Paris suffered, Paris trembled, but Paris won. After a completely crazy Classique in Kuwait, PSG claimed the Trophée des champions against OM after a controlled penalty shootout (2-2, 4-1 on penalties).
The Parisians ideally started the match thanks to Ousmane Dembélé, who took advantage of a poor clearance from Rulli (12th minute). However, Marseille dominated for a long time, facing a monumental Lucas Chevalier, who made a series of decisive saves throughout the match.
In the second half, OM was logically rewarded with an equalizer from Greenwood via a penalty (75th minute), before taking the lead with an own goal from Pacho (87th minute).
It seemed the trophy was destined for the Marseillais, but PSG snatched the equalizer in the final seconds thanks to Gonçalo Ramos, who scored with a perfect half-volley from a pass by Barcola (90+5).
In the penalty shootout, Chevalier was imperial
Confident, Paris then dominated the penalty shootout, led by an imperial Chevalier, who was decisive twice. Ramos, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, and finally Désiré Doué converted their attempts, with Doué sealing the trophy for PSG with a perfect shot. A title won through mental strength, in a match where Paris was dominated but never broke.
Player ratings for PSG
Chevalier 9. Huge match. Decisive throughout the game, he kept Paris alive with a multitude of saves and clinched the match in the penalty shootout with two stops. Clearly the man of the match.
Marquinhos 6. Often under pressure, sometimes struggling, but present in crucial moments and valuable in leadership.
Pacho 4. Unfortunate own goal and some inaccuracies, although he also saved a situation in front of Aubameyang.
Nuno Mendes 7. Very active offensively, constantly dangerous, and impeccable on his penalty. A real threat on his side.
Zaire-Emery 6.5. Valuable in duels, significant defensive work, and a lot of tactical intelligence.
Vitinha 7. Clean, precise, essential for the balance of the midfield, and perfectly calm on his penalty.
Joao Neves 6.5. A lot of activity, a big chance, and impressive work rate, although he lacks a bit of sharpness in the final action.
Fabian Ruiz 6. Useful shadow work, technically clean, without being flashy.
Dembélé 7. Scorer, very dangerous in the first half, a bit more discreet afterwards but always capable of making a difference.
Kvaratskhelia 6. Uneven. Some good moments, particularly defensively, but still too intermittent in the final third.
Doué 6.5. Interesting entry, impactful, with personality and especially total composure to convert the decisive penalty.
Barcola 6. His entry changed the rhythm, and he provided the decisive assist for Ramos in the final seconds.
Gonçalo Ramos 7.5. Hero of the night. He equalized at the last moment and confidently opened the penalty shootout. Effective and decisive.
Paris did not deliver their most controlled match, but they proved true mental strength. And with a Chevalier at this level, this PSG can go very far.
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