PSG's Super Cup Triumph
Paris Saint-Germain Secures Second Consecutive UEFA Super Cup with Comeback Victory Over Aston Villa
Key Points
Maghnes Akliouche started for PSG and was hooked at halftime, with Ousmane Dembélé introduced to refresh the attack; Dembélé then combined with Désiré Doué to help set up the second-half winner.
Brian Madjo, just 17, became the youngest-ever goalscorer in Super Cup history with his late first-half volley for Aston Villa.
Desiré Doué’s winner was initially ruled offside before replays showed he was onside, sealing PSG’s victory.
Aston Villa arrived with a reduced squad due to the World Cup, missing key players such as Emi Martínez, Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins, among others.
PSG’s victory contributed to a continued European-era dominance for Luis Enrique, marking their second consecutive Super Cup and adding to their major honours since his arrival.
Paris Saint-Germain retained the UEFA Super Cup with a 2-1 comeback win over Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, becoming only the third club in history to defend the trophy, according to Yahoo Sports. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck first for PSG, 17-year-old Brian Madjo leveled for Villa just before halftime, and Désiré Doué settled it late with a winner that was briefly ruled offside before replays showed he was onside.
The win marks PSG's second straight Super Cup, adding to the club's growing list of major honours under manager Luis Enrique. It is also PSG's 40th trophy overall, CBS Sports reported. AC Milan in 1990 and Real Madrid in 2017 are the only other clubs to have previously retained the Super Cup.
Kvaratskhelia Opens the Scoring with a Thunderbolt
PSG came out fast and were rewarded early. Kvaratskhelia fired in a stunning opener to put the Ligue 1 side in front. The Georgian winger has quickly become one of PSG's most important players since joining, and his strike set the tone for a dominant first-half display, according to France 24.
PSG controlled much of the half, but Villa refused to fold. Maghnes Akliouche started for PSG in midfield but was taken off at halftime, with Ousmane Dembélé brought on to sharpen the attack. Dembélé would later play a key role in setting up Doué's decisive goal, CBS Sports noted.
17-Year-Old Madjo Makes Super Cup History for Villa
Just before halftime, Villa pulled level through a moment of teenage brilliance. Brian Madjo, aged just 17, volleyed home to equalize and became the youngest goalscorer in UEFA Super Cup history, according to RG.org. The strike stunned PSG and gave Villa real hope heading into the break.
Madjo was not alone in representing Villa's youth. The club fielded several teenagers during the match, with Emi Buendia also creating late pressure on PSG's goal. Villa fought hard despite arriving with a badly depleted squad — missing key players including Emi Martínez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins due to World Cup commitments, Yahoo Sports reported.
Doué's Controversial Winner Seals PSG's Title Defense
PSG regained the lead in the second half through Désiré Doué. His finish was initially flagged for offside, but replays confirmed he was onside and the goal stood. Dembélé had combined with Doué to create the chance, capping a strong second-half performance from the French side, according to Sofascore.
Villa pushed hard for a second equalizer late on but could not find it. PSG held firm to secure the win. The match also made history off the pitch — referee Omar Artan became the first non-European official ever to take charge of a UEFA Super Cup fixture, France 24 reported.
PSG Cement Status as Europe's Dominant Force Under Enrique
PSG's Super Cup win is their second in a row. Last year, they beat Tottenham Hotspur in the same fixture. Under Luis Enrique, the Paris club have built a reputation as Europe's most consistent side, and this result adds another piece of silverware to that run, according to France 24.
For Villa, the loss stings. They arrived short-handed and still pushed PSG hard, but a second consecutive Super Cup defeat leaves them empty-handed. PSG, meanwhile, head into the new European season as the trophy to beat — with Kvaratskhelia and Doué looking like the players who will lead the way, CBS Sports noted.
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