Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur are set to face each other for the first time ever in a competitive match this Wednesday night in the UEFA Super Cup final. The match, held in Udine, promises to be more than just a battle for another trophy, it marks a fresh chapter for both clubs.
For PSG, it’s a chance to win their first-ever Super Cup after finally conquering Europe with a Champions League title under Luis Enrique. But the build-up has been emotional too, as long-time goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma announced he is leaving the club after being dropped for this final. In his farewell message, Donnarumma said, “From the first day I arrived, I gave my all… It’s a decision that leaves me disappointed and bitter.” His absence will be felt, both in the dressing room and on the pitch, with newly-signed Lucas Chevalier likely stepping into goal.
PSG have enjoyed plenty of success recently, winning seven trophies in just two seasons under Enrique. However, the memory of their loss in the Club World Cup final still stings, and this match is seen as a chance to bounce back and prove they are still the top side in Europe. Enrique himself might be especially motivated, as it’s believed Tottenham passed on him as a managerial candidate back in 2023.
Despite a strong showing at the CWC, PSG were not flawless, suffering surprise defeats to Botafogo and Chelsea. They come into this match as favourites, but history has shown they are not untouchable.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are trying to build something new under manager Thomas Frank, who joined from Brentford after Spurs finally ended their 17-year wait for a major trophy. Their pre-season preparations were far from ideal, including a heavy 4-0 loss to Bayern Munich and underwhelming draws against Luton and Wycombe.
But Tottenham have shown in recent years that they can rise to the occasion in European competition. Their last four competitive wins have all come in UEFA matches, and the Super Cup offers them a big stage to prove themselves again.
While PSG have faced several English sides this year, winning five out of eight, they’ve never played Spurs in a competitive fixture. Tottenham’s most recent matches against French opponents came in 2022, when they beat Marseille home and away in the Champions League.
PSG’s recent matches have tended to be one-sided, with the winning team keeping a clean sheet in each of their last nine games. History is also on PSG’s side: eleven of the last twelve UEFA Super Cups have been won by the Champions League holders. That said, Super Cups are often tight contests, with extra time or penalties needed in seven of the last ten finals.
On the pitch, PSG will look to Ousmane Dembélé, who was their top scorer last season. Interestingly, Dembélé once tormented Tottenham while playing for Barcelona in 2018, scoring a stunning solo goal that won UEFA’s Goal of the Week. For Spurs, Brennan Johnson could be key. He scored five times in the Europa League last season, including the winner in the final.
However, both teams have injury concerns. PSG’s João Neves is suspended, and Tottenham are without key players like Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Dominic Solanke.
With Donnarumma’s emotional exit hanging over the club, PSG will likely be fired up to make a statement. Tottenham are still adjusting under their new manager and may struggle against such a well-drilled side.
While surprises are always possible in a one-off final, PSG are strong favourites, and many expect them to win by more than a goal. Whether it ends in ninety minutes or goes to penalties, this match will be one to watch.
