Table of Contents
At least no one could accuse Thomas Frank of being dull in this match.
The Danish manager faced significant criticism for lackluster performances devoid of any attacking intent, particularly following the 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Arsenal on Sunday.
Vitinha's stunning hat-trick downed Tottenham in ParisCredit: Getty
The midfielder was lethal in front of goalCredit: AFP
However, in this match, his team managed to score three goals at the home of the Champions League holders, with Randal Kolo Muani netting two against his parent club after assisting Richarlison for the opener.
The unfortunate news was that Paris Saint-Germain responded with five goals of their own, featuring a hat-trick from Vitinha as well as goals from Fabian Ruiz and Willian Pacho.
PSG ended the match with ten men after Lucas Hernandez elbowed fellow substitute Xavi Simons during injury time, but by that point, the game was already decided.
This defeat showcased Frank's defense being consistently challenged, yet it felt like a stark contrast to the humiliation at the Emirates.
In fact, it reminded one of August's Super Cup against PSG, where Frank implemented a back-five strategy that initially saw his team take a 2-0 lead, only to concede two late goals and lose in penalties.
Frank later referred to that encounter between the Champions League and Europa League winners as a "special operation" that was effective, but ultimately "the patient died."
You could say something similar for this match as Spurs adopted a narrow 4-4-2 formation, limiting PSG, at least initially, to long-range attempts.
They even took the lead at the 35-minute mark when Lucas Bergvall's clever flick set up Archie Gray, whose cross was redirected by Muani's header for Richarlison to nod in.
Richarlison headed Spurs in front during the first halfCredit: PA
Randal Kolo Muani scores against his parent clubCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Spurs fans erupted in joy in the far corner of Parc des Princes, cheekily singing, ‘Champions of Europe, we know who we are’.
They were likely just relieved to see their team respond positively after Sunday’s debacle, but then Vitinha equalized just before half-time with a powerful shot.
Considering how recent events had unfolded for Spurs, it wouldn’t have been surprising if they had crumbled at that moment.
Instead, they regrouped and took the lead again.
Pedro Porro delivered a corner to the far post, which Richarlison headed on for Gray to attempt a flick towards goal.
Willian Pacho headed it onto the bar and away, only for Muani to volley it back in off Marquinhos on the Brazilian’s 500th PSG appearance.
Muani chose not to celebrate out of respect for his employers, but he must have felt exhilarated after scoring his first goal against Spurs.
This time, the lead lasted an even shorter duration as Vitinha struck again, this time with his left foot into the far corner, just three minutes later.
Spurs were denied a moment to regain their composure as PSG turned the match around completely just six minutes later.
Cristian Romero made a risky pass to Sarr, who lost possession under pressure from substitute Lucas Hernandez, allowing quick-thinking Joao Neves to set up Ruiz, who fired past Guglielmo Vicario.
The PSG loanee scores a brilliant secondCredit: Reuters
The hosts then made it three goals in 12 minutes of the second half as Sarr failed to clear a corner, allowing Pacho to strike
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
