It almost felt like a dagger to the heart and the third cut was the deepest. There were just 90 seconds to go in added time when Nuno Mendes scored the goal that left Aston Villa on the brink of their wonderful Champions League adventure coming to an end. For Villa that goal looked like a killer.
Coming back from 3-1 in the second leg of this quarter-final, even though it will be at a raucous Villa Park, is a lot more daunting than the 2-1 they were holding on for against Paris St-Germain. In the victory on Wednesday, the French side reinforced the belief that they are the best team in Europe.
Before kick-off there was a huge tifo unfurled behind one of the goals, in the Virage Auteuil, showing a skull wearing a flat cap above a banner which read “By Order of the Paris SG Fans” in a tribute to the cult Peaky Blinders television series which, of course, is set in Birmingham.
Was it an attempt to intimidate Villa? Either way, PSG simply overwhelmed their visitors.
The stage is set in Paris 🤩🇫🇷
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/PVGySiiUm4
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
Those Brummy gangsters concealed razor blades in their hats. For PSG the sharpness came from the frightening relentlessness of their pressing and the brilliance of their wingers, with both Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scoring superb goals.
Doue, just 19, means “gifted” in French. He is certainly that, while one of the nicknames for Kvaratskhelia, the swashbuckling, eye-catching Georgian, who is something of a throwback with his socks around his ankles, is “Kvaradona’. Another is “Kvaravaggio”, and his goal, that made it 2-1, would not be out of place in the Louvre.
There’s no stopping Kvaratskhelia in that position 💨
What a goal 👏
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/DclFlVijYf
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
Villa were completely out-played. Only their belligerence, organisation and determination – epitomised by their captain John McGinn – kept them in it. Sometimes you have to just tip your hat to a better team.
Clearly PSG are superior. But this is a cup tie over two legs and we know what a wily campaigner Unai Emery can be, even if his main tactic on this occasion was damage limitation. Maybe, despite that scoreline, that worked to a degree. Because it could have been far worse. It could emphatically have been all over.
Even so it will take a monumental effort from Villa to get through and probably, given Arsenal’s commanding lead over Real Madrid, set up an all-English semi-final.
But PSG lost at home to Liverpool in the last round and won at Anfield. They were too good for Manchester City and, unfortunately, they look too good for Villa. They are the outstanding favourites, and rightly so, even if lesser teams than Villa would have crumbled in the face of the onslaught.
Villa may take comfort from the quality of the strikes it took to beat them but, unfortunately, Emery’s tactics unravelled when the left-back Mendes popped up inside the penalty area, cut back and swept the ball past Emiliano Martinez in injury time. “We shall not be moved,” sang the pocket of Villa fans – with the Prince of Wales and his son George also in attendance – just before that goal, as the PSG supporters appeared to lose a little hope. But the direction of the deflation afterwards was clear. As was the French elation.
Composure personified 🥶
Nuno Mendes with a third for PSG in added time ⏰
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/qvXeXYRQBi
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
Villa defended deep throughout. They knew they had to against a team that kept the ball so well and had the energy to strangle an opponent’s attempt to retain possession.
The visitors were on the back foot for most of the first half, with McGinn their one leading light. The Scot was key in the the match’s opener as he swooped to steal the ball away from Mendes, burst forward and picked out Marcus Rashford who quickly threaded a pass through to Youri Tielemans. The Belgian crossed low finding Morgan Rogers at the back post to tap home.
Emery was not the only former PSG coach here. In the stands was Thomas Tuchel, watching Villa’s England contingent in what was the club’s first quarter-final in this competition since 1983. He will have liked that goal.
In fact it was reminiscent of Peter Withe’s winning goal in that 1982 European Cup Final. Would that be the story? Or would it be McGinn, the only survivor from the side that, in a sign of how far Villa have progressed, was facing Rotherham United in the Championship six years ago on Thursday?
ASTON VILLA STRIKE FIRST! 🤯
Morgan Rogers is at the back post to finish off a ruthless counter-attack ⭐
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/qvadIy7v3D
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
Happy birthday to Aston Villa legend and 1982 European Cup final goalscorer, Peter Withe. ⭐ pic.twitter.com/8bk7kehhFC
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 30, 2022
Unfortunately not. Martinez had stoked the fire, as only he can, having arrived in Paris with the same hairstyle he sported in Argentina’s World Cup final victory over France with his country’s colours dyed into his locks. His every touch was whistled. And not least when he recovered after almost fumbling Doue’s low shot over his own goal line. But Doue would not be denied. Soon after he cut inside, with Rogers’ challenge too weak, and struck a stunning shot that crashed in off the crossbar. Just Doue it.
PSG level the game up!
That finish from Désiré Doué is out of this world 💫
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/NtPzW2cYgL
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
It was no surprise to see Matty Cash withdrawn. He simply could not cope with the mesmeric Kvaratskhelia but neither could his replacement, Axel Disasi, as PSG countered with Fabian Ruiz sweeping the ball wide. Kvaratskhelia ran at Disasi, dumped him to the turf, rolled his foot over the ball and beat Martinez at his near post with the violence of his shot.
In truth, Disasi was struggling as much as Cash, and PSG were running riot as Martinez denied Achraf Hakimi having also repelled Ousmane Dembele and Doue.
The next goal felt even more crucial. Villa were getting their bodies in the way, charging down shots, competing for crosses but were being forced too far back into their area. They also looked tired. The effort was immense and so it felt almost cruel when Mendes scored.
“We will see, we will see,” a defiant Emery said. Villa will need that defiance even if, after this, it does not feel like it will be enough. The blade struck.
10:43 PM BST
Emery’s thoughts
It was more or less the expectation I had before the match – the other side 2-1 or 3-1. We will play at home next week and it will be a huge challenge for us, but we will feel strong at home with our supporters at Villa Park.
Today, we needed to be disciplined in defence and even when we were losing 2-1, we had three approaches in their box. More or less, we are right in our momentum to be close to a result. The last goal we conceded, we have to accept it. Our mind doesn’t change a lot – we have to win at home and by more than one goal.
In the first half, we had three or four chances to get in their box, maybe only one chance to score. We needed to be clinical and we were in the first half, not in the second.
We believe in our supporters, we believe in Villa Park and that the players can get the best performance next week.
10:36 PM BST
Luis Enrique speaking on TNT Sports
They scored that goal that felt a little difficult to accept but we just had to win that match and to score in the last minute was great for us and our confidence. We have to think about the second leg and it’s going to be difficult for sure.
It’s important to believe in ourselves and the three goals were great, a lot of quality. We’re very happy with the result. It will be difficult [at Villa Park] but we will try to play the same way – it’s our DNA.
10:25 PM BST
Player ratings
Just how good was Kvaratskhelia and who was Villa’s best player on the night? Matt Law runs the rule over the teams in his player ratings here.
10:23 PM BST
Vitinha at the heart of things again
148 – Vitinha completed 148 passes in this match, the most on record (since 2003-04) by a Paris Saint-Germain player in a UEFA Champions League match. Orchestrator. pic.twitter.com/o6p8HyhPty
— OptaPlay (@OptaPlay) April 9, 2025
10:16 PM BST
Morgan Rogers speaking post-match
A good team, really well organised, they have stars all over the pitch. We knew we have to fight and dig in, and we competed well but a little bit of quality and maybe some mistakes for the goals.
We knew it was going to be difficult, we have watched their last few games and how deadly and how sharp they are: I think they’ve put the world on notice.
Obviously the scoreline is not in our favour but we’ve got another game and we’ll try and turn it around.
We’re here for a reason, we’re not here to just compete. We want to keep fighting and normally we have the quality to compete with any team in the world.
There’s loads of belief in the changing room. We have nothing to lose, nobody thought we’d win the tie in the first place. Why not just go for it? We’ve definitely got the quality to turn things around. It’s not done yet.
10:05 PM BST
PSG going for it with the celebrations
09:56 PM BST
FT: PSG 3 Villa 1
You cannot say that was not a fair reflection of the 93 minutes. Villa were close to a respectable one-goal defeat, but will rue conceding that late goal in stoppage time. It could have been worse: Zaire-Emery had a shot from distance tipped over with the last kick of the game.
To Villa’s credit, it took three finishes of immense quality to topple them. PSG continue to look so dominant and aggressive, another excellent team performance. They look the side to beat in the Champions League this season at the moment.
A long way back for Villa, but it will not dampen the atmosphere at Villa Park for what should be a rip-roaring night next week.
09:52 PM BST
GOOOALLL! Nuno Mendes with a dagger for Villa
That is a body blow for Villa, but it is another magnificent finish from PSG and this one from their left-back. Dembele with a perfectly-weighted through ball into the path of Mendes, and he sat down Konsa and Martinez by chopping back on to his right foot and finishing into the roof of the net. Another Villa goal conceded down their left.
Composure personified 🥶
Nuno Mendes with a third for PSG in added time ⏰
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/qvXeXYRQBi
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
09:51 PM BST
90 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
There will be just three minutes of stoppage time to play. Villa will want the whistle.
09:49 PM BST
89 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Crucial block from Pau Torres after Bradley Barcola showed a frightening turn of pace to tee up Vitinha for the shot. Onana then defends well in front of the penalty area and wins a free-kick.
09:47 PM BST
87 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
A moment of danger from Villa, with Onana winning a flick-on at the near post from Digne’s long throw but he could only glance the ball into the side-netting. Set-pieces could be Villa’s route back into the game in the second leg.
09:44 PM BST
85 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Villa absorbing another spell of PSG pressure, with a line of four and then a line of five at the edge of their own box. PSG happy to keep the ball, it is the stage of the game where no player wants to make a mistake.
09:41 PM BST
82 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Two of Villa’s subs combining to good effect, Onana carrying the ball forward and Asensio seeing a shot deflected wide. Villa cannot make the corner count, and Emi Martinez is called into action to sweep up near the halfway line to stop Hakimi racing through.
09:39 PM BST
80 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Triple sub from Emery: McGinn, Rashford and Tielemans off for Onana, Watkins and Maatsen. Some squad depth Villa have these days, those players would all have strong shouts to be starters. Maatsen was a started for last season’s Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund.
09:38 PM BST
78 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
PSG camped in the Villa half again, all 10 outfield players for the away team are back in their defensive third. Vitinha tries to chip a pass for Hakimi but McGinn reads it and puts the ball behind for a corner. It came at the end of another spell of patient, probing possession. From another short corner, Vitinha shoots wide.
09:35 PM BST
76 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Kvaratskhelia’s shot deflects off Pau Torres and behind for a corner. PSG take another one short, which seems to be their preferred approach. Rogers wins a defensive header in his own box and Martinez claims. Kvaratskhelia then appeals for a penalty for a shirt-pull against Torres but nothing doing.
09:33 PM BST
73 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Things opened up for Morgan Rogers there at the edge of the area, but his attempt at a curling shot was too close to Donnarumma and it was a simple save. Rogers then lofts a pass into the box for the run of Kamara but he could not quite reach the ball on the stretch. A better couple of moments for Villa.
09:30 PM BST
71 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
McGinn goes down too easily looking for a soft foul in midfield, and the referee rightly says play on. Warren Zaire-Emery and Bradley Barcola are about to come on for PSG, not a bad double sub.
PSG have the ball in the net! But the flag goes up for offside. Martinez will be pleased because Hakimi’s shot from a tight angle crept through his legs.
09:28 PM BST
68 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Morgan Rogers with a cross that drifts harmlessly behind for a goal kick. Rashford with a dribble into the box but he is sandwiched between two PSG defenders and loses the ball.
09:25 PM BST
65 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
If I had a pound for every time I have copy and pasted Kvaratskhelia tonight… the winger has now drifted over to the right to get more touches of the ball. Doue is back over on the left. Wide players swapping sides is something you see less of nowadays, but PSG’s forwards play all across the line.
09:22 PM BST
63 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Kvaratskhelia, Doue and Dembele are playing FIFA Street in the Champions League
— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) April 9, 2025
09:21 PM BST
62 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
PSG appeals for a penalty for a handball against Tielemans, who went to ground in the box with his arm trailing behind him. Checked by VAR and nothing doing. Rogers then tries a speculative shot from distance but it is comfortable for Martinez.
09:20 PM BST
61 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Nuno Mendes with a crunching but clean challenge on Rogers. Also good defending from Villa’s left-back Digne up against Dembele but then Villa lose the ball too cheaply in midfield.
Axel Disasi is struggling so far since replacing Matt Cash at right-back.
The Chelsea loanee was sent to the shops by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for the second goal and is being exposed down PSG’s left side.
PSG’s attackers are so comfortable and tricky on the ball that Villa cannot risk simply trying to defend stubbornly to keep the game tight.
The solution might be to fight fire with fire, and there is the option of introducing Marco Asensio from the bench to face his parent club.
09:18 PM BST
58 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Good save from Martinez to deny Hakimi after Fabian Ruiz dummied the ball at the edge of the box. There was another eye-catching piece of skill from Kvaratskhelia to start the move, swaying his hips and deceiving McGinn. Emery makes his second change: Asensio on for Ramsey, against his parent club.
09:15 PM BST
55 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
That was neat football from Villa to play their way through the PSG press by then Rashford’s run was stopped by Doue who tracked back with diligence. From there PSG launch another counter-attack and Kvaratskhelia’s shot deflects off Disasi and behind for a corner. Comes to nothing, Villa goal kick.
09:12 PM BST
52 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Villa bang up against it now against a bouyant PSG. They are pushed back and defending in a back six currently.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – headline writer’s dream.
That was a sensational finish.
Big questions for Villa to answer now.
09:11 PM BST
GOOOALLLL! Kvaratskhelia with a goal that might be better than Doue
That is an outrageous goal from the Georgian at the end of a sweeping team move. The winger squared up Disasi – who is a centre-back by trade – and sent him for a jambon beurre with a delightful roll of the studs on the top of the ball. After that piece of skill, he cracked a left-footed shot off the underside of the bar from the tightest of angles. Not unlike Ryan Giggs’ semi-final goal against Arsenal but with even more power and precision.
There’s no stopping Kvaratskhelia in that position 💨
What a goal 👏
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/DclFlVijYf
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
09:08 PM BST
49 minutes: PSG 1 Villa 1
Dembele’s shot is blocked after more dancing feet from Kvaratskhelia, before Villa usher the ball back to Martinez.
Ramsey carries the ball forward into a dangerous position, but his pass is intercepted and PSG produce a flowing, one-touch move up the pitch.
09:06 PM BST
47 minutes: PSG 1 Villa 1
Half a chance for Villa to punish PSG on the break but Tielemans messed the through ball after the home team lost the ball in midfield with numbers pushed forward. Those turnovers are Villa’s best route to goal in this game.
09:04 PM BST
We’re back under way!
PSG get the second half started.
09:04 PM BST
There we go… Cash off
A half-time sub from Emery: Axel Disasi is on for Matty Cash at right-back. Leaving him on a booking was simply too much of a risk.
08:54 PM BST
Should Emery make a change at right-back?
Unai Emery and Aston Villa must be quite happy with that so far, though half-time has come at a good time.
In front of England manager Thomas Tuchel, Morgan Rogers gave Villa the lead despite PSG’s dominance in possession.
Yet PSG responded quickly through teenage winger Desire Doue and Villa have been under intense pressure in the final stages of the half.
The big concern for Emery will be that booking to Matt Cash early in the first-half.
He has been targeted by PSG’s wingers and one option could be to take him off and replace him with Chelsea loanee Axel Disasi.
With the stakes so high, it would seem a risk to keep Cash on for the second half.
08:53 PM BST
Spot the difference: Peter Withe’s 1984 European Cup final winner vs Rogers tonight
08:51 PM BST
HT: PSG 1 Villa 1
A positive first half for Villa on the scoreboard. In reality, they have not really been in the game against PSG’s relentless pressing and possession and forays forward have been scarce. But Emery would have expected that, and for now his team are still standing. Cash on a booking looks a problem, because he cannot get tight to whichever one of Doue or Kvaratskhelia drifts to his flank. Martinez has made some sharp saves but could do nothing about Doue’s exceptional equaliser.
08:48 PM BST
45 minutes: PSG 1 Villa 1
Just the two minutes of added time to play. Desire Doue is tormenting Villa at the moment, he looked on his way to scoring one of the goals of the season after a weaving run through the white shirts before he was finally crowded out in the box.
08:45 PM BST
42 minutes: PSG 1 Villa 1
At least some of the home fans at the Parc des Princes must have been wondering about a Champions League curse and thinking ‘not again’ having conceded against the run of play. But that equaliser should settle any nerves.
Doue very nearly scores a second shot, moving inside from the left again. His rising shot was saved well by Martinez before the follow up was blocked. With Cash on a booking, Doue has swapped wings from the right.
08:42 PM BST
GOOOOAALLL! Doue with a screamer to level
Two Emi Martinezes would not have kept that one out. The 19-year-old PSG winger chops inside from the left around 25 yards out and curls a powerful shot off the underside of the crossbar. A moment of individual brilliance, and just like that Villa’s lead is extinguished.
PSG level the game up!
That finish from Désiré Doué is out of this world 💫
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/NtPzW2cYgL
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
08:40 PM BST
38 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 1
What a position Villa find themselves in now, but the pattern of the game is set. PSG will be camped in the final third for the majority of the rest of the game.
Oh and Martinez is a lucky boy! Doue’s shot squirmed under the goalkeeper, and he plucked it off the goal-line.
08:37 PM BST
GOOOOAALL! Rogers puts Villa in front
The Prince of Wales celebrates with gusto in the stands, and despite their paucity of possession they lead. McGinn’s tackle started the short counter-attack and Tielemans whipped a dangerous ball across the face of goal. With Mendes dispossessed higher up the pitch, there is a hole at the back post and Rogers was free as a bird to score a tap in.
Following on from my colleague Matt Law’s post earlier regarding Aston Villa’s mad journey over the last six years, it was rather fitting that John McGinn played such a crucial part in the goal.
McGinn has been the arch-spoiler so far, robbing Nuno Mendes of possession on the halfway line before delivering a fine pass to Marcus Rashford.
The Scotland international continues to prove a key figure in Villa’s past, present and future.
08:35 PM BST
34 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Jacob Ramsey tries to burst through midfield but he is halted by a sliding tackle by Joao Neves. Good composure from Emi Martinez to curl a lofted pass out to Cash from his own six-yard line.
Then McGinn nips in to rob Mendes of possession.
08:33 PM BST
Matty Cash, be careful!
Having committed three early fouls, the third for which he receives a yellow card, Villa defender Matty Cash is now walking a tightrope and one more foul could easily see him receive a second yellow. His manager Unai Emery must now consider to either substitute him or run the risk of going down to ten men. Cash must take care.
08:32 PM BST
31 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Better from Rashford and Rogers to travel with the ball at their feet into space, and it gives Villa some respite with possession in the PSG half. But it does not last more than a minute or so. PSG back on the ball again, but the tempo of their attacks have slowed since the first 10 or 15 minutes. Villa looking comfortable in their deep defensive shape.
08:30 PM BST
29 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Rashford and Rogers get in each other’s way when there was a rare chance for Villa to counter-attack. PSG in complete control, but they are yet to create a really big chance despite all of their possession in the Villa half.
08:28 PM BST
26 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
John McGinn takes on a silly shot from 40 yards which is high, wide and handsome. Then Martinez makes an important intervention to palm clear a threatening cross. It is going to be difficult for Villa to attack down their right tonight because Nuno Mendes is sweeping up every long ball they send down that side.
Dembele takes on a shot from a tight angle in the box, Konsa blocks, corner PSG.
08:24 PM BST
22 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Villa have survived the first quarter of the game, and Rogers looks the most likely player to drag them up the pitch.
The away team could have had a free-kick in midfield after Ramsey looked to be tripped by Fabian Ruiz, but the referee said play on. The PSG attack finished with Vitinha whipping a shot over the bar.
The Prince of Wales and Prince George look gripped by the action
08:21 PM BST
20 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Hakimi with a speculative effort from a free-kick that is straight at Martinez. Comfortable stop for the Villa goalkeeper. It must have been more than 35 yards out. He is no Declan Rice.
Konsa goes longer this time, but Rogers is penalised for a push on Pacho.
Vitinha is seeing so much of the ball, time seems to move slower for the PSG midfielder. Digne with a clumsy foul close to the touchline, a chance for PSG to deliver into the box with quality. Kamare flicks a defensive header away.
08:18 PM BST
17 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Unwisely, Konsa tries to run the ball out of trouble through midfield and is robbed by Kvaratskhelia. That forces Matty Cash into action, and he trips the PSG winger at the expense of a yellow card. Villa’s right-back walking a disciplinary tightrope now against one of the most artful wide players in Europe.
08:15 PM BST
Matty Cash has his hands full
Many individual duels to keep an eye on tonight, but the one between Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matt Cash already appears crucial.
Kvaratskhelia, the PSG winger, is arguably one of their best players and is clearly targeting Cash down the left flank.
Cash has been in constant dialogue with Unai Emery in the technical area, and will be under pressure to produce a disciplined performance tonight.
08:15 PM BST
14 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Brilliant from McGinn, his ball-carrying could be so valuable against PSG’s man-to-man marking in midfield. As we have seen the Scot do so often, he rolls away from a challenge and positions his body between opponent and ball to win the free-kick.
Tielemans launches the free-kick into the box, and Donnarumma flaps rather convincingly allowing Villa to cross back into the penalty area before PSG clear their lines.
08:12 PM BST
11 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Vital block from Konsa in the six-yard box to prevent Dembele’s volley from inside the box flying past Martinez. It was quick feet from Kvaratskhelia to skip beyond Cash to create the opportunity. Villa cross the halfway line, but Nuno Mendes snuffs out the threat of Rogers. Mendes has a shout for being the best left-back in the world. There are not many outstanding candidates.
08:10 PM BST
8 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
PSG have a corner, and they work a really slick short routine. One-touch football into Kvaratskhelia, and Kamara dangles a leg in front of the tricky winger and looked to trip him. Kvaratskhelia stayed on his feet, and unleashed a fierce strike at goal which Martinez tipped away from danger. There was a VAR check for a penalty, but cleared.
08:08 PM BST
Via Matt Law: PSG fans with a Peaky Blinders send up
08:07 PM BST
Martinez likely to be busy
“Emi Martinez, the world’s Number one” is the chant from the Villa fans high in the corner.
There are around 2,000 Villa supporters here tonight battling to make themselves heard.
PSG’s fans are booing Martinez’s every touch and he has just produced his first save of the match from Vitinha.
He is likely to be far busier later as this game opens up.
08:06 PM BST
4 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Loud boos from the PSG fans for Martinez, and after he is forced to retake his goal kick his first piece of distribution flies straight out of play to cheers. PSG have barely misplaced a pass or taken a bad touch so far. Villa already doing a lot of defending.
PSG work the ball well from left to right, before the ball is set back for Vitinha to strike from 20 yards or so. Straight at Martinez but well struck.
08:04 PM BST
2 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
John McGinn’s starting position is notable high when Villa are out of possession, he is alongside Rashford in a tight 4-4-2 shape. PSG moving the ball around smoothly in their own half in the early exchanges. All of their players getting an early touch of the ball. Morgan Rogers is back defending in a left-back position.
An early warning sign: Doué with a delicious spin through midfield before Dembele shoots well over from 25 yards.
08:01 PM BST
KICK OFF!
Villa, playing in white, get the game under way.
07:59 PM BST
The players are in the tunnel
This should be an absorbing game. PSG will dominate possession and territory but Villa are one of the most teams around at moving through the pitch at pace and springing from deep.
07:55 PM BST
That sums up Villa’s trajectory
Six years ago tomorrow, Villa won 2-1 away at Rotherham in the Championship. John McGinn also started in that game.
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) April 9, 2025
07:45 PM BST
Martinez has the colours of Argentina’s flag in his hair tonight
07:35 PM BST
The Prince of Wales interviewed on TNT Sports (showing impressive knowledge)
I am pretty terrified, it has been a long time coming, 43 years since a big European night like this for Villa.
I’m wearing all my lucky clothes and have gone through all my routines.
We saw PSG against Liverpool the intensity they played with, how high they pressed and it is about managing that press. Unai likes it when teams press us high.
I was so thrilled and very lucky to do so [attend Villa training]. Unai is an absolute gent, a lovely guy who runs the club and looks after players. He is an absolute tactician. Very guarded. I watched training – and I’ve seen a few managers come and go – and he was physically moving players a few inches. He cares about the little details.
Vitinha in midfield [for PSG] I’ve been very impressed by, bearing in mind he was at Wolves two or three years ago. It just shows those few years in development terms are massive, with the right manager behind you you can go places.
If we get our gameplan right we can cause them problems.
My son is here as well. This [quarter-final] is the first time in my generation and I want George to experience that away from home. I left the other two at home!
Welcome to Parc des Princes, Prince William! 👋
The Prince of Wales, and Aston Villa fan, joins @rioferdy5 and @Ally_McCoist9 to talk about the Villans’ Champions League clash against PSG 🗣️@KensingtonRoyalpic.twitter.com/AttIJDHxkK
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
07:29 PM BST
Emery speaking pre-match
The challenge we have today, the biggest challenge we are going to face this season. We are ready and we’re feeling consistent in this way – today we have to get our best.
We are going to play intelligently. Of course, it is going to be amazing – we are enjoying Champions league, but we want to do something more.
Playing away, they have the opponents supporters helping them and trying to push [them], but we have our supporters here. We are going to be here focused on the match, and be connected through our connections and motivations.
We want to write our history here with the players we have.
07:24 PM BST
Martinez emerges
Now Emiliano Martinez has come out to warm up – and the boos are very loud.
The stadium is not even half-full yet so the noise levels are only going to get louder.
In fairness, Martinez appears completely nonplussed by it all.
“I genuinely think he loves it.” 🤣
Emi Martinez is booed as he enters the Parc des Princes pitch 👀
🎙 @ReshminTV | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/144sUB6f9s
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
07:19 PM BST
What’s the French for pantomime villain?
It will be impossible to take your eyes off Emiliano Martinez tonight.
Aston Villa’s goalkeeper can expect an incredibly hostile reception here after his antics at the World Cup in 2022.
As his Argentina team celebrated, he produced a lewd gesture and appeared to mock France’s golden boy Kylian Mbappe.
Last year he was the hero in Lille, riding the gauntlet of hate all evening before performing brilliantly in a penalty shoot-out.
Yesterday he boarded the Villa flight wearing a cap with a French cockerel and emblems of the four trophies he has won with Argentina.
Could Martinez be daunted at all by what is in store tonight? No chance.
There has just been an amusing moment when Villa’s substitute goalkeepers, Robin Olsen and Sam Proctor, came out onto the pitch and were loudly booed – only for the home fans to then realise Martinez had remained in the dressing room.
07:16 PM BST
Unai Emery and the Remontada
Emery’s PSG produced one of the worst Champions League collapses ever when they conceded three goals after the 88th minute to crash out against Barcelona in 2017. I had forgotten that Luis Enrique was Barcelona’s head coach in that game, so tonight will bring back memories of that scarring occasion on more than one level. In this piece, Matt Law looks at how Emery recovered from such a chastening night.
07:04 PM BST
PSG team and subs
Starting XI: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Lucas Beraldo, Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
Subs: Safonov, Tenas, Kimpembe, Goncalo Ramos, Lee, Hernandez, Mayulu, Barcola, Zaire-Emery, Mbaye
07:02 PM BST
Emery’s unfinished business in Paris
Arsenal pulled off a major shock in their Champions League quarter-final first leg last night and the question is whether Aston Villa can achieve something equally impressive here in Paris.
PSG are one of the favourites to lift the trophy and most neutrals would probably expect the Ligue 1 champions to coast through to the last four.
Yet when Unai Emery is around, anything seems possible.
Emery endured an excruciating end to his time in the French capital and will have unfinished business here.
A serial silverware winner, he is unquestionably their biggest weapon here at the Parc des Princes tonight.
Villa have already beaten the likes of Bayern Munich, Club Brugge, RB Leipzig and Celtic in the competition and it would be foolish to ignore them.
06:58 PM BST
PSG have arrived in Dior suits
The Parisians have arrived! 🏟️@Dior#PSGAVFC I @ChampionsLeaguepic.twitter.com/G8xIsc6FJj
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 9, 2025
06:57 PM BST
Is this why Rashford starts?
The Manchester United loanee has happy memories of the Parc des Princes, scoring a stoppage-time penalty in a remarkable last-16 comeback in 2019 before scoring twice in the group stages two seasons later. The 2019 second leg was of course the night Rio Ferdinand told the club to put a permanent contract in front of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
06:46 PM BST
Aston Villa team and subs: Rashford preferred to Watkins up front
Team news is in 👊 UP THE VILLA pic.twitter.com/UON4uTAAPj
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 9, 2025
06:45 PM BST
Aston Villa have arrived at the Parc des Princes
06:33 PM BST
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06:31 PM BST
Villa peaking for the run-in but face possible Champions League favourites
April is a month when cracks emerge as injuries bite and the pressure mounts, but Aston Villa appear to be hitting form at just the right time before tonight’s mammoth Champions League quarter-final against Paris St-Germain.
Unai Emery’s team have won seven games on the spin in all competitions, remaining in the hunt for a top-five finish in the Premier League as well as reaching an FA Cup semi-final.
As impressive as the results is Villa’s wealth of attacking options. At a time when clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are desperately short of firepower, Villa won at Brighton with Marco Asensio, Ollie Watkins and Donyell Malen on the bench, as well as £50 million midfield purchase Amadou Onana.
Villa got the job done against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, despite making eight changes with tonight’s date in Paris in mind. Emery has won four Europa Leagues as a manager, but has only made it beyond the quarter-finals of the Champions League once (in 2022 with Villarreal).
If there is one team in better form than Villa though it is PSG, who produced arguably the two most impressive team performances in the Champions League this season to eliminate Liverpool. The French side ahave already been crowned Ligue 1 champions and have failed to win just two of 23 matches this year. One of those was the first-leg defeat by Liverpool, and that was scarcely deserved.
Midfielders Vitinha and Joao Neves were outstanding against Liverpool, and were rested at the weekend. Against a Villa team who love to flood the middle of the pitch, the battle in the engine room promises to be fascinating. Ousmane Dembele has scored seven goals in his last six Champions League appearances – one more than in his previous 36 combined.
Full team news on the way shortly.
It almost felt like a dagger to the heart and the third cut was the deepest. There were just 90 seconds to go in added time when Nuno Mendes scored the goal that left Aston Villa on the brink of their wonderful Champions League adventure coming to an end. For Villa that goal looked like a killer.
Coming back from 3-1 in the second leg of this quarter-final, even though it will be at a raucous Villa Park, is a lot more daunting than the 2-1 they were holding on for against Paris St-Germain. In the victory on Wednesday, the French side reinforced the belief that they are the best team in Europe.
Before kick-off there was a huge tifo unfurled behind one of the goals, in the Virage Auteuil, showing a skull wearing a flat cap above a banner which read “By Order of the Paris SG Fans” in a tribute to the cult Peaky Blinders television series which, of course, is set in Birmingham.
Was it an attempt to intimidate Villa? Either way, PSG simply overwhelmed their visitors.
The stage is set in Paris 🤩🇫🇷
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/PVGySiiUm4
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
Those Brummy gangsters concealed razor blades in their hats. For PSG the sharpness came from the frightening relentlessness of their pressing and the brilliance of their wingers, with both Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scoring superb goals.
Doue, just 19, means “gifted” in French. He is certainly that, while one of the nicknames for Kvaratskhelia, the swashbuckling, eye-catching Georgian, who is something of a throwback with his socks around his ankles, is “Kvaradona’. Another is “Kvaravaggio”, and his goal, that made it 2-1, would not be out of place in the Louvre.
There’s no stopping Kvaratskhelia in that position 💨
What a goal 👏
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/DclFlVijYf
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
Villa were completely out-played. Only their belligerence, organisation and determination – epitomised by their captain John McGinn – kept them in it. Sometimes you have to just tip your hat to a better team.
Clearly PSG are superior. But this is a cup tie over two legs and we know what a wily campaigner Unai Emery can be, even if his main tactic on this occasion was damage limitation. Maybe, despite that scoreline, that worked to a degree. Because it could have been far worse. It could emphatically have been all over.
Even so it will take a monumental effort from Villa to get through and probably, given Arsenal’s commanding lead over Real Madrid, set up an all-English semi-final.
But PSG lost at home to Liverpool in the last round and won at Anfield. They were too good for Manchester City and, unfortunately, they look too good for Villa. They are the outstanding favourites, and rightly so, even if lesser teams than Villa would have crumbled in the face of the onslaught.
Villa may take comfort from the quality of the strikes it took to beat them but, unfortunately, Emery’s tactics unravelled when the left-back Mendes popped up inside the penalty area, cut back and swept the ball past Emiliano Martinez in injury time. “We shall not be moved,” sang the pocket of Villa fans – with the Prince of Wales and his son George also in attendance – just before that goal, as the PSG supporters appeared to lose a little hope. But the direction of the deflation afterwards was clear. As was the French elation.
Composure personified 🥶
Nuno Mendes with a third for PSG in added time ⏰
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/qvXeXYRQBi
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
Villa defended deep throughout. They knew they had to against a team that kept the ball so well and had the energy to strangle an opponent’s attempt to retain possession.
The visitors were on the back foot for most of the first half, with McGinn their one leading light. The Scot was key in the the match’s opener as he swooped to steal the ball away from Mendes, burst forward and picked out Marcus Rashford who quickly threaded a pass through to Youri Tielemans. The Belgian crossed low finding Morgan Rogers at the back post to tap home.
Emery was not the only former PSG coach here. In the stands was Thomas Tuchel, watching Villa’s England contingent in what was the club’s first quarter-final in this competition since 1983. He will have liked that goal.
In fact it was reminiscent of Peter Withe’s winning goal in that 1982 European Cup Final. Would that be the story? Or would it be McGinn, the only survivor from the side that, in a sign of how far Villa have progressed, was facing Rotherham United in the Championship six years ago on Thursday?
ASTON VILLA STRIKE FIRST! 🤯
Morgan Rogers is at the back post to finish off a ruthless counter-attack ⭐
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/qvadIy7v3D
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
Happy birthday to Aston Villa legend and 1982 European Cup final goalscorer, Peter Withe. ⭐ pic.twitter.com/8bk7kehhFC
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 30, 2022
Unfortunately not. Martinez had stoked the fire, as only he can, having arrived in Paris with the same hairstyle he sported in Argentina’s World Cup final victory over France with his country’s colours dyed into his locks. His every touch was whistled. And not least when he recovered after almost fumbling Doue’s low shot over his own goal line. But Doue would not be denied. Soon after he cut inside, with Rogers’ challenge too weak, and struck a stunning shot that crashed in off the crossbar. Just Doue it.
PSG level the game up!
That finish from Désiré Doué is out of this world 💫
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/NtPzW2cYgL
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
It was no surprise to see Matty Cash withdrawn. He simply could not cope with the mesmeric Kvaratskhelia but neither could his replacement, Axel Disasi, as PSG countered with Fabian Ruiz sweeping the ball wide. Kvaratskhelia ran at Disasi, dumped him to the turf, rolled his foot over the ball and beat Martinez at his near post with the violence of his shot.
In truth, Disasi was struggling as much as Cash, and PSG were running riot as Martinez denied Achraf Hakimi having also repelled Ousmane Dembele and Doue.
The next goal felt even more crucial. Villa were getting their bodies in the way, charging down shots, competing for crosses but were being forced too far back into their area. They also looked tired. The effort was immense and so it felt almost cruel when Mendes scored.
“We will see, we will see,” a defiant Emery said. Villa will need that defiance even if, after this, it does not feel like it will be enough. The blade struck.
10:43 PM BST
Emery’s thoughts
It was more or less the expectation I had before the match – the other side 2-1 or 3-1. We will play at home next week and it will be a huge challenge for us, but we will feel strong at home with our supporters at Villa Park.
Today, we needed to be disciplined in defence and even when we were losing 2-1, we had three approaches in their box. More or less, we are right in our momentum to be close to a result. The last goal we conceded, we have to accept it. Our mind doesn’t change a lot – we have to win at home and by more than one goal.
In the first half, we had three or four chances to get in their box, maybe only one chance to score. We needed to be clinical and we were in the first half, not in the second.
We believe in our supporters, we believe in Villa Park and that the players can get the best performance next week.
10:36 PM BST
Luis Enrique speaking on TNT Sports
They scored that goal that felt a little difficult to accept but we just had to win that match and to score in the last minute was great for us and our confidence. We have to think about the second leg and it’s going to be difficult for sure.
It’s important to believe in ourselves and the three goals were great, a lot of quality. We’re very happy with the result. It will be difficult [at Villa Park] but we will try to play the same way – it’s our DNA.
10:25 PM BST
Player ratings
Just how good was Kvaratskhelia and who was Villa’s best player on the night? Matt Law runs the rule over the teams in his player ratings here.
10:23 PM BST
Vitinha at the heart of things again
148 – Vitinha completed 148 passes in this match, the most on record (since 2003-04) by a Paris Saint-Germain player in a UEFA Champions League match. Orchestrator. pic.twitter.com/o6p8HyhPty
— OptaPlay (@OptaPlay) April 9, 2025
10:16 PM BST
Morgan Rogers speaking post-match
A good team, really well organised, they have stars all over the pitch. We knew we have to fight and dig in, and we competed well but a little bit of quality and maybe some mistakes for the goals.
We knew it was going to be difficult, we have watched their last few games and how deadly and how sharp they are: I think they’ve put the world on notice.
Obviously the scoreline is not in our favour but we’ve got another game and we’ll try and turn it around.
We’re here for a reason, we’re not here to just compete. We want to keep fighting and normally we have the quality to compete with any team in the world.
There’s loads of belief in the changing room. We have nothing to lose, nobody thought we’d win the tie in the first place. Why not just go for it? We’ve definitely got the quality to turn things around. It’s not done yet.
10:05 PM BST
PSG going for it with the celebrations
09:56 PM BST
FT: PSG 3 Villa 1
You cannot say that was not a fair reflection of the 93 minutes. Villa were close to a respectable one-goal defeat, but will rue conceding that late goal in stoppage time. It could have been worse: Zaire-Emery had a shot from distance tipped over with the last kick of the game.
To Villa’s credit, it took three finishes of immense quality to topple them. PSG continue to look so dominant and aggressive, another excellent team performance. They look the side to beat in the Champions League this season at the moment.
A long way back for Villa, but it will not dampen the atmosphere at Villa Park for what should be a rip-roaring night next week.
09:52 PM BST
GOOOALLL! Nuno Mendes with a dagger for Villa
That is a body blow for Villa, but it is another magnificent finish from PSG and this one from their left-back. Dembele with a perfectly-weighted through ball into the path of Mendes, and he sat down Konsa and Martinez by chopping back on to his right foot and finishing into the roof of the net. Another Villa goal conceded down their left.
Composure personified 🥶
Nuno Mendes with a third for PSG in added time ⏰
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/qvXeXYRQBi
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
09:51 PM BST
90 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
There will be just three minutes of stoppage time to play. Villa will want the whistle.
09:49 PM BST
89 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Crucial block from Pau Torres after Bradley Barcola showed a frightening turn of pace to tee up Vitinha for the shot. Onana then defends well in front of the penalty area and wins a free-kick.
09:47 PM BST
87 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
A moment of danger from Villa, with Onana winning a flick-on at the near post from Digne’s long throw but he could only glance the ball into the side-netting. Set-pieces could be Villa’s route back into the game in the second leg.
09:44 PM BST
85 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Villa absorbing another spell of PSG pressure, with a line of four and then a line of five at the edge of their own box. PSG happy to keep the ball, it is the stage of the game where no player wants to make a mistake.
09:41 PM BST
82 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Two of Villa’s subs combining to good effect, Onana carrying the ball forward and Asensio seeing a shot deflected wide. Villa cannot make the corner count, and Emi Martinez is called into action to sweep up near the halfway line to stop Hakimi racing through.
09:39 PM BST
80 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Triple sub from Emery: McGinn, Rashford and Tielemans off for Onana, Watkins and Maatsen. Some squad depth Villa have these days, those players would all have strong shouts to be starters. Maatsen was a started for last season’s Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund.
09:38 PM BST
78 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
PSG camped in the Villa half again, all 10 outfield players for the away team are back in their defensive third. Vitinha tries to chip a pass for Hakimi but McGinn reads it and puts the ball behind for a corner. It came at the end of another spell of patient, probing possession. From another short corner, Vitinha shoots wide.
09:35 PM BST
76 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Kvaratskhelia’s shot deflects off Pau Torres and behind for a corner. PSG take another one short, which seems to be their preferred approach. Rogers wins a defensive header in his own box and Martinez claims. Kvaratskhelia then appeals for a penalty for a shirt-pull against Torres but nothing doing.
09:33 PM BST
73 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Things opened up for Morgan Rogers there at the edge of the area, but his attempt at a curling shot was too close to Donnarumma and it was a simple save. Rogers then lofts a pass into the box for the run of Kamara but he could not quite reach the ball on the stretch. A better couple of moments for Villa.
09:30 PM BST
71 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
McGinn goes down too easily looking for a soft foul in midfield, and the referee rightly says play on. Warren Zaire-Emery and Bradley Barcola are about to come on for PSG, not a bad double sub.
PSG have the ball in the net! But the flag goes up for offside. Martinez will be pleased because Hakimi’s shot from a tight angle crept through his legs.
09:28 PM BST
68 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Morgan Rogers with a cross that drifts harmlessly behind for a goal kick. Rashford with a dribble into the box but he is sandwiched between two PSG defenders and loses the ball.
09:25 PM BST
65 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
If I had a pound for every time I have copy and pasted Kvaratskhelia tonight… the winger has now drifted over to the right to get more touches of the ball. Doue is back over on the left. Wide players swapping sides is something you see less of nowadays, but PSG’s forwards play all across the line.
09:22 PM BST
63 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Kvaratskhelia, Doue and Dembele are playing FIFA Street in the Champions League
— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) April 9, 2025
09:21 PM BST
62 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
PSG appeals for a penalty for a handball against Tielemans, who went to ground in the box with his arm trailing behind him. Checked by VAR and nothing doing. Rogers then tries a speculative shot from distance but it is comfortable for Martinez.
09:20 PM BST
61 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Nuno Mendes with a crunching but clean challenge on Rogers. Also good defending from Villa’s left-back Digne up against Dembele but then Villa lose the ball too cheaply in midfield.
Axel Disasi is struggling so far since replacing Matt Cash at right-back.
The Chelsea loanee was sent to the shops by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for the second goal and is being exposed down PSG’s left side.
PSG’s attackers are so comfortable and tricky on the ball that Villa cannot risk simply trying to defend stubbornly to keep the game tight.
The solution might be to fight fire with fire, and there is the option of introducing Marco Asensio from the bench to face his parent club.
09:18 PM BST
58 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Good save from Martinez to deny Hakimi after Fabian Ruiz dummied the ball at the edge of the box. There was another eye-catching piece of skill from Kvaratskhelia to start the move, swaying his hips and deceiving McGinn. Emery makes his second change: Asensio on for Ramsey, against his parent club.
09:15 PM BST
55 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
That was neat football from Villa to play their way through the PSG press by then Rashford’s run was stopped by Doue who tracked back with diligence. From there PSG launch another counter-attack and Kvaratskhelia’s shot deflects off Disasi and behind for a corner. Comes to nothing, Villa goal kick.
09:12 PM BST
52 minutes: PSG 2 Villa 1
Villa bang up against it now against a bouyant PSG. They are pushed back and defending in a back six currently.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – headline writer’s dream.
That was a sensational finish.
Big questions for Villa to answer now.
09:11 PM BST
GOOOALLLL! Kvaratskhelia with a goal that might be better than Doue
That is an outrageous goal from the Georgian at the end of a sweeping team move. The winger squared up Disasi – who is a centre-back by trade – and sent him for a jambon beurre with a delightful roll of the studs on the top of the ball. After that piece of skill, he cracked a left-footed shot off the underside of the bar from the tightest of angles. Not unlike Ryan Giggs’ semi-final goal against Arsenal but with even more power and precision.
There’s no stopping Kvaratskhelia in that position 💨
What a goal 👏
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/DclFlVijYf
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
09:08 PM BST
49 minutes: PSG 1 Villa 1
Dembele’s shot is blocked after more dancing feet from Kvaratskhelia, before Villa usher the ball back to Martinez.
Ramsey carries the ball forward into a dangerous position, but his pass is intercepted and PSG produce a flowing, one-touch move up the pitch.
09:06 PM BST
47 minutes: PSG 1 Villa 1
Half a chance for Villa to punish PSG on the break but Tielemans messed the through ball after the home team lost the ball in midfield with numbers pushed forward. Those turnovers are Villa’s best route to goal in this game.
09:04 PM BST
We’re back under way!
PSG get the second half started.
09:04 PM BST
There we go… Cash off
A half-time sub from Emery: Axel Disasi is on for Matty Cash at right-back. Leaving him on a booking was simply too much of a risk.
08:54 PM BST
Should Emery make a change at right-back?
Unai Emery and Aston Villa must be quite happy with that so far, though half-time has come at a good time.
In front of England manager Thomas Tuchel, Morgan Rogers gave Villa the lead despite PSG’s dominance in possession.
Yet PSG responded quickly through teenage winger Desire Doue and Villa have been under intense pressure in the final stages of the half.
The big concern for Emery will be that booking to Matt Cash early in the first-half.
He has been targeted by PSG’s wingers and one option could be to take him off and replace him with Chelsea loanee Axel Disasi.
With the stakes so high, it would seem a risk to keep Cash on for the second half.
08:53 PM BST
Spot the difference: Peter Withe’s 1984 European Cup final winner vs Rogers tonight
08:51 PM BST
HT: PSG 1 Villa 1
A positive first half for Villa on the scoreboard. In reality, they have not really been in the game against PSG’s relentless pressing and possession and forays forward have been scarce. But Emery would have expected that, and for now his team are still standing. Cash on a booking looks a problem, because he cannot get tight to whichever one of Doue or Kvaratskhelia drifts to his flank. Martinez has made some sharp saves but could do nothing about Doue’s exceptional equaliser.
08:48 PM BST
45 minutes: PSG 1 Villa 1
Just the two minutes of added time to play. Desire Doue is tormenting Villa at the moment, he looked on his way to scoring one of the goals of the season after a weaving run through the white shirts before he was finally crowded out in the box.
08:45 PM BST
42 minutes: PSG 1 Villa 1
At least some of the home fans at the Parc des Princes must have been wondering about a Champions League curse and thinking ‘not again’ having conceded against the run of play. But that equaliser should settle any nerves.
Doue very nearly scores a second shot, moving inside from the left again. His rising shot was saved well by Martinez before the follow up was blocked. With Cash on a booking, Doue has swapped wings from the right.
08:42 PM BST
GOOOOAALLL! Doue with a screamer to level
Two Emi Martinezes would not have kept that one out. The 19-year-old PSG winger chops inside from the left around 25 yards out and curls a powerful shot off the underside of the crossbar. A moment of individual brilliance, and just like that Villa’s lead is extinguished.
PSG level the game up!
That finish from Désiré Doué is out of this world 💫
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/NtPzW2cYgL
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
08:40 PM BST
38 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 1
What a position Villa find themselves in now, but the pattern of the game is set. PSG will be camped in the final third for the majority of the rest of the game.
Oh and Martinez is a lucky boy! Doue’s shot squirmed under the goalkeeper, and he plucked it off the goal-line.
08:37 PM BST
GOOOOAALL! Rogers puts Villa in front
The Prince of Wales celebrates with gusto in the stands, and despite their paucity of possession they lead. McGinn’s tackle started the short counter-attack and Tielemans whipped a dangerous ball across the face of goal. With Mendes dispossessed higher up the pitch, there is a hole at the back post and Rogers was free as a bird to score a tap in.
Following on from my colleague Matt Law’s post earlier regarding Aston Villa’s mad journey over the last six years, it was rather fitting that John McGinn played such a crucial part in the goal.
McGinn has been the arch-spoiler so far, robbing Nuno Mendes of possession on the halfway line before delivering a fine pass to Marcus Rashford.
The Scotland international continues to prove a key figure in Villa’s past, present and future.
08:35 PM BST
34 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Jacob Ramsey tries to burst through midfield but he is halted by a sliding tackle by Joao Neves. Good composure from Emi Martinez to curl a lofted pass out to Cash from his own six-yard line.
Then McGinn nips in to rob Mendes of possession.
08:33 PM BST
Matty Cash, be careful!
Having committed three early fouls, the third for which he receives a yellow card, Villa defender Matty Cash is now walking a tightrope and one more foul could easily see him receive a second yellow. His manager Unai Emery must now consider to either substitute him or run the risk of going down to ten men. Cash must take care.
08:32 PM BST
31 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Better from Rashford and Rogers to travel with the ball at their feet into space, and it gives Villa some respite with possession in the PSG half. But it does not last more than a minute or so. PSG back on the ball again, but the tempo of their attacks have slowed since the first 10 or 15 minutes. Villa looking comfortable in their deep defensive shape.
08:30 PM BST
29 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Rashford and Rogers get in each other’s way when there was a rare chance for Villa to counter-attack. PSG in complete control, but they are yet to create a really big chance despite all of their possession in the Villa half.
08:28 PM BST
26 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
John McGinn takes on a silly shot from 40 yards which is high, wide and handsome. Then Martinez makes an important intervention to palm clear a threatening cross. It is going to be difficult for Villa to attack down their right tonight because Nuno Mendes is sweeping up every long ball they send down that side.
Dembele takes on a shot from a tight angle in the box, Konsa blocks, corner PSG.
08:24 PM BST
22 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Villa have survived the first quarter of the game, and Rogers looks the most likely player to drag them up the pitch.
The away team could have had a free-kick in midfield after Ramsey looked to be tripped by Fabian Ruiz, but the referee said play on. The PSG attack finished with Vitinha whipping a shot over the bar.
The Prince of Wales and Prince George look gripped by the action
08:21 PM BST
20 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Hakimi with a speculative effort from a free-kick that is straight at Martinez. Comfortable stop for the Villa goalkeeper. It must have been more than 35 yards out. He is no Declan Rice.
Konsa goes longer this time, but Rogers is penalised for a push on Pacho.
Vitinha is seeing so much of the ball, time seems to move slower for the PSG midfielder. Digne with a clumsy foul close to the touchline, a chance for PSG to deliver into the box with quality. Kamare flicks a defensive header away.
08:18 PM BST
17 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Unwisely, Konsa tries to run the ball out of trouble through midfield and is robbed by Kvaratskhelia. That forces Matty Cash into action, and he trips the PSG winger at the expense of a yellow card. Villa’s right-back walking a disciplinary tightrope now against one of the most artful wide players in Europe.
08:15 PM BST
Matty Cash has his hands full
Many individual duels to keep an eye on tonight, but the one between Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matt Cash already appears crucial.
Kvaratskhelia, the PSG winger, is arguably one of their best players and is clearly targeting Cash down the left flank.
Cash has been in constant dialogue with Unai Emery in the technical area, and will be under pressure to produce a disciplined performance tonight.
08:15 PM BST
14 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Brilliant from McGinn, his ball-carrying could be so valuable against PSG’s man-to-man marking in midfield. As we have seen the Scot do so often, he rolls away from a challenge and positions his body between opponent and ball to win the free-kick.
Tielemans launches the free-kick into the box, and Donnarumma flaps rather convincingly allowing Villa to cross back into the penalty area before PSG clear their lines.
08:12 PM BST
11 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Vital block from Konsa in the six-yard box to prevent Dembele’s volley from inside the box flying past Martinez. It was quick feet from Kvaratskhelia to skip beyond Cash to create the opportunity. Villa cross the halfway line, but Nuno Mendes snuffs out the threat of Rogers. Mendes has a shout for being the best left-back in the world. There are not many outstanding candidates.
08:10 PM BST
8 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
PSG have a corner, and they work a really slick short routine. One-touch football into Kvaratskhelia, and Kamara dangles a leg in front of the tricky winger and looked to trip him. Kvaratskhelia stayed on his feet, and unleashed a fierce strike at goal which Martinez tipped away from danger. There was a VAR check for a penalty, but cleared.
08:08 PM BST
Via Matt Law: PSG fans with a Peaky Blinders send up
08:07 PM BST
Martinez likely to be busy
“Emi Martinez, the world’s Number one” is the chant from the Villa fans high in the corner.
There are around 2,000 Villa supporters here tonight battling to make themselves heard.
PSG’s fans are booing Martinez’s every touch and he has just produced his first save of the match from Vitinha.
He is likely to be far busier later as this game opens up.
08:06 PM BST
4 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
Loud boos from the PSG fans for Martinez, and after he is forced to retake his goal kick his first piece of distribution flies straight out of play to cheers. PSG have barely misplaced a pass or taken a bad touch so far. Villa already doing a lot of defending.
PSG work the ball well from left to right, before the ball is set back for Vitinha to strike from 20 yards or so. Straight at Martinez but well struck.
08:04 PM BST
2 minutes: PSG 0 Villa 0
John McGinn’s starting position is notable high when Villa are out of possession, he is alongside Rashford in a tight 4-4-2 shape. PSG moving the ball around smoothly in their own half in the early exchanges. All of their players getting an early touch of the ball. Morgan Rogers is back defending in a left-back position.
An early warning sign: Doué with a delicious spin through midfield before Dembele shoots well over from 25 yards.
08:01 PM BST
KICK OFF!
Villa, playing in white, get the game under way.
07:59 PM BST
The players are in the tunnel
This should be an absorbing game. PSG will dominate possession and territory but Villa are one of the most teams around at moving through the pitch at pace and springing from deep.
07:55 PM BST
That sums up Villa’s trajectory
Six years ago tomorrow, Villa won 2-1 away at Rotherham in the Championship. John McGinn also started in that game.
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) April 9, 2025
07:45 PM BST
Martinez has the colours of Argentina’s flag in his hair tonight
07:35 PM BST
The Prince of Wales interviewed on TNT Sports (showing impressive knowledge)
I am pretty terrified, it has been a long time coming, 43 years since a big European night like this for Villa.
I’m wearing all my lucky clothes and have gone through all my routines.
We saw PSG against Liverpool the intensity they played with, how high they pressed and it is about managing that press. Unai likes it when teams press us high.
I was so thrilled and very lucky to do so [attend Villa training]. Unai is an absolute gent, a lovely guy who runs the club and looks after players. He is an absolute tactician. Very guarded. I watched training – and I’ve seen a few managers come and go – and he was physically moving players a few inches. He cares about the little details.
Vitinha in midfield [for PSG] I’ve been very impressed by, bearing in mind he was at Wolves two or three years ago. It just shows those few years in development terms are massive, with the right manager behind you you can go places.
If we get our gameplan right we can cause them problems.
My son is here as well. This [quarter-final] is the first time in my generation and I want George to experience that away from home. I left the other two at home!
Welcome to Parc des Princes, Prince William! 👋
The Prince of Wales, and Aston Villa fan, joins @rioferdy5 and @Ally_McCoist9 to talk about the Villans’ Champions League clash against PSG 🗣️@KensingtonRoyalpic.twitter.com/AttIJDHxkK
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
07:29 PM BST
Emery speaking pre-match
The challenge we have today, the biggest challenge we are going to face this season. We are ready and we’re feeling consistent in this way – today we have to get our best.
We are going to play intelligently. Of course, it is going to be amazing – we are enjoying Champions league, but we want to do something more.
Playing away, they have the opponents supporters helping them and trying to push [them], but we have our supporters here. We are going to be here focused on the match, and be connected through our connections and motivations.
We want to write our history here with the players we have.
07:24 PM BST
Martinez emerges
Now Emiliano Martinez has come out to warm up – and the boos are very loud.
The stadium is not even half-full yet so the noise levels are only going to get louder.
In fairness, Martinez appears completely nonplussed by it all.
“I genuinely think he loves it.” 🤣
Emi Martinez is booed as he enters the Parc des Princes pitch 👀
🎙 @ReshminTV | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/144sUB6f9s
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
07:19 PM BST
What’s the French for pantomime villain?
It will be impossible to take your eyes off Emiliano Martinez tonight.
Aston Villa’s goalkeeper can expect an incredibly hostile reception here after his antics at the World Cup in 2022.
As his Argentina team celebrated, he produced a lewd gesture and appeared to mock France’s golden boy Kylian Mbappe.
Last year he was the hero in Lille, riding the gauntlet of hate all evening before performing brilliantly in a penalty shoot-out.
Yesterday he boarded the Villa flight wearing a cap with a French cockerel and emblems of the four trophies he has won with Argentina.
Could Martinez be daunted at all by what is in store tonight? No chance.
There has just been an amusing moment when Villa’s substitute goalkeepers, Robin Olsen and Sam Proctor, came out onto the pitch and were loudly booed – only for the home fans to then realise Martinez had remained in the dressing room.
07:16 PM BST
Unai Emery and the Remontada
Emery’s PSG produced one of the worst Champions League collapses ever when they conceded three goals after the 88th minute to crash out against Barcelona in 2017. I had forgotten that Luis Enrique was Barcelona’s head coach in that game, so tonight will bring back memories of that scarring occasion on more than one level. In this piece, Matt Law looks at how Emery recovered from such a chastening night.
07:04 PM BST
PSG team and subs
Starting XI: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Lucas Beraldo, Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
Subs: Safonov, Tenas, Kimpembe, Goncalo Ramos, Lee, Hernandez, Mayulu, Barcola, Zaire-Emery, Mbaye
07:02 PM BST
Emery’s unfinished business in Paris
Arsenal pulled off a major shock in their Champions League quarter-final first leg last night and the question is whether Aston Villa can achieve something equally impressive here in Paris.
PSG are one of the favourites to lift the trophy and most neutrals would probably expect the Ligue 1 champions to coast through to the last four.
Yet when Unai Emery is around, anything seems possible.
Emery endured an excruciating end to his time in the French capital and will have unfinished business here.
A serial silverware winner, he is unquestionably their biggest weapon here at the Parc des Princes tonight.
Villa have already beaten the likes of Bayern Munich, Club Brugge, RB Leipzig and Celtic in the competition and it would be foolish to ignore them.
06:58 PM BST
PSG have arrived in Dior suits
The Parisians have arrived! 🏟️@Dior#PSGAVFC I @ChampionsLeaguepic.twitter.com/G8xIsc6FJj
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 9, 2025
06:57 PM BST
Is this why Rashford starts?
The Manchester United loanee has happy memories of the Parc des Princes, scoring a stoppage-time penalty in a remarkable last-16 comeback in 2019 before scoring twice in the group stages two seasons later. The 2019 second leg was of course the night Rio Ferdinand told the club to put a permanent contract in front of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
06:46 PM BST
Aston Villa team and subs: Rashford preferred to Watkins up front
Team news is in 👊 UP THE VILLA pic.twitter.com/UON4uTAAPj
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 9, 2025
06:45 PM BST
Aston Villa have arrived at the Parc des Princes
06:33 PM BST
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06:32 PM BST
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06:31 PM BST
Villa peaking for the run-in but face possible Champions League favourites
April is a month when cracks emerge as injuries bite and the pressure mounts, but Aston Villa appear to be hitting form at just the right time before tonight’s mammoth Champions League quarter-final against Paris St-Germain.
Unai Emery’s team have won seven games on the spin in all competitions, remaining in the hunt for a top-five finish in the Premier League as well as reaching an FA Cup semi-final.
As impressive as the results is Villa’s wealth of attacking options. At a time when clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are desperately short of firepower, Villa won at Brighton with Marco Asensio, Ollie Watkins and Donyell Malen on the bench, as well as £50 million midfield purchase Amadou Onana.
Villa got the job done against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, despite making eight changes with tonight’s date in Paris in mind. Emery has won four Europa Leagues as a manager, but has only made it beyond the quarter-finals of the Champions League once (in 2022 with Villarreal).
If there is one team in better form than Villa though it is PSG, who produced arguably the two most impressive team performances in the Champions League this season to eliminate Liverpool. The French side ahave already been crowned Ligue 1 champions and have failed to win just two of 23 matches this year. One of those was the first-leg defeat by Liverpool, and that was scarcely deserved.
Midfielders Vitinha and Joao Neves were outstanding against Liverpool, and were rested at the weekend. Against a Villa team who love to flood the middle of the pitch, the battle in the engine room promises to be fascinating. Ousmane Dembele has scored seven goals in his last six Champions League appearances – one more than in his previous 36 combined.
Full team news on the way shortly.
