Paris Saint-Germain edged Marseille on penalties to claim the French Champions Trophy in a chaotic, emotion-soaked clash held thousands of miles from home in Kuwait on Thursday.

PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier stole the spotlight, saving two penalties as the Paris giants won the shootout 4-1 after a wild finish left both rivals deadlocked at 2-2. Desire Doue calmly buried the decisive kick after Chevalier denied Marseille’s Matt O’Riley and Hamed Traore.

PSG struck first when Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé delicately chipped Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli to set the tone early.
Rulli’s quick reflexes later spared Marseille further humiliation by stopping Nuno Mendes from doubling PSG’s lead minutes later.
At the other end, Chevalier matched that brilliance, denying Emerson’s goal-bound effort after the half-hour mark.
The PSG stopper was at it again near the hour, somehow clawing away Igor Paixao’s powerful header.
However, controversy followed when Chevalier’s clumsy challenge handed Marseille a penalty, confirmed by VAR, and former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood coolly converted.
With penalties looming, Willian Pacho’s panicked clearance deceived his own goalkeeper, suddenly putting Marseille on course for their first trophy since 2012.
But deep into stoppage time, Goncalo Ramos stabbed home Bradley Barcola’s cross to force penalties, a twist that ultimately delivered victory for Luis Enrique’s PSG.
It marked PSG’s record-stretching 14th Super Cup triumph in a match largely boycotted by fans due to soaring travel costs.

Supporter frustration was already simmering before kick-off, symbolised by a banner displayed at Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome during their shock Ligue 1 loss to Nantes last weekend.

The banner read: “FCT 2026 in Kuwait. And for 2027, on the moon?”

The fixture, traditionally staged between Ligue 1 champions and French Cup winners, has become a travelling showpiece as French football authorities push the league beyond Europe’s borders.

Past editions have been hosted in Canada, China, Gabon, Israel, Qatar, the USA, Morocco, and Austria.

With the Middle East detour complete, both clubs now turn their focus back to domestic football, with French Cup fixtures ahead before PSG host Lille next Friday and Marseille travel to Angers.

In Europe, PSG will also aim to secure automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16, sitting third in the standings, while Marseille cling to playoff hopes in 16th.

Despite finishing 19 points behind PSG last season, Marseille found themselves in Kuwait as league runners-up, only to once again watch their rivals celebrate.

AFP