PSG retain UEFA Super Cup with 2-1 win over Aston Villa
Paris Saint-Germain, managed by Luis Enrique, defeated Aston Villa 2-1 in world football to retain the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue scored for PSG in the victory.
The win followed PSG's second successive Champions League title and saw the club keep hold of the Super Cup for a second consecutive year. PSG beat Tottenham Hotspur on penalties in last year's Super Cup. The result makes PSG only the third club, after AC Milan and Real Madrid, to retain the UEFA Super Cup. Enrique selected a starting XI that included nine players from the side that won the Champions League final.
PSG took the lead in the 20th minute. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring after combining with Desire Doue. He danced past Matty Cash inside the area and fired an unstoppable effort into the net.
Villa created several chances before the break, with Brian Madjo sending two headers wide and another effort striking the outside of the post. Moments before half-time John McGinn floated a ball toward the six-yard box and Madjo, under pressure from Willian Pacho, volleyed into the roof of the net to level the score. Madjo became the youngest-ever UEFA Super Cup scorer with that goal.
Enrique introduced Ousmane Dembele at the start of the second half and the French forward soon played a decisive role. In the 61st minute Desire Doue raced onto Dembele's through ball and curled his finish into the far corner to restore PSG's lead. The offside flag initially went up, but a VAR check confirmed Doue had stayed onside and the goal was awarded.
Villa enjoyed plenty of possession late in the game, but PSG's defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 lead. The victory was Enrique's 13th trophy since he took charge of PSG in 2023. For Villa manager Unai Emery it was another frustrating night in the UEFA Super Cup, with Emery having lost all four of his appearances in the competition.
PSG will now turn their attention to the French Super Cup. They face Lens on Sunday.