(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Paris Saint-Germain were crowned kings of Al Kass Cup last night after prevailing against a valiant Sao Paulo side in a penalty shoot-out, after a gripping match had finished 1-1 in normal time.
Sao Paulo came into the match as slight favourites, having maintained a 100 percent record throughout the tournament that included 5-0 demolitions of both AC Milan and PSG, although the latter result was earned against a second string Parisian line-up.
It was immediately clear that the Frenchmen would provide a far sterner test this time around, and they should have taken the lead with less than a minute gone.WIlfride Kanga broke free down the right and crossed low for Odsonne Edouard, whose weak side-footed effort from three yards out was straight at keeper Lucas Da Silva.
The Parisians' containment strategy appeared to be paying off until, on 25 minutes, Sao Paulo conjured a goal out of nowhere. Left back Caique Maria escaped down the left and sent in a teasing cross that Pedro De Oliviera met with a diving header at the far post.
The second period, the Brazilians were now sitting deeper as PSG pressed forward, and on 78 minutes they were rewarded for their attacking endeavour with a penalty after Igor Valencio brought down Edouard, who got up and scored from the spot € but only just, with his shot creeping over the line off the right-hand post.
Just like the 2014 tournament, this gripping final was destined to be settled on penalties. Several Sao Paulo players were treated for cramp as the exertions of the previous 90 minutes took their toll. Their fatigue would catch up with them in the cruellest of circumstances.
The result was tough on the Brazilians, whose committed adherence to attacking football throughout the tournament had won neutrals over. Credit must go to PSG however, who produced another nerveless display to win through on a night of high drama.
Meanwhile, Arsenal prevailed 4-2 over AC Milan to finish third.
On a beautiful sunny day at the Aspire Zone, this was a battle of European giants that many would have tipped for the final. Alas, it was not to be. Arsenal had lost their semi-final narrowly to PSG by two goals to on while AC had suffered a 5-0 mauling to Sao Paulo.
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