Paris Saint-Germain overran a seesaw battle coming from behind, twice to defeat Tottenham Hotspur 5-3 in the Champions League encounter at the Parc des Princes. The Portuguese midfielder, Vitinha, scored two spectacular long-range efforts and converted a late penalty to secure victory for the reigning European champions, showing resilience despite defensive fragilities.
The win lifts PSG to second in the league phase standings, putting them on course for direct qualification to the last 16, while Tottenham slip to 16th but remain within touching distance of the top eight.
Tottenham, looking to bounce back from their derby defeat to Arsenal, started brightly and took the lead in the 35th minute when Richarlison nodded in from close range after Randal Kolo Muani headed a cross back across goal. However, PSG responded on the stroke of halftime through Vitinha, who rifled a first-time strike into the roof of the net from the edge of the box.
The visitors restored their advantage early in the second half when Kolo Muani lashed a volley past Gianluigi Donnarumma, scoring against his parent club. But the lead was short-lived as Vitinha curled a sublime effort into the far corner to make it 2-2 just minutes later.
The match turned decisively in PSG's favor during a frantic spell around the hour mark with Fabian Ruiz capitalizing on a defensive error from Pape Matar Sarr to put the hosts ahead for the first time, before Willian Pacho slammed home from a crowded goalmouth to extend the lead to 4-2.
Kolo Muani grabbed his second of the night to give Spurs hope, but a handball by Cristian Romero allowed Vitinha to complete his treble from the penalty spot in the 76th minute. The game ended on a sour note for PSG as substitute Lucas Hernandez was sent off in stoppage time for elbowing Xavi Simons.
Despite the defeat, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank found positives in his team's performance, particularly their attacking intent. "This was much more the identity of the team, the bravery and aggressiveness," Frank said.
He reserved special praise for Vitinha, calling him "the best midfielder in the world" and predicting he would be a future Ballon d'Or winner. Spurs defender Archie Gray echoed these sentiments, acknowledging PSG's quality: "They are the best team in Europe, and they are relentless in every aspect of their game."
Captain Marquinhos, making his 500th appearance for the club, spoke of the team's mindset. "We are a team which never gives up," he stated. "I wanted us not to concede... but we won." With four wins from five games, Luis Enrique's side looks well-positioned to defend their European crown.
