero, who made his debut as Tottenham’s captain, commanded the defense but was ultimately unable to guide his team to victory.

Tottenham began the match on the front foot, showcasing a solid defensive structure as they earned their first goal through a set piece. Van de Ven scored after a well-placed header from Romero, igniting celebrations among Spurs supporters. However, the tide turned as a spirited PSG team began to push harder for a comeback.

With both teams trading near misses and defensive highlights, the match remained tightly contested throughout. PSG’s Lucas Chevalier, starting as goalkeeper in place of Gianluigi Donnarumma, made several crucial saves that kept his team in the game despite conceding two goals.

As the match progressed and tension heightened, PSG’s substitutes made a significant impact, leading to a thrilling conclusion. The team’s persistence paid off as they scored two late goals, illustrating their ability to perform under pressure in a high-stakes environment.

Ultimately, PSG’s victory in the shootout underscores the unpredictability and excitement that defines football. As the new season unfolds, both teams will look to build on this experience, aiming for success in their respective leagues and upcoming competitions.