PSG boss Luis Enrique praises “soldier” Gonçalo Ramos after Supercup win: “He’s always there” | OneFootball

Ramos was the PSG hero again (Gettyimages)

PSG 2-2 Marseille (PSG win 4-1 on penalties)

Paris Saint-Germain overcame fierce rivals Marseille in the French Super Cup in Kuwait City on Thursday evening and not for the first time – unsung hero Gonçalo Ramos proved vital.

The European champions took a first-half lead through Ousmane Dembele, but found themselves trailing at the end of normal time after second-half goals from Mason Greenwood and William Pacho (own goal) looked to have set Marseille on the way to a comeback victory.

However, Ramos had other ideas, just as he had in the European Supercup against Tottenham Hotspur. Having been called from the bench in the 89th minute as PSG searched for an equaliser, the Portugal man responded by producing a smart sidefoot finish to level things up in the 95th minute. PSG went into the deciding penalty shootout on a hight, ultimately prevailing 4-1 as Marseille suffered from missing their first two kicks.

"It was very intense!” said Spaniard Luis Enrique after the match. “We started the game correctly, but in the end Marseille played very well. They deserved to be in the game, it was very difficult, they played better than us. I have to congratulate [Roberto] De Zerbi, who everyone criticizes, he's an excellent coach."

“I want to congratulate Gonçalo Ramos: a soldier, an incredible player, an incredible person. He doesn't have many minutes, but he's always present. When I told him to come on for two or three minutes, he did. He's an extraordinary player, it's a pleasure to have Gonçalo with us."

Ramos was not the only Portuguese to impress. As usual, Vitinha proved pivotal at crucial moments: first, the former Porto man was the assist-maker for Dembele’s opener with an instinctive first-time pass after a turnover; then ahead of Ramos’ winner, it was Vitinha whose lofted pass into the channel found Desire Doue to nod the ball square to Ramos for the crucial leveller.

In the penalty shootout, PSG’s Portuguese contingent again proved vital. Ramos converted first, followed by Vitinha and then Nuno Mendes to put the Champions League holders into a commanding lead. João Neves also played the full ninety minutes in midfield, as the Luso quartet added yet another trophy to their collection.