Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won the UEFA Super Cup after defeating Aston Villa 2-1 in an enthralling final at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg on Wednesday.
PSG gained control in the 20th minute when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia shot into the roof of the net after being set up by Désiré Doué, giving the French side a well-deserved early lead.
Aston Villa refused to be overpowered, responding forcefully before the break. Their pressure finally paid off in first-half stoppage time, when 17-year-old Brian Madjo met a brilliant cross from John McGinn and headed into the top corner to level the score.
The second half was hotly contested, with both teams creating opportunities.
Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot made a comfortable stop on Nuno Mendes early in the half, and John McGinn came close to putting Villa ahead with a thunderous drive that PSG goalie Matvey Safonov saved superbly.
PSG regained the lead in the 61st minute thanks to Doué.
The goal appeared to have been called out for offside, but referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan examined the event using VAR before overturning the ruling and awarded the goal.
Villa pressed for another equalizer in the dying moments, but PSG’s defense stood firm.
Safonov played a crucial role in the match, but Villa failed to capitalize on late opportunities, notably a missed header by Emiliano Buendía.
The victory gives PSG another major European prize and serves as an early statement of intent for Luis Enrique’s team, while Villa will reflect on a valiant effort that eventually fell short against the Champions League winners.
