PSG were done and dusted at the Stadio Friuli. The off-color, Champions of France and Europe had slipped against a determined Tottenham outfit. But then the all conquering Parisians, turned it around in the nick of time to snatch the Super Cup from the Spurs and take it home to Paris.
Tottenham had PSG on the ropes as the London Club playing its first major contest under new coach Thomas Frank scored on either side of the break, through set pieces. Van de Ven scored in the 39th minute while new captain, Argentine Cristian Romero doubled the equation with a fine header in the 48th minute. Both goals were an outcome of free-kicks. Thomas Frank’s expertise with set pieces was on display. The Spurs were in-charge, while PSG were struggling to gain control and score.
Two substitutions, however, changed the course of the game for good. Lee Kang-in, the 24-year-old, South Korean midfielder, produced a ripper of a left-footer from well outside the box. The inch perfect precision of a strike sped past a host of defenders and PSG reduced the deficit in the 85th minute. The French side was turning the tide for sure.
With 4 minutes into stoppage time and just 2 minutes left for Tottenham to hold on, Ousmane Dembele produced a brilliant cross which Goncalo Ramos, the young Portuguese, buried with an exceptional header. The super sub had scored yet again for PSG when the Parisians needed most. It was a sensational move and showcased the quality of PSG in open play. PSG had squared up the game and pushed it to the penalties. Tottenham had themselves to blame. The Londoners just forgot to attack and remained deep inside their half as PSG’s relentless pursuit of goal eventually got the match to an even keel.
Vitinha fired wide for PSG giving Tottenham a headstart in the tie-break, however, Van de Ven’s penalty was superbly stopped by PSG’s Lucas Chevalier and Mathys Tel shot wide to break Tottenham hearts. PSG didn’t miss and beat the Spurs on penalties to win the Tie-break and the UEFA Super Cup.
The Frenchmen were not at their best but still managed to win, goes to show their resolve and their relentless pursuit to keep winning. The team under Luis Enrique is having a great time under the sun and will be favourites to defend their Ligue 1 title in the upcoming season.
The Spurs gave a good account of themselves and had the match in their grasp till the last minute. The loss would hurt for sure, but it will hold them in good stead in the EPL starting later this month.
The All-Conquering PSG take one more trophy home.
What a Team!!
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