Vitinha's Hat-Trick Lights Up Paris as PSG Outguns Tottenham 5-3

London Joy and Swift Reply

In a high-octane Champions League night, the Portuguese star Vitinha struck a hat-trick as Paris Saint‑Germain defeated Tottenham Hotspur 5‑3, keeping the French giants in the mix in Group stage action and echoing their earlier Super Cup triumph on penalties this season.

Tottenham had taken the lead twice, through Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani in the 35th and 50th minutes, but PSG answered with Vitinha’s strikes just before halftime and again after the break. Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha again, and Willian Batshu sealed the comeback as Spurs added a late strike from Kolo Muani in the 72nd minute.

With the victory, PSG rise to 12 points and move into second, strengthening their hopes of direct progression to the last 16. They will head to Athletic Bilbao for the sixth round on December 10.

Tottenham, meanwhile, stay on eight points in 15th place and suffered their first European defeat of the campaign. They’ll host Slavia Prague in the final group game.

Vitinha’s Hat-Trick

Enrique’s PSG lined up with a compact backline and a midfield trio of Ruiz, Vitinha and Kvartatskhelia, with Barcola in support of a frontline trio. Tottenham’s Thomas Frank sent his side out with Guglielmo Vicario in goal, five in defense and a midfield setup designed to balance counter-attacks and pressing.

PSG were the more dangerous side early, with Ruiz hitting the post and Kvartatskhelia testing the keeper as the hosts probed. A low, precise cross from a wide position set up Kolo Muani’s opener for Spurs, before a swift PSG reply levelled the score and shifted momentum in the home team’s favor.

Further chances followed, and Vitinha’s precise strikes in the 45th and 53rd minutes gave PSG the lead. A fourth and a fifth soon followed, with Willian Batshu converting a late opportunity and Vitinha completing his hat-trick from the spot after a handball.

The tie ended with a dramatic note as PSG’s Lucas Hernandez was sent off in stoppage time for a reckless challenge, capping a wild, high-scoring night at Parc des Princes.

Tottenham’s late fightback produced a tribute to resilience, but the scoreline told the story: PSG’s night belonged to Vitinha, whose artistry lit up the French capital. And yes, the goalkeeper finally got a save—just not when it counted the most!

Punchlines: If football were a restaurant, PSG’s defense would be the menu—lots of appeal, but you’ll still end up ordering extra bread to soak up the sauce. And Tottenham left the kitchen with a takeaway receipt—lots of meals promised, but the main course was conceded in the main course of the game.