Paris Saint-Germain reaffirmed their status as Europe’s premier club side by defeating Aston Villa 2-1 to retain the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday. The match, held in Salzburg, saw goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, successfully defending the title PSG first claimed 12 months ago against Tottenham Hotspur.
The encounter was officiated by 34-year-old Somalian referee Omar Artan. Artan recently garnered significant media attention in June after being denied entry upon arrival at Miami International Airport, despite his status as a FIFA-selected official for the upcoming World Cup.
Both managers fielded strong starting lineups ahead of their respective domestic campaigns. PSG’s side included nine players from their Champions League-winning squad that defeated Arsenal in May, including captain Marquinhos, Vitinha, and Joao Neves. Notably, French left-back Lucas Digne, who signed with the Parisians on Sunday, was named to the bench against his former club.
Aston Villa opted to rest World Cup participants Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins. However, manager Unai Emery handed debuts to striker Brian Madjo and midfielder Joao Gomes. Additionally, Boubacar Kamara made his first start since sustaining a serious knee injury in January.
The match began with high intensity, as Kamara nearly broke the deadlock in the 13th minute with a low-range effort that Matvey Safonov carefully monitored. This chance served as a wake-up call for the French champions. Shortly after, PSG recycled possession following a parried save by Marco Bizot, allowing Kvaratskhelia to cut inside from the left and fire a powerful strike into the near post on 20 minutes.
Kvaratskhelia continued to pressure the Villa defense, shortly after setting up Nuno Mendes for a dangerous cut-back that narrowly missed his teammates. Despite the pressure, Villa maintained their composure. Brian Madjo had a golden opportunity just before the half-hour mark but glanced a John McGinn cross wide. The 17-year-old missed several subsequent chances, appearing as though Villa would head into the interval trailing.
Madjo eventually found his breakthrough in the 45th minute. Once again, he was picked out in the box by McGinn, and this time the teenager lashed a left-footed strike into the roof of the net to level the score. In response to the shift in momentum, PSG manager Luis Enrique introduced Ousmane Dembele for Maghnes Akliouche at the start of the second half.
Villa maintained their momentum after the break, with McGinn forcing a save from Safonov following a combination with Madjo. On 61 minutes, Desire Doue appeared to have restored PSG’s lead, but his effort was initially ruled out for offside. Following a VAR review, it was determined that Villa right-back Matty Cash was playing the winger onside, and the goal was awarded.
The Premier League side nearly responded immediately through 19-year-old George Hemmings, but Safonov produced a strong save to maintain the 2-1 lead. As Villa pushed for an equalizer, Warren Zaire-Emery made a crucial block on a Gomes effort. Luis Enrique brought on Fabian Ruiz with 15 minutes remaining to solidify the midfield.
Villa’s final major opportunity arrived in the closing ten minutes, but Tammy Abraham was unable to connect with an Alysson cut-back inside the six-yard box. PSG held firm to secure the victory, marking a successful start to a season in which they aim to secure a third consecutive Champions League title.
The 34-year-old referee unwittingly found himself in the media spotlight in June after being turned away on arrival at Miami International Airport, despite being part of the panel of referees selected by FIFA for the Wor
The 17-year-old saw another couple of good chances go by as it seemed like Emery’s charges would go into the break behind.
Villa kept up their head of steam after the interval, though, as Madjo and McGinn again combined to good effect, with the 31-year-old forcing Safonov to beat away his curling effort.
Their best chance came inside the final 10 minutes as Tammy Abraham was just unable to reach Alysson’s cut-back inside the six-yard box.
