Wednesday night promises fireworks as European champions Paris Saint-Germain and Europa League winners Tottenham Hotspur lock horns at the Stadio Friuli for the UEFA Super Cup trophy.
With drama already unfolding in both camps, here’s everything you need to know.
A Night of Firsts and Farewells
On Wednesday, 13 August 2025, the picturesque Italian city of Udine becomes the epicentre of European football as Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain and Europa League champions Tottenham Hotspur battle for the UEFA Super Cup at the 25,000-capacity Stadio Friuli, home of Serie A side Udinese.
For Spurs, it’s a debut appearance in the Super Cup. For PSG, it’s another chance to cap off an already glittering year and possibly claim a sixth trophy in 2025, equalling the all-time record set by Barcelona (2009) and Bayern Munich (2020).
Clubs on Different Missions
PSG: Eyes on Six Titles in a Calendar Year
PSG’s rise to European supremacy was underlined in brutal fashion when they crushed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final.
They’ve already secured:
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Trophee des Champions
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Ligue 1
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Coupe de France
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UEFA Champions League
They continued their ruthless streak, in the US, thrashing Atletico, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, even finishing one of those games with nine men in their pursuit for trophy number five (5).
However, their blemish came after losing 3-0 to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final, losing the World Champion glory in the United States, last month.
However, Victory in Udine against Tottenham could compensate the French champions.
Tottenham: From Drought to Double?
After 17 years without silverware, Spurs’ 1-0 Europa League triumph over unbeaten Manchester United ended the drought under former coach, Ange Postecoglou.
Now, just three months later, new manager Thomas Frank has the chance to claim his first major trophy in charge and Tottenham’s second of 2025.
“For the club, me and everyone involved at Tottenham, it’s a massive game. It’s a great challenge and an even bigger opportunity,” said Frank.
“The way my brain works, I see opportunities instead of pressure. We will definitely embrace it and give it everything.”
Key Team News and Off-Field Drama
PSG – Donnarumma Out, Chevalier In
In a shock pre-match news, Gianluigi Donnarumma has been left out of the squad and is set to leave the club.
He confirmed his departure in a heartfelt Instagram post:
“From the first day I arrived, I gave everything on and off the pitch to earn my place and defend the goal of Paris Saint-Germain…”
”Unfortunately someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group… I am disappointed and disheartened.”
Manager Luis Enrique took full ownership of the decision:
“Donnarumma is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, no doubt, and even better as a person, but this is the life of high-level footballers.”
“I am 100% responsible for this difficult decision.”
PSG signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille just days ago, and he is expected to start.
Renato Marin, another young shot-stopper, joins the squad as backup.
Tottenham – Bissouma Axed, Romero Leads
Tottenham will be without midfielder Yves Bissouma, dropped for disciplinary reasons.
“Bissouma isn’t here because of disciplinary reasons.”
”He has been late several times, the latest one too many,” Frank told reporters.
“We need to give love and have demands but there have to be consequences.”
On the leadership front, Cristian Romero has been named Spurs’ new club captain, succeeding Son Heung-Min, who departed for MLS side LAFC.
“He was very honoured and very happy about it,” Frank said of Romero.
“He leads from his behaviour on the pitch, driving the team forward in every way.”
Clash of Philosophies: Enrique vs. Frank
While Luis Enrique’s PSG is a fast, fluid side that destroyed nearly every opponent last season, Frank’s Spurs are in the early stages of building something special.
Frank has already won admirers at Spurs for his inclusive approach, holding a club-wide meeting with not just players but cleaners, caterers, and admin staff during his first week.
His attention to tactical detail and insistence on high standards are clear, even benching key players like Bissouma to protect team culture.
He’s also been heavily involved in transfers, bringing in Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha on loan, and pushing to sign Savinho and Eberechi Eze.
UEFA Super Cup 2025 – Key Facts
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Venue: Stadio Friuli, Udine, Italy
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Date: Wednesday, 13 August 2025
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Kick-off: 20:00 BST
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Live on: UEFA TV, major broadcasters globally
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Prize Money:
Historical Context
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Real Madrid are the most successful Super Cup team with 6 titles.
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This is Tottenham’s first-ever Super Cup appearance.
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PSG are former runners-up, still seeking their first win in the competition.
This UEFA Super Cup showdown is more than just a curtain-raiser. It’s a battle of new beginnings and legacy.
As Europe watches under the lights in Udine, will it be PSG’s crowning moment or Tottenham’s second awakening?
Let the battle begin.
