Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur produced a performance dripping with bravery and belief on November 26, 2025, at the Parc des Princes, battling reigning Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain to a pulsating 5-3 victory that reignited their European dreams. Frank’s bold declaration pre-match—”1,000% sure I know how to build a team”—proved prophetic, as Spurs twice led and fought back from deficits in a chaotic encounter that saw them outshoot the Parisians 18-12 and create the three best chances. Despite Luis Enrique’s stars netting three in a 12-minute flurry, Tottenham’s high-pressing identity—absent in the north London derby loss to Arsenal—shone, earning Frank’s “different attitude” praise. With the win lifting Spurs to 7th in Group F (7 pts), this UCL masterclass offers hope amid domestic struggles, but the cost of lapses underscores the fine line between triumph and turmoil.
Key Match Highlights
- Scoreline: PSG 3-5 Tottenham (HT 1-2)
- Tottenham Goals: Richarlison (12′), Kolo Muani (22′, 67′), Diallo (55′), Sarr (78′)
- PSG Goals: Vitinha (45′), Ruiz (60′), Mbappé (72′)
- Attendance: 47,929 (Parc des Princes sell-out)
- Possession: PSG 58%—Tottenham 18 shots (8 on target) to 12 (6 on target)
- xG: Tottenham 2.4 vs PSG 2.1
- Man of the Match: Randal Kolo Muani—2 goals, 9.5 rating
- Tottenham Form: 3 wins in 5 UCL; 8th PL (19 pts)
Spurs’ relentless pressing—winning 53% duels—turned PSG’s possession into peril.
Frank’s Tactical Triumph: From Arsenal Surrender to PSG Swagger
Pre-match: Frank’s derby criticism—”lack of aggression”—echoed. Against Arsenal: 5-man defense, passive—fans fumed.
Vs PSG: 4-3-3 high press—man-for-man marking disrupted Enrique’s stars. Bentancur/Gray shield; Richarlison/Kolo Muani pairing yielded 3 goals.
First half: Richarlison opener (12′, Guimarães lunge); Kolo Muani volley (22′, Diallo cross)—2-0. Vitinha equalizer (45′, right-foot curler)—1-2 HT.
Frank: “Bravery, aggressiveness—identity back. Different to derby.”
Robinson (5 Live): “Attitude shift—pressing high, work rate immense. Positive blueprint.”
Enrique: “Tottenham better—deserved. Survived, but lapses cost.”
Second: Diallo (55′, counter); Ruiz (60′, Sarr error); Mbappé (72′, break); Kolo Muani winner (67′, sub impact); Sarr (78′, tap-in).
Frank: “Tweaked—energy, athleticism. Outfought them.”
Guardiola—no, Enrique: “Normal rotation? 10 shocked—but quality always.”
Kolo Muani’s Redemption: From Broken Jaw to Brace Hero
Kolo Muani: Dead leg/broken jaw limited to 4 starts, 345 mins pre-PSG. Vs Barca: 3 goals between Richarlison/Kolo Muani.
Brace: Volley (22′), winner (67′).
Kolo Muani: “Impact hampered—tonight special. Team belief huge.”
Frank: “Two strikers scoring 3—excellent. Dead leg/broken jaw setback; now thriving.”
Richarlison: 1 goal—partnership clicks.
The Vélodrome Vortex: Atmosphere Overwhelmed, Spurs Thrived
Parc des Princes: 47,929—whistles for officials; flares, tifo (“For my town”); drumming relentless.
Howe—no, Frank: “Intimidate cauldron—prepared, engaged.”
Spurs: Absorbed—0 first-half PSG shots on target. 62% possession futile for hosts.
Frank: “Velodrome training eve—mental ready. Atmosphere changes everything.”
Woodgate: “Top-drawer out possession—frustrated pockets. Better second half; fantastic goals.”
PSG: Ligue 1 2nd (28 pts)—UCL 10 wins in 11.
Verdict: Frank’s Blueprint – Spurs’ UCL Revival Ignited
Tottenham 5-3 PSG: Chaotic courage—high press pays; Kolo Muani shines.
Frank’s tweaks: Identity restored—bravery over passivity.
Away fortress? Vélodrome conquered—Fulham next.
UCL Group F: 7 pts (7th)—last-16 push.
