Aston Villa were just 75 seconds away from leaving Paris with a respectable result. But football, especially at this level, can change in a flash. Paris Saint-Germain turned the tie on its head with a brilliant late goal to secure a commanding 3-1 win in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
The Lions had taken a surprise lead through Morgan Rogers, but goals from Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Nuno Mendes showcased PSG’s attacking brilliance and left Unai Emery’s team with a mountain to climb at Villa Park.
Morgan Rogers Strikes First in Shock Villa Lead
Against the run of play, Villa broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. John McGinn stole the ball from Nuno Mendes with a fierce challenge, then set Marcus Rashford free down the left. Rashford found Youri Tielemans on the overlap, and the Belgian’s low cross was turned in at the far post by Morgan Rogers.
It was Villa’s first real attack and their only shot of the first half, but it gave the visitors a crucial lead and sparked wild celebrations — even Prince William and his son George were seen cheering in the stands.
ROGERS GOAL !!!
ASTON VILLA LEAD PSG 1-0
— Entertainment Yard (@eyard_) April 9, 2025
PSG responded instantly. Just minutes later, Martinez spilled a shot that led to a corner. The ball was recycled across to Desire Doue, who curled in a stunning strike off the underside of the bar from 20 yards out. It was a moment of pure quality from the 19-year-old French starlet.
GOAL | PSG 1-1 Aston Villa | Désiré Doué
WHAT A FANTASTIC GOAL FROM DESIRE DOUE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/MIITayg5pc
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) April 9, 2025
Kvaratskhelia Turns the Tide After Half-Time
The second half started with PSG in complete control. Their attacks flowed like water, and their movement overwhelmed Villa’s defense. Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia — the standout player on the night — tormented the Villa backline.
He dribbled past Axel Disasi with ease before unleashing a rocket shot past Emi Martinez at the near post in the 52nd minute. The pace, power, and placement left the Argentine goalkeeper helpless. It was Kvaratskhelia’s reward for a performance filled with flair, trickery, and relentless pressure.
GOAL | PSG 2-1 Aston Villa | Kvaratskhelia
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL GOAL FROM KVARATSKHELIA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/V0zRkchkSC
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) April 9, 2025
Villa were now on the ropes. PSG looked like scoring with every attack, as Dembele, Hakimi, and Kvaratskhelia combined down the flanks. Martinez made several key saves to keep the score at 2-1, and Villains looked like they would escape Paris with hope intact.
Nuno Mendes Strikes Late to Change Everything
Then came the heartbreak. Just 75 seconds before full-time, PSG delivered the killer blow.
Ousmane Dembele slipped a perfectly weighted pass through the Villa defense, releasing Nuno Mendes down the left. The full-back cut inside with a clever feint that took both Martinez and Pau Torres out of the equation, leaving him with an open goal. He finished calmly to give PSG a two-goal cushion heading into the second leg.
The goal changed everything. A 2-1 result would have given Villains hope. But 3-1 means they’ll need a near-perfect performance in Birmingham — and likely need to score at least twice without conceding — to reach the semi-finals.
PSG’s Champions League Hunger on Full Display
PSG fans have long waited for their team to lift the Champions League trophy. The desperation in the stadium was almost tangible, and the players fed off that energy. Luis Enrique’s side looked hungry, powerful, and laser-focused.
From wide overloads to intricate passes through midfield, PSG displayed some of the best attacking football seen in Europe this season. Their pressing and ball movement left Villa chasing shadows.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was the heartbeat of it all — spellbinding every time he touched the ball. At just 23, he already looks like one of Europe’s most dangerous wingers.
Villa Hang On But Face Steep Climb
Unai Emery’s men were brave and organized, but they simply couldn’t contain PSG’s star power. Rashford tried to offer an outlet on the counterattack, but Emery boys couldn’t keep the ball long enough to mount meaningful pressure.
Boubacar Kamara, Pau Torres, and McGinn worked tirelessly, but there were too many waves of blue crashing forward. Villa’s defense, at times, resembled a wall trying to stop a tide.
Despite their struggles, Villa were seconds away from a manageable result. Now, they return home with little margin for error. PSG are likely to score again, and Villains must match their intensity, precision, and belief.
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