PSG retain UEFA Super Cup with 2-1 win over Aston Villa

Paris Saint-Germain defeated Aston Villa 2-1 in Salzburg, Austria, on Wednesday to retain the UEFA Super Cup.

Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia put the Champions League holders ahead in the 20th minute at Stadion Salzburg. Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot initially saved Desire Doue’s deflected effort, but Aston Villa then lost possession high up the pitch.

Doue found Kvaratskhelia, who created space with his first touch before firing into the top-left corner. The goal extended Kvaratskhelia’s impressive record in UEFA competitions, with the winger now directly involved in 11 goals in his last nine appearances, scoring eight and providing three assists.

Aston Villa responded with increased pressure, led by striker Brian Madjo, who was making his senior debut. Madjo headed two chances wide and struck the post before finally equalizing in the 45th minute.

Villa captain John McGinn delivered a cross toward the back post, where Madjo held off Willian Pacho and directed the ball into the roof of the net.

At 17 years and 212 days, Madjo became the youngest player to score in the UEFA Super Cup, surpassing Patrick Kluivert, who was 19 years and 220 days old when he scored for Ajax in 1996.

Villa started the second half strongly, but PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov denied McGinn’s rising strike in the 50th minute. Despite Villa’s early pressure, PSG regained the lead in the 61st minute through Doue.

Ousmane Dembele found Doue on the right side of the penalty area, and the French winger curled the ball beyond Bizot and into the far corner. The goal was initially ruled out for offside but was awarded after a video assistant referee review.

Aston Villa continued to threaten but could not find another equalizer, allowing PSG to hold on and lift the trophy for a second consecutive year.

PSG became only the second club after Real Madrid to retain the UEFA Super Cup in the modern single-match era. Real Madrid achieved the feat by winning consecutive editions in 2016 and 2017.

Stabil.Az