Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) clinched the Trophée des Champions 2026 last night, defeating arch-rivals Olympique de Marseille in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final after the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The decisive moment came courtesy of goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, whose crucial saves propelled PSG to their latest piece of silverware in a contest marked by intensity and high stakes. The victory adds another trophy to PSG's cabinet and reignites the fierce rivalry between France's two most prominent clubs.
A Tense "Le Classique" Encounter
The match, held at Kuwait, unfolded as a classic "Le Classique" encounter, characterized by robust challenges and tactical battles. Both teams displayed a cautious yet determined approach, reflecting the importance of the fixture. PSG initially took the lead through Ousmane Dembele in the 13th minute.
Marseille, however, refused to yield, pushing for an equalizer throughout the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 76th minute when Mason Greenwood found the back of the net, leveling the score and setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. Marseille gained the lead thanks to an owngoal from Willian Pacho, but Goncalo Ramos equalized the scoreline in the dying moments of the regulation time. Despite late surges from both sides, neither could find a winner in extra time, forcing the game directly into a penalty shootout.
Chevalier's Decisive Saves
The spotlight firmly turned to Lucas Chevalier during the penalty shootout. The young goalkeeper, starting for PSG, demonstrated remarkable composure and agility under immense pressure. He made crucial saves against Marseille's Matt O'Riley and Hamad Traore's spot-kick. This save immediately shifted momentum in PSG's favor, and effectively sealed the victory for Paris Saint-Germain. His performance was lauded by teammates and the coaching staff, cementing his status as the match-winner.
Context and Rivalry Significance
The Trophée des Champions, France's annual super cup, pits the reigning Ligue 1 champions against the Coupe de France winners. While often seen as a curtain-raiser to the domestic season, a victory over Marseille carries particular weight for PSG due to the intense "Le Classique" rivalry. This win not only adds silverware but also provides a significant psychological boost against their historical adversaries.
For PSG, this triumph marks their 14th Trophée des Champions title, further solidifying their dominance in French football over the past decade. For Marseille, the defeat is a bitter pill, underscoring the challenge of overcoming their Parisian rivals.
Implications for the Season Ahead
The early-season trophy win sets a positive tone for PSG as they embark on their quest for further domestic and European glory. It demonstrates the squad's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, particularly in crucial moments. For Marseille, while a setback, the performance against their rivals indicates their potential to compete at the highest level and will likely fuel their determination for the remainder of the season. The stage is now set for another exciting campaign in French football.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 09, 2026 09:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).













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