Luis Enrique applauds goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier after dream PSG debut

UDINE – Lucas Chevalier impressed on his debut as Paris Saint-Germain’s new first-choice goalkeeper in their

European Super Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur

on Aug 13, drawing praise from coach Luis Enrique.

The 23-year-old former Lille goalkeeper was thrust into the spotlight after Enrique made it clear earlier this week that Gianluigi Donnarumma had been axed from the squad, prompting the Italian international to begin searching for a new club.

Frenchman Chevalier, who arrived at the club on Aug 9, earned praise from teammates and fans alike after making several acrobatic saves, including from Micky van de Ven’s attempt during the penalty shoot-out.

“We relied on Lucas... he just arrived, but it was time for him to show off. We’re very happy because he made it,” Enrique told reporters after PSG beat Tottenham 4-3 on penalties after the match ended 2-2.

“This is PSG – you have to know how to handle the pressure. Lucas is a top-class goalkeeper; he’s capable of it. He did his job. Welcome to him with a trophy.”

Enrique also admitted that the publicity surrounding Donnarumma was far from ideal for the club.

“Everyone was talking about the situation; his (Lucas’ position) wasn’t easy, but he showed great character,” the Spaniard added.

PSG had produced a late comeback to draw the match 2-2.

Spurs looked set to get their hands on the trophy in their first competitive match under new manager Thomas Frank, as they led 2-0 just after half-time at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy.

Van de Ven gave the 2024-25 Europa League winners the lead on 39 minutes and Cristian Romero – who has officially replaced Son Heung-min as captain – got their second three minutes into the second half.

However, PSG were rescued by two substitutes as Lee Kang-in pulled a goal back in the 85th minute and Goncalo Ramos headed in the equaliser four minutes into injury time.

That meant a penalty shoot-out, although it started badly for PSG when Vitinha put their first kick wide.

Chevalier then saved from van de Ven and Mathys Tel missed the target, allowing Nuno Mendes to convert the winning penalty for PSG.

Dominic Solanke, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pedro Porro all scored from the spot for Spurs, in vain. Ramos, Ousmane Dembele and Lee converted for PSG before Mendes stepped up.

It is the first time PSG, or indeed any French club, have lifted the Super Cup, as they take their tally of trophies won in 2025 to five.

“I am proud. We hadn’t had much preparation, but you could see that football is not only about the physical aspect – it is also about the mental aspect, being in the right place, having the right tactics,” PSG captain Marquinhos told broadcaster Canal+.

It is the perfect start to the new campaign for Enrique’s team, who had a shortened off-season break having lost the Club World Cup final to Chelsea exactly a month ago.

They only began pre-season training a week ago and played no friendly matches before this game.

PSG now begin the new Ligue 1 campaign on Aug 17 away to Nantes, while Spurs will turn their attentions to the start of the English Premier League season as they host Burnley on Aug 16.

“I think we played a very good game against one of the best teams in the world,” Frank told TNT Sports.

“We had them exactly where we wanted them for 80-something minutes until the 2-1 goal. Then, of course, that shifted a little bit the momentum, but there was so much positive.

“I am so proud of the team, the players, the club, the fans. I think there is a lot to be happy with.”

Off the pitch, Spurs said they are “disgusted” by the online racial abuse aimed at Tel after their loss.

“Mathys showed bravery and courage to step forward and take a penalty, yet those who abuse him are nothing but cowards – hiding behind anonymous usernames and profiles to spout their abhorrent views,” a statement said.

“We will work with the authorities and social media platforms to take the strongest possible action.” REUTERS, AFP