Spurs Blow 2-0 Lead as PSG Stun in Penalty Drama

For a long stretch in Udine, Tottenham Hotspur looked set to add another European medal to the cabinet. Micky van de Ven’s thumping first‑half finish put them in front and Cristian Romero doubled the cushion soon after the interval, nudging Spurs into a 2-0 lead over Champions League holders Paris Saint‑Germain. The game tightened late on: Lee Kang‑in clipped one back in the 85th minute and, deep into added time, Goncalo Ramos levelled in the fifth minute of stoppage, dragging the contest to penalties where PSG prevailed 4-3 after misses from Van de Ven and Mathys Tel.

The new manager wanted a performance with steel as well as sparkle, and there were encouraging signs. Spurs were less open without the ball than they often were last season, happy to turn opponents and play longer when needed. Set pieces, a soft spot a year ago, became a weapon: both goals arrived via dead‑ball pressure and penalty‑box presence. The test now is different. Against Burnley at home, Tottenham will likely see far more of the ball and will be judged on how well they move compact lines, not just how well they defend space.

Thomas Frank’s Brentford rarely chased possession for its own sake, ranking low for average share yet high for clarity. At Spurs, he must show the other side of the coin: coaching repeatable patterns that unpick low blocks while preserving a secure rest defence. Expect full‑backs to vary their heights, midfielders to rotate to create clean angles, and forwards to attack the six‑yard channel rather than simply circling the box.

Burnley arrive with scars from their last top‑flight campaign, when an idealistic approach left them stretched. Under Scott Parker, a former Tottenham player, they are unlikely to be gung‑ho on opening day. More compact spacing, quicker clearances into the channels and selective pressing should replace the previous insistence on building under heavy pressure. That makes patience key for Spurs and heightens the value of first contact on crosses and second balls at the edge of the area.

18+ | Gamble responsibly | gambleaware.org | Odds subject to change

18+ | Gamble responsibly | gambleaware.org | Odds subject to change

If you are on the lookout for the latest free bet offers, then look no further. Here, not only do we bring you numerous free bet offers, but all from the very best betting sites in the industry. Each bookie we recommend is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, so you know you are always betting on a safe and trustworthy site.

Check out the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers here .

Full terms and conditions apply | gambleaware.org | Gamble responsibly | 18+ | UK only

READ MORE: Free Bets & Bookmaker Sign Up Offers

Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too.