Long jostled by a domineering Tottenham and physically superior, PSG nevertheless found the resources to reverse the situation in a stunning final (2-2, Tab 4-3). Led until the last ten minutes, the Parisians have taken advantage of the decisive entries of Kang-in Lee (68th) and Gonçalo Ramos (77th) to tip the meeting. Between technical inspiration, physical freshness and surgical realism, the two replacements energized the London defense, offering Paris an unexpected victory and a first European trophy.
This heroic scenario has all the more flavor since it is signed by two players whose future still seemed uncertain. Little used at the end of last season, Kang-in Lee and Gonçalo Ramos saw their name circulating in the Mercato section, between possible departures and external interests. Their status, between second option and occasional joker, did not suggest a major role in a European final. And yet, it was they who wrote the most beautiful page of the evening, transforming a poorly embedded match into a memorable victory, recalling that the heroes can arise from where we are waiting for them.
Two unexpected heroes
More than ever, PSG had two faces tonight in Udine. And the most sparkling was the work of Ramos and Lee. Asked after the meeting, Ousmane Dembélé did not fail to thank his two teammates who entered the game, scorers of the two final goals to hang the shots on goal: “It was difficult, it was our first game of the season, we thought that at 2-0, there was no longer time to think, we had to put a goal to put us back in the match, that is what we did with the entries of Gonçalo (Ramos) Ibrahim (Mbaye) and Kang-in (Lee). They brought a lot of energy, they made the difference, we score this goal, we push until the end …“Said the favorite in the Ballon d'Or 2025, at the microphone of Canal+. An observation indeed shared by Captain Marquinhos: “We did not have too much preparation, I am proud, we were led 2-0, the changes also did us good. Ramos entered very well, we needed a 9 to put this goal (laughs, editor's note)».
At a press conference, Luis Enrique also thanked his replacements: “I cannot stop believing, because in football, after the 80th minute, there are often reversals. The players who left the bench were decisive, Lee Kang-in, Gonçalo (Ramos), Ibe (Ibrahim Mbaye), Fabian (Ruiz). I am happy with their performance». Present in the mixed zone after the meeting, the Portuguese striker confirmed that he was going to stay at PSG this season, but above all explained the importance of his role and that of his replacement teammates. He once again proved it that he did not need a lot of minutes to be precious: “You had to enter the match and show that it was not over. This is the mentality of our team, those who are replacement must come and make the difference. We never let go. I'm very happy, it's a magnificent day, with a special trophy. We don't know if we will once again play this trophy». Paris struck a blow with the way.
