Champions League champions vs. Europa League upstart: Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur s UEFA Super Cup

Written Rises: Xiaobai Replayer

At 3 am on August 14, the 2025 European Super Cup final will be held passionately at the Friuli Stadium in Udinine, Italy, against both sides, Champions League champion Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Cup champion Tottenham Hotspur. This is not only the first important event in European football in the new season, but also a focus battle that brings together many stars and fierce tactical games

Paris Saint-Germain, as the Champions League champion last season, has successfully won the Champions League and Ligue 1 double championships in 2025. Even though he unfortunately won the runner-up in the Club World Cup, his strong strength cannot be underestimated. The team mainly plays a 4-3-3 formation, with a trident composed of forward Dembele (35 goals last season), Kvaratshelia (5 goals and 3 assists in the Champions League) and Douai. It has fierce firepower and diverse offensive methods. Ashraf and Mendes were excellent in crossing on the wing, contributing 19 goals and 28 assists in total, often creating excellent opportunities for the front line. Midfielder Vitinia and Zaire Emery have just the right control of the rhythm, and Marginhos and Pacho are partnered with the central defender on the back line, with rich experience. However, the main goalkeeper Donaluma was defeated due to a contract dispute, and the new aid Schevalier (the best goalkeeper in Ligue 1) played in the official game for the first time. The lack of experience in the competition may become the target of the opponent's impact.

In contrast, Tottenham Hotspur has experienced a change of coaches (Frank took over) and a lineup restructuring since winning the Europa League. A series of blows such as Son Heung-min's departure and Madison's cruciate ligament injury have greatly reduced the team's offensive strength. In the six warm-up matches of the preseason, Tottenham Hotspurs only achieved a record of 2 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss, with a defense assisted turnover rate of 22%. They have conceded 2.67 goals per game in recent games, and their defensive stability is worrying. The new coach Frank mainly plays a 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on the midfield dispatch of new players Kudus (joined by Euro 63.8 million) and Palinia (loan on Bayern), and the forward line is led by Ter (buyed by Bayern) and Risalisson. The combination of Romero and Van der Fen has certain ability to confront each other, but the return time of left-back Udoji is doubtful. What's worse is that eight players including Madison, Kulusevsky, Dragusin were injured and their midfield creativity was seriously damaged. Bisuma did not go with the team due to discipline issues, which further weakened the midfield hardness.

From a tactical perspective, Paris Saint-Germain is expected to suppress Tottenham's defense with the wing breakthrough between Ashraf and Mendes. Paris's 63% top-scoring success rate allows highs such as Marginhos and Ruiz to defend against loopholes in Tottenham's defense line, and have an advantage in set piece tactics. But the stability of new goalkeeper Shevalier's save is still to be seen when facing a top opponent for the first time. In Tottenham, the new coach Frank was famous for his "opening blitz" when he coached Brentford. The team may use Risalisson's speed to attack the Paris defense, especially against the weaknesses of substitute center back Pacho's lack of experience. Tottenham strengthened strong hand throwing training and hired set pieces experts to try to create chaos in set pieces tactics by scrambling high-altitude tops or crossing from the wing. Midfielders Palinia and Kudus need to make every effort to cut off the connection between the Paris midfielder and the forward line and limit Kvaratskhelia's incisive space to find a breakthrough in the game.

Overall, Paris Saint-Germain has a clear advantage in this game with its deep lineup depth, mature tactical system and rich European experience. However, if the new goalkeeper Shevalier lacks pressure, or makes mistakes in the defense, Tottenham may also use set pieces or counterattacks to create unpopularity. But no matter what, this game will be full of suspense and passion. Let us look forward to the wonderful performances of the two teams in the European Super Cup!