PSG stutter against Tottenham in Super Cup

PSG, Champions League winners, left the Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy, with yet another trophy after beating Europa League winners Tottenham on Wednesday night on penalties, having drawn in regular time 2-2.

Cristian Romero scored what looked the eventual winner from a set piece crossed back post in the 48’ minute, until Ramos headed home Dembele’s cross four minutes into added time, staring down the barrel of defeat.

Goalkeeper Chevalier flapped at the Argentine defenders across goal header and got a finger to it,  but unable to push it further than his own net, he could and should have done better. Tottenham took the lead three minutes after the second half restart.

Micky van de Ven opened the scoring in the 39’ minute after tapping in a rebound which left Chevalier out of goal. PSG were handed a life line by Lee Kang-in in the 85’ minute after lashing the ball from the edge of the box into the bottom corner.

Tottenham were defensively strong for the first 80’, with the defensive line never allowing a one on one with their keeper and throwing their bodys, literally, in the way to block any chances PSG did get in the box.

Bit the resistance was too deep, with limited defence on the edge of the box allowing PSG to get back into the game, with an open shot. This also proved fatal for the equaliser, with no pressure on the ball outside the box allowing PSG to work the ball into Dembele who could generate the chance Ramos needed to level the game.

PSG only looked like the best team in Europe for the final 10’, as Tottenham played with a higher tempo and often beat PSG players to receiving the ball, PSG struggled to transition the ball into new phases of the pitch when faced with this intensity.

Penalties

Vitinha walks up slowly to PSGs first penalty, with his eyes glued to the keeper. When Vicario went early, all Vitinha had to do was pass it into the empty net, instead, he elected to place the ball wide of the target. The midfielders blushes were saved by Chevalier, who saved Micky van de Vens’ attempt.

Tel put his effort wide, swinging the tie towards PSG. This was another penalty where the striker waited for the keeper to move and then missed anyway.

Porro scored a vital penalty to keep Tottenham in with a chance, but it was in vein after Mendes smashed the ball in to complete the comeback.