Luis Enrique, PSG head coach, at training before the UEFA Super Cup 2025 Final against Tottenham in Udine, Italy.Tullio Puglia - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
UEFA Super Cup 2025: Teams Arrive with Contrasting Momentum
PSG enter the contest after a commanding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final, but the team is still regrouping following their defeat to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final.
Head coach Luis Enrique has had to adjust his plans after the suspension of midfielder João Neves for a hair-pulling incident in the closing minutes of the Club World Cup, and the exclusion of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from the squad, replaced by new signing Lucas Chevalier from Lille.
Tottenham arrive buoyed by their Europa League triumph over Manchester United, ending a 17-year wait for silverware. However, the club’s domestic form has been inconsistent, and newly appointed manager Thomas Frank faces his first European fixture in charge.
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The London side will be without key players including James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski due to injury, while Yves Bissouma remains sidelined for disciplinary reasons.
Projected Line-Ups and Tactical Outlook
Paris Saint-Germain
Chevalier is expected to start in goal behind a back four of Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, and Nuno Mendes. The midfield could feature Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, and Warren Zaïre-Emery, with Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia forming the attacking trio.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs are likely to line up with Guglielmo Vicario in goal, supported by a defence of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Djed Spence. Rodrigo Bentancur and João Palhinha may anchor the midfield, with Mohamed Kudus, Pape Matar Sarr, and Brennan Johnson behind central striker Richarlison.
High Stakes in a Compact Venue
The Stadio Friuli’s 25,000-seat capacity will create an intense atmosphere for a match that offers both clubs the chance to set the tone for the new European season. PSG’s recent dominance in continental competitions makes them favourites, but Tottenham’s hunger to build on their Europa League success adds an unpredictable edge. Both teams have shown attacking intent in recent fixtures, suggesting that goals could be expected on both sides.
For PSG, lifting the Super Cup would reinforce their position as a leading European force despite recent turbulence in squad selection.
For Tottenham, a win in Udine would mark a statement of intent under Frank and offer a rare piece of silverware to begin the season.
The match is anticipated to draw significant attention across Europe, with global broadcast coverage and heightened fan engagement as both teams aim to claim the first continental title of the campaign.
The fixture’s venue choice in Udine reflects UEFA’s strategy of rotating the Super Cup among different European cities, following last year’s edition in Piraeus.
The stakes for this meeting remain as high as ever, with the trophy carrying prestige that extends beyond its early-season timing, much like PSG’s emphatic win over Inter in the Champions League final earlier this year.
