Luis Enrique Admits PSG ‘Didn’t Deserve’ UEFA Super Cup

Paris Saint-Germain pulled off a stunning late comeback to claim the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, but coach Luis Enrique admitted his side “didn’t deserve” the win. PSG trailed 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur until the 85th minute, yet equalised in stoppage time before sealing the victory in a dramatic penalty shootout.

A Dramatic Turnaround

The annual clash between the Champions League and Europa League winners seemed firmly in Tottenham’s grasp. With five minutes left in regulation, Spurs led comfortably and looked the sharper side. However, PSG found a late surge of energy.

Lee Kang-in sparked hope with a powerful strike into the bottom corner. Moments later, substitute Gonçalo Ramos struck in the fourth minute of stoppage time, making it 2-2 at Stadio Friuli in Udine. The sudden shift stunned Tottenham, who had controlled most of the match.

Coach Admits Tottenham Deserved Win

Speaking after the match, Luis Enrique was candid in his assessment. “For 80 minutes we didn’t deserve it,” he told TNT Sports. “Tottenham deserved to win because they were in form, they had six weeks of training, and they played a great match. We have been training only for six days.”

He acknowledged that football can be “unfair,” crediting luck and his team’s late determination. “We were very lucky in the last 10 minutes that we could score two goals,” he said.

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Penalty Shootout Drama

In the shootout, Tottenham quickly took control when PSG’s Vitinha missed the opening spot kick. Spurs converted their first two penalties, moving ahead 2-0. However, momentum shifted again when Micky van de Ven and Mathys Tel failed to score for Tottenham.

PSG capitalised, converting four penalties in a row. Nuno Mendes smashed home the decisive kick, completing the comeback and securing the trophy for the French champions.

Chevalier’s Eventful Debut

It was a memorable debut for Lucas Chevalier, PSG’s new first-choice goalkeeper following Gianluigi Donnarumma’s departure announcement. Chevalier, signed from Lille, had a mixed night.

In the 39th minute, he tipped Joao Palhinha’s shot onto the crossbar, only for Van de Ven to react quickly and score the opener. Early in the second half, he failed to stop a header from Tottenham’s new captain Cristian Romero, allowing Spurs to double their lead.

However, Chevalier redeemed himself in the shootout by saving Van de Ven’s penalty. Luis Enrique praised his keeper’s character. “It shows big personality, which is so important at PSG. There’s a lot of pressure around us, and I’m very happy for him,” the coach said.

Team Spirit on Display

Midfielder Vitinha, whose penalty miss could have proved costly, highlighted the squad’s unity. “That’s the definition of a team,” he said. “Once someone fails, you help your colleague get back up. We still won, and that’s incredible. On another day someone else will fail, and someone will step up.”

Tottenham’s Missed Opportunity

For Tottenham, the defeat will sting. They had dominated much of the match and showed better fitness and sharpness. Their goals came from quick reactions and precise execution, but the inability to close out the final minutes proved costly.

The match also reinforced a perception that the “Spursy” tag—suggesting costly lapses at crucial moments—remains difficult to shake. Despite a promising performance for most of the night, the collapse in the closing stages overshadowed their disciplined play.

Fitness Gap Evident

Luis Enrique pointed to the clear difference in preparation between the two sides. Tottenham had a full pre-season, while PSG’s players had just resumed training after their Club World Cup final appearance last month. This gap was visible in the early stages, as Spurs pressed effectively and moved the ball with speed.

Yet PSG’s late rally showed their resilience and winning mentality, traits that have defined their recent success. The victory, though unexpected in its manner, adds another piece of silverware to their collection.

Looking Ahead

For PSG, the UEFA Super Cup win provides a morale boost ahead of the new season, even if their performance was far from perfect. Luis Enrique knows the team must improve fitness levels and consistency to meet the challenges ahead in domestic and European competitions.

Tottenham will take lessons from the defeat. The ability to control matches for long periods is encouraging, but the need to maintain focus until the final whistle is clear. Their performance suggested potential, but also underlined the importance of closing out games against elite opposition.