By Frank Ulom
PARIS (CONVERSEER) – Tottenham Hotspur suffered a heavy 5–3 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday despite a standout performance from PSG loanee Randal Kolo Muani, whose two goals and an assist were ultimately overshadowed by Spurs’ defensive frailties in a chaotic Champions League encounter.
Spurs struck first after 35 minutes with a well-constructed move down the left. Archie Gray beat his marker and delivered a precise cross towards Kolo Muani, who rose impressively to head back across goal, leaving Richarlison to nod into an exposed net.
The opener unsettled the home side, but Paris Saint-Germain were level before the interval. A poorly cleared corner found Vitinha on the edge of the box and the Brazilian, afforded too much space, unleashed a fierce shot that crashed in off the underside of the bar.
The second half opened with another exchange of goals. Tottenham reclaimed the lead when Kolo Muani reacted sharply to a loose ball in the area, volleying in after PSG failed to deal with a corner. Yet their advantage vanished within minutes as Vitinha curled a superb effort beyond Guglielmo Vicario to make it 2–2 and set the tone for PSG’s dominant spell.
Errors from Spurs then shifted the match decisively in The Parisians’ favour. Cristian Romero’s misplaced pass into midfield led to Pape Matar Sarr losing possession in a dangerous area, allowing Fabián Ruiz to sweep in PSG’s third.
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The defending deteriorated further when Willian Pacho capitalised on more slack marking from a corner to extend the lead to 4–2. Kolo Muani then grabbed his second of the night, turning in a rebound after a rare mistake from Vitinha, who failed to clear under pressure.
Vitinha, however, restored order to claim his hat-trick. Romero conceded a penalty after handling inside the box, and the Brazilian converted calmly to make it 5–3 and complete an outstanding individual display.
PSG were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Lucas Hernandez was dismissed for elbowing Xavi Simons, but Tottenham were unable to take advantage.
The defeat leaves Spurs facing renewed scrutiny over their defensive structure, while PSG’s ruthlessness in front of goal ensured the European champions took all three points.
