Désiré Doué's VAR-confirmed goal secured the UEFA Super Cup for Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 over Aston Villa, who saw 17-year-old Brian Madjo make competition history.
Paris Saint-Germain continued their impressive run of trophy victories, clinching the UEFA Super Cup with a narrow 2-1 win against Aston Villa in Salzburg. The absorbing contest saw Désiré Doué score the decisive goal for PSG, a strike initially disallowed but later confirmed by VAR.
The match was also notable for a historic moment from Aston Villa’s side. Teenager Brian Madjo, aged just 17, became the competition's youngest-ever scorer, leveling the game just before halftime after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had opened the scoring for PSG.
Despite a fearless display from Unai Emery's Aston Villa, PSG, under manager Luis Enrique, demonstrated their winning mentality to add another major European trophy to their cabinet, according to reporting by The Guardian - Football.
PSG's Relentless Pursuit of Victory and Early Lead
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has famously stated his desire to win across all sports, from football to tennis or even board games like parchis, and he has clearly instilled this mindset within his team. The back-to-back Champions League winners showcased their competitive edge by overcoming Aston Villa in a hard-fought encounter.
The French champions seized the initiative early, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia finding the net in the 20th minute. Following a loose touch from Madjo, Vitinha retrieved the ball and located Doué. Kvaratskhelia then took control, skillfully evading Matty Cash before unleashing a powerful shot past Marco Bizot at his near post, giving PSG a crucial early advantage.
PSG nearly doubled their lead just six minutes later after more brilliance from Kvaratskhelia. However, Nuno Mendes' cutback from the left wing, after galloping onto a flipped pass, narrowly missed the £43m summer signing Maghnes Akliouche and three other blue and red shirts, leaving the score at 1-0.
Madjo's Historic Equalizer and Doué's VAR-Confirmed Decisive Goal
Aston Villa's 17-year-old forward Brian Madjo made headlines by becoming the UEFA Super Cup's youngest goalscorer. Despite missing previous chances, including misdirected headers and an overcooked shot, Madjo made amends just before the half-time whistle. He expertly dispatched a side-footed volley into the roof of Matvey Safonov's net, meeting another brilliant cross from John McGinn to level the score at 1-1 in the 45th minute.
The decisive moment came in the 62nd minute when Désiré Doué struck what would be the winning goal for PSG. His well-taken effort was initially disallowed by the referee. However, after a thorough VAR review, Omar Artan, the Somali referee appointed by UEFA, awarded the goal when replays clearly showed Matty Cash playing Doué onside, securing PSG's 2-1 lead.
Aston Villa's Valiant Effort and Manager Emery's Squad Insights
Aston Villa delivered an enthralling performance, demonstrating their ambition and spirit in Salzburg. Manager Unai Emery had warned on the eve of the game, "We won’t be in our best moment," but his side showed significant promise despite the defeat. The traveling 6,000-strong Villa following created a party atmosphere, celebrating their team's presence on the grand stage.
Villa had opportunities to push the game to a penalty shootout. Warren Zaïre-Emery produced an extraordinary block to deny João Gomes a near-certain debut goal, and Emi Buendía headed wide in stoppage time, narrowly missing a late equalizer. New arrival João Gomes, signed for £38m, and Brian Madjo, making his full debut, were both enthusiastically cheered by fans.
The match also offered insights into Villa's evolving squad. Boubacar Kamara made his first start since a serious knee injury in January, and 19-year-old George Hemmings played the full game, keeping Achraf Hakimi busy. Notably, only five players from Villa’s memorable victory over Freiburg were in the starting XI, with key figures like Emi Martínez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins (who volunteered to play but was rested by Emery) still on holiday. Villa is also in advanced talks to sign João Palhinha from Bayern Munich, with Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid expected for a medical, signaling further summer changes.
Unai Emery's Post-Match Reflections on Aston Villa's Performance
Following the UEFA Super Cup final, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery expressed pride in his team's efforts. "Overall we can feel proud of everything we’ve done," Emery stated, acknowledging the team's progress and potential despite the loss to PSG.
Emery also hinted at further adjustments, adding, "Some changes will be needed but we are confident." His comments underline a positive outlook for Aston Villa's future, as they look to build on their fearless display and integrate new talents like Brian Madjo, whose £10m transfer from Metz was finally cleared after a successful appeal at the court of arbitration for sport (Cas) following an initial FIFA prohibition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the UEFA Super Cup match between PSG and Aston Villa?
Paris Saint-Germain defeated Aston Villa 2-1 to win the UEFA Super Cup.
Who scored for PSG in the Super Cup final?
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored PSG's first goal in the 20th minute, and Désiré Doué scored the winning goal in the 62nd minute, which was confirmed by VAR.
Who scored for Aston Villa and broke a record in the Super Cup?
Aston Villa's 17-year-old Brian Madjo scored their equalizer in the 45th minute, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the history of the UEFA Super Cup.
What was the role of VAR in the PSG vs Aston Villa Super Cup game?
VAR played a crucial role in the match, confirming Désiré Doué's winning goal for Paris Saint-Germain after it was initially disallowed, with replays showing Matty Cash played him onside.
Which players were new or returning for Aston Villa in the Super Cup?
New signings like João Gomes made their debut, while Brian Madjo made his full competitive debut. Boubacar Kamara also made his first start since a serious knee injury in January.