Tottenham gave Paris Saint-Germain a real scare in Paris but ultimately fell 5-3 in a thrilling Champions League clash. Spurs twice led the defending champions, but a stunning second-half display from PSG, led by Vitinha, proved decisive.

Despite the defeat, Tottenham boss Thomas Frank praised his side’s performance, highlighting their grit, personality, and aggressiveness. “I’m pleased with the performance. It was the reaction I wanted from the players, from the team. Much more character, personality, aggressiveness… Today we saw it, and I’m pleased with that,” Frank told reporters.

Frank also reserved high praise for PSG midfielder Vitinha, who scored a hat-trick and finished third in this year’s Ballon d’Or. “When we played against a decent team where they have one Ballon d’Or winner and I think the next one is playing in midfield… Vitinha. Wow, what a player,” said Frank. “Vitinha is the best midfielder in the world. He will be the next Ballon d’Or winner.”

The match saw Tottenham showing signs of life after their 4-1 drubbing by Arsenal, with strikers scoring two goals and promising performances from Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall. Midfielder Gray reflected positively on the game, noting that Spurs faced “probably the best team in Europe at the moment” and that there were valuable lessons to take forward.

While Spurs now face back-to-back heavy defeats, Frank’s words underline that the team’s identity and fighting spirit remain intact. For Tottenham fans, there are positives to build on even in defeat, and lessons from facing Europe’s elite could prove invaluable.

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Luis Enrique Dismisses Ousmane Dembele’s Ballon D’Or Glory As ‘Meaningless’ Ahead Of PSG’s Clash With Leverkusen

Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has delivered a blunt message to Ousmane Dembele, saying his Ballon d’Or award “means nothing” as the French winger prepares to return from injury for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen.

Dembele, who recently became the best male player in the world after beating Lamine Yamal to the prestigious award, has not featured for PSG since August due to injury. However, he’s now fit and ready to make his comeback as the French champions continue their title defence.

The 28-year-old enjoyed a sensational 2024-25 campaign, scoring 35 goals and providing 14 assists across all competitions as PSG lifted five trophies — including Ligue 1, Coupe de France, French Super Cup, and the Champions League.

Luis Enrique’s Brutal Take On The Ballon D’Or

Despite Dembele’s glittering season, Luis Enrique insists the past achievements are no longer relevant.

“You (the media) see things in a different way. He isn’t the Ballon d’Or; he is Ousmane Dembélé. The person he is and the energy that he brings are more important to the team,” Enrique told Canal Plus.

“The Ballon d’Or is over […] you value that, but it means nothing. For us, the important thing is to get back Marquinhos, Désiré Doué, and Ousmane! I am happier with his energy, with how he is as a person, than the Ballon d’Or; the Ballon d’Or is over.”

The Spaniard emphasized that PSG’s focus must now shift to new challenges as the team looks to maintain its dominance both domestically and in Europe.

PSG Gear Up For Leverkusen Showdown

Speaking about the upcoming Champions League fixture, Luis Enrique acknowledged the strength of Xabi Alonso’s side.

“It’s difficult to give Leverkusen credit for signing 20 players and a new coach. They score goals and can defend very deep, they know how to put pressure on,” he said in his pre-match press conference.

“We’ve brought in a lot of young players who have shown quality. This start to the season has been different and difficult because we’ve overcome challenges we shouldn’t have had. We’ve shown resilience. Tomorrow is very important — we want to take points early.”

Meanwhile, Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand praised PSG, calling them “perhaps the best team in the world.”

“We have a lot of respect for them. It will be a difficult match, but we’re excited. We’re at home and will show our qualities,” Hjulmand said.

With Dembele’s return and Enrique’s unwavering focus, PSG look set to continue their quest for Champions League glory, proving that at Sports Market International, we cover the game beyond the headlines — where mindset meets mastery.

Trying To Take Both Of Them To Vasco! Brazil Star’s Funny Bid To Lure Tottenham & Newcastle Heroes

Football and banter go hand in hand — and Brazil’s Paulo Henrique just added another hilarious twist to that combo!

After Brazil’s shocking 3-2 defeat to Japan in Tokyo, the 29-year-old winger lightened the mood by joking that he’s trying to convince Richarlison (Tottenham) and Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle) to join Vasco da Gama, his beloved club back home.

“The group welcomed me really well. There were some guys I already knew… and there’s also Bruno Guimaraes and Richarlison, who are Vasco fans,” Henrique told Globo Esporte with a smile. “I’m trying to take both of them to Vasco!”

And just like that, the football internet exploded with laughter and what-ifs!

Bruno Guimaraes — The Boy Who Grew Up Vasco

Now, this wasn’t a random shoutout. Bruno Guimaraes has long confessed his deep love for Vasco da Gama. He’s a lifelong fan who spent his childhood watching games at São Januário.

“My whole family is Basque. I grew up in São Januario, I was always a Vasco fan,” Guimaraes once told O Globo.

While Bruno dreams of one day finishing his career in Brazil, he’s currently focused on Newcastle’s big project under Eddie Howe — though the recent £125m sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool has left him a little frustrated.

Still, he’s committed to helping the Magpies push for domestic and European success.

Richarlison — Loyal To Spurs But Dreaming Big

Then there’s Richarlison — the fiery forward whose passion for the game is unmatched. Despite rumours linking him to MLS side Orlando City, Spurs made it clear he’s not going anywhere unless someone coughs up a record-breaking $46.4 million!

For now, the Brazilian star remains a vital part of Tottenham’s attack and dreams of lifting major trophies with the club — and maybe one day, the Ballon d’Or too.

Could Vasco Pull Off A Miracle?

Let’s be real — seeing both Bruno Guimaraes and Richarlison in Vasco colours would be a football fairytale. But even if that never happens, Henrique’s playful “recruitment mission” reminds fans why we love this sport: the heart, the humour, and the unshakable loyalty players still have to their roots.

And who knows? Stranger things have happened in football.

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