Paris Saint-Germain confirmed their dominance as Europe’s premier team by defeating Aston Villa 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.
In Salzburg, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue scored for PSG, surrounding Villa teenager Brian Madjo’s debut goal. This victory allowed PSG to successfully defend the title they claimed last year against another Premier League team, Tottenham Hotspur.
The Super Cup, featuring the winners of Europe’s top club competition against the Europa League victors, was officiated by Somalian referee Omar Artan. Artan, 34, gained unexpected media attention in June after being denied entry at Miami International Airport, despite being appointed to FIFA’s World Cup referee panel.
Both teams fielded strong line-ups ahead of their domestic campaigns. PSG included nine players from their Champions League triumph over Arsenal in May, such as Vitinha, Joao Neves, and captain Marquinhos. Newly signed French left-back Lucas Digne started on the bench against his former club.
Aston Villa rested World Cup stars Ezri Konsa, Emi Martinez, and Ollie Watkins, but manager Unai Emery introduced debuts for midfielder Joao Gomes and striker Madjo. Midfielder Boubacar Kamara made his first start since a serious knee injury in January.
Kamara nearly opened the scoring with a low shot from distance in the 13th minute, but Matvey Safonov was alert. This prompted PSG to increase their efforts, and after Marco Bizot saved a shot, they won possession again. Kvaratskhelia made an impact in the 20th minute with a powerful goal at the near post.
The Georgian player became a threat to Villa’s defense, later providing an opening for left-back Nuno Mendes, whose cross went unmet. Villa did manage to create opportunities of their own. Madjo narrowly missed connecting with a John McGinn cross before halftime but eventually equalized by striking McGinn’s pass into the top of the net.
Reacting to the momentum shift, Emery introduced Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele for PSG recruit Maghnes Akliouche at halftime. Villa continued to press after the break, with Madjo and McGinn still creating chances. McGinn forced Safonov into action with a curling shot.
Desire Doue appeared to score for PSG in the 61st minute, initially ruled offside. However, VAR revealed that Villa right-back Matty Cash played him onside, awarding PSG their second goal.
Villa had opportunities to respond quickly; 19-year-old George Hemmings tested Safonov, and Warren Zaire-Emery blocked a strike from Gomes. PSG’s coach Luis Enrique deployed World Cup winner Fabian Ruiz late on to help maintain control as Villa pushed for an equalizer.
Villa’s best opportunity came in the closing stages when Tammy Abraham couldn’t convert Alysson’s cross in front of goal. Ultimately, PSG held firm to kick off their new season victoriously, aiming for a third consecutive Champions League title.
AFP
