LOST VILLAINS IN PARIS

What a night in Paris! The Champions League served up another mouthwatering encounter, this time between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. Villa have been impressive in this competition this season and have exceeded expectations Ten-fold likewise PSG. Both teams came into the game with recent good form and looked to further this.

PSG have been Champions League regulars for a while and reached the finals back in 2020 but unfortunately lost to Bayern Munich who claimed their 6^th title in the competition. Aston Villa on the other hand made their return to this stage of the competition after a 42-year absence (you can imagine what this means to the supporters).

There was something in the air at the Parc des Princes, the crowd were in jubilant mood and frequently made their presence felt. There was even an appearance from HRH Prince William, an avid Villa supporter likewise current England manager Thomas Tuchel. Villa started as well as could be expected for an away side and took an unexpected lead in the 35^th minute after a good interchange of passes between Rashford and Tielemans, which resulted in a tap in goal for Rogers from close range.

Before Villa could blink, PSG responded with an equaliser when Doue expertly found the top corner leaving Villa keeper Martinez with absolutely no chance. PSG dominated much of the game as Doue, Mendes and the rest of Luis Enrique’s men kept probing for the lead. PSG have looked like a different team since the departure of Mbappe and what an irony it would be if they went on to win the competition.

The home-side went ahead in the 49^th minute through a special goal from Kvaratskheila. The Georgia international danced in the Villa box before expertly finishing in off the near post (what a goal). Both Martinez and the Villa defence were left bewildered. However, Emery (Aston Villa Manager) made some changes as Villa look for an equaliser. Unfortunately, this wasn’t to be the case as PSG were just to good, too fast and too organised on the night. Mendes, who is now being regarded as the best left back in the world (not really sure about that, but what do I know) added a 3^rd goal for PSG the 92^nd minute of play which ultimately means they head to Villa Park with a 3-1 aggregate advantage.

PSG have been super impressive in this year’s competition and have all the tools needed to be victorious. Emery and Villa know they will have to dig even deeper to get a place in the semi-finals. It certainly is a game of two halves and Villa will be hoping and wishing with toes and fingers crossed for the return leg.

Doue! A rising star!!!!