The 2025 UEFA Super Cup brings together two European champions for a highly anticipated clash: UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League victors Tottenham Hotspur. This match, held at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy, marks the official curtain-raiser for the new European season and a chance for both clubs to claim a significant piece of silverware.
Match Analysis: A Tale of Two Teams
PSG enters the match on a high after a historic treble-winning season, culminating in their first-ever Champions League title. Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, the Parisians have established themselves as a dominant force, playing an attacking, fluid brand of football. However, they are not without their vulnerabilities. A recent 3-0 defeat in the Club World Cup final to Chelsea exposed some defensive shortcomings and a potential lack of match sharpness after a short summer break. The absence of key players due to suspension and contract issues further complicates matters for the French champions.
Tottenham, on the other hand, is in a state of transition. New manager Thomas Frank takes charge of his first competitive match, inheriting a team that secured a Europa League title but finished a disappointing 17th in the Premier League. Injuries to key attackers like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, along with the departure of star player Son Heung-min, leave a creative void in the Spurs squad. Frank will likely look to instill a more defensively solid and counter-attacking style, aiming to exploit any rustiness in the PSG side. Their pre-season form has been mixed, with a promising win over Arsenal but a heavy 4-0 loss to Bayern Munich.
Probable Line-ups
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Lucas Chevalier
- Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, William Pacho, Nuno Mendes
- Midfielders: Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz
- Forwards: Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
- Defenders: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence
- Midfielders: Rodrigo Bentancur, João Palhinha
- Forwards: Brennan Johnson, Pape Sarr, Mohammed Kudus
- Striker: Richarlison
Notable Absences: PSG will be without goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma (contract dispute) and midfielder João Neves (suspension). Tottenham’s injury list is extensive, including James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Radu Dragusin. Yves Bissouma is also unavailable for disciplinary reasons.
Key Player to Watch: Ousmane Dembele
For PSG, the player who could single-handedly change the game is Ousmane Dembele. The French international was in sensational form last season, leading the top five European leagues in goal involvements with 36 (27 goals, 9 assists). His explosive pace, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat to any defense. Against a potentially unsettled Tottenham backline, Dembele’s ability to create and convert chances will be paramount to PSG’s success.
For Tottenham, the key player to watch is new signing Mohammed Kudus. The Ghanaian international will be tasked with providing the creative spark and goal threat that is missing due to the injuries to Maddison and Kulusevski. His dynamism and attacking prowess from the wing will be crucial in unlocking a strong PSG defense and creating opportunities for Richarlison.
Prediction and Betting Odds
The bookmakers have PSG as the heavy favorites, which is understandable given their form last season and the talent disparity between the two squads. However, the Super Cup has a history of being a tight affair, with many recent finals going to extra time or penalties. Tottenham’s new-manager bounce and defensive focus under Frank could make this a more competitive match than the odds suggest.
Odds:
- PSG win: $1.45 (approximately 4/11)
- Draw: $4.00 (approximately 3/1)
- Tottenham win: $6.00 (approximately 5/1)
Prediction: While Tottenham’s defensive solidity may frustrate PSG for a time, the sheer attacking firepower of the French side is likely to be the difference. We predict that PSG will ultimately find a way to break down the Spurs’ defense and secure the trophy.
Score Prediction: PSG 2-1 Tottenham
