PSG retain UEFA Super Cup with 2-1 victory over Aston Villa
Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue secure second consecutive Super Cup for Paris Saint-Germain, despite a debut strike from Aston Villa’s Brian Madjo.
Paris Saint-Germain have retained the UEFA Super Cup, defeating Aston Villa 2-1 in Salzburg on Wednesday. The result sees the Champions League winners defend the title they secured twelve months ago with a penalty shootout victory against Tottenham Hotspur.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring in the 20th minute, cutting in from the left to fire a shot into the near post. Aston Villa responded before the interval, with teenager Brian Madjo scoring on his debut in the 45th minute. Madjo lashed the ball into the roof of the net following a cross from John McGinn. Desire Doue restored Paris Saint-Germain’s lead to secure the three points, netting the winner in the second half.
The match was officiated by Somalian referee Omar Artan. The 34-year-old official had previously drawn media attention in June after being denied entry at Miami International Airport, despite being selected for FIFA’s World Cup referee panel.
Paris Saint-Germain fielded a strong lineup featuring nine players from their Champions League-winning squad, including captain Marquinhos. French left-back Lucas Digne, who recently signed for the club, remained on the bench for the match against his former team.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery rested several key World Cup campaigners, including Ezri Konsa, Emi Martinez, and Ollie Watkins. However, the side included debuts for midfielder Joao Gomes and striker Madjo, while Boubacar Kamara started for the first time since sustaining a serious knee injury in January.
The UEFA Super Cup traditionally features the winners of the Champions League against the victors of the Europa League. Following the match, Doue told TNT Sports that winning the trophy was "amazing," noting the difficulty of securing the Champions League title first before adding the Super Cup to their collection.
