Paris Saint-Germain survived a determined Aston Villa revival to claim a 2-1 victory in the UEFA Super Cup at Salzburg’s Red Bull Arena, where Désiré Doué’s second-half goal, confirmed after a VAR check, proved decisive.
Quick facts
- Final: Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Aston Villa
- Venue: Red Bull Arena, Salzburg, Austria
- Goals: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Brian Madjo and Désiré Doué
- PSG retained the trophy after defeating Tottenham Hotspur on penalties last year
- PSG begin Ligue 1 on Sunday, 16 August; Villa start their Premier League campaign on Saturday
PSG broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia pounced after Villa surrendered possession in defence and finished from close range beyond goalkeeper Marco Bizot.
Villa entered the showpiece as Europa League winners from May, but they were level before the interval. Seventeen-year-old Brian Madjo, initially brought into the starting side as a substitute, struck on the brink of half-time to make it 1-1.
PSG coach Luis Enrique introduced Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé during the interval. The adjustment was rewarded in the 61st minute when Doué put the French champions back in front.
The assistant referee first ruled the effort out for offside, but a video review showed that Doué’s movement had been timed legally. The goal therefore stood as the match-winner.
Unai Emery, who led PSG from 2016 to 2018, responded shortly after the hour with three changes. Tammy Abraham, Lamare Bogarde and Alysson were sent on as Villa chased another equaliser.
Villa controlled more of the ball during the closing stages, yet PSG’s defence held firm. Marquinhos and Willian Pacho led the resistance as the Premier League side struggled to create a route through.
The triumph marks PSG’s second consecutive Super Cup success. Twelve months ago, they overcame Tottenham Hotspur in a shootout after the teams had drawn 2-2.
Enrique’s team also lifted the Champions League and FIFA Intercontinental Cup last season, extending their run of major honours into the new campaign.
Both sides return to domestic action this weekend. PSG launch their Ligue 1 schedule on Sunday, 16 August, while Villa’s Premier League opener comes on Saturday.
The clubs will meet again in the new Champions League group phase, which gets under way in September.
