By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Paris Saint-Germain, PSG, have lifted the UEFA Super Cup after edging Aston Villa 2-1 in an entertaining final at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg on Wednesday.
PSG took control in the 20th minute when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia fired into the roof of the net after being set up by Désiré Doué, giving the French side a deserved early advantage.
Aston Villa refused to be overwhelmed and responded strongly before the interval. Their pressure finally paid off in first-half stoppage time when 17-year-old Brian Madjo met a precise cross from John McGinn and headed into the top corner to restore parity.
The second half remained closely contested, with both sides creating opportunities.
Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot made a comfortable save from Nuno Mendes early in the half, while John McGinn also came close to putting Villa ahead with a powerful effort that PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov did well to keep out.
PSG eventually regained the lead in the 61st minute through Doué.
The goal initially appeared to have been ruled out for offside, but referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan reviewed the incident with VAR before overturning the decision and awarding the goal.
Villa pushed for another equaliser in the closing stages, but PSG’s defence held firm.
Safonov made an important contribution to the victory, while Villa were unable to convert their late opportunities, including a headed chance from Emiliano Buendía that sailed wide in added time.
The triumph gives PSG another major European trophy and provides an early statement of intent for Luis Enrique’s side, while Villa will reflect on a spirited performance that ultimately fell short against the Champions League winners.
