PSG Triumphs in UEFA Super Cup
In a thrilling encounter on Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain triumphed over Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Super Cup, yet their coach, Luis Enrique, expressed reservations about the victory, remarking that his team didn’t truly earn the win. The match, held at Stadio Friuli in Udine, saw PSG stage a breathtaking comeback, overcoming a 2-0 deficit late in the game to force a penalty shootout, where Nuno Mendes ultimately sealed the win with his successful kick.
Coach’s Concerns
Enrique noted the stark contrast in fitness levels between the two squads, attributing this to PSG’s limited training schedule following their recent participation in the Club World Cup.
“For the majority of the match, we were not at our best and I believe Tottenham deserved the win given their six weeks of preparation,”
Enrique stated during an interview with TNT Sports.
“Football can be unpredictable, though, and we were fortunate to score twice in the closing moments.”
Match Highlights
PSG found themselves trailing after goals from Tottenham in the first half and shortly after halftime, the initial lead seeming insurmountable. However, with Lee Kang-in scoring from a stunning shot and Gonçalo Ramos delivering the equalizer deep into stoppage time, they turned the tide.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, PSG initially faltered with Vitinha missing the opening kick, putting them in a precarious position. Spurs began the shootout with a 2-0 lead, but missed chances from Micky van de Ven and Mathys Tel allowed PSG to recover, and they successfully converted all their remaining attempts, with Mendes clinching the victory.
Debut Performance
This match marked the debut of Lucas Chevalier as PSG’s starting goalkeeper, stepping in for the touted Gianluigi Donnarumma. Despite conceding two goals during regular play—one following a tipped shot and another from a header—Chevalier redeemed himself by saving a penalty during the shootout, showcasing his resilience in the pressure cooker environment.
“His performance highlights the necessity of having a strong character, especially at a club as demanding as PSG,”
Enrique remarked, praising Chevalier’s ability to handle the pressure. The victory showcased the team’s unity, with midfielder Vitinha emphasizing the collective effort in overcoming individual mistakes, highlighting the team’s spirit by stating,
“It’s all about lifting each other up when someone stumbles.”
Conclusion
The match not only crowned PSG champions of the UEFA Super Cup but also served as a testament to their fighting spirit and determination, despite Enrique’s initial reservations about their fitness and performance.
