Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue lit up the Champions League at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night, leading Paris Saint-Germain to a 3-1 first-leg victory over Aston Villa.
PSG were extremely dominant in the opening 45 minutes, but unexpectedly fell behind when Morgan Rogers was left unmarked at the back post to slot into the net, however, just four minutes later, Doue dazzled the Parc des Princes with a sensational curled strike into the top right corner, restoring parity going into the break.
There was no let-up for Aston Villa in the second half, as PSG relentlessly pressed forward in their attempt to put the tie to bed, and the Villans will take a two-goal deficit back to Villa Park as Kvaratskhelia gave Axel Disasi nightmares before firing into the top left corner and Nuno Mendes added a third late on to make it 3-1 at the full-time whistle.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
It is hard to put into words the sheer magnificence of this PSG side, particularly tonight's performances from Doue and Kvaratskhelia, who utterly terrorized the Aston Villa defence.
While the two wingers would often be described as 'luxury players', both are clearly fully invested into the high-pressing system that Luis Enrique prefers - something that can not be said for past PSG teams.
That willingness to run and defend makes all the difference at this stage of the Champions League, and it is clear to see why they are one of the favourites to go on and lift the trophy.
Aston Villa can be pleased with how they stayed in the tie though, as many lesser sides would have collapsed under the immense pressure that the Parisians applied throughout the 90 minutes, although conceding the late third goal will hurt.
The Villans may well face more of the same in the return leg, but with the Villa Park crowd spurring them on, Aston Villa will have reason to believe they can fight their way back into this match next week.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN VS. ASTON VILLA HIGHLIGHTS
Morgan Rogers goal vs. Paris Saint-Germain (35th min, Paris Saint-Germain 0-1 Aston Villa)
ASTON VILLA STRIKE FIRST! 🤯
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
Morgan Rogers is at the back post to finish off a ruthless counter-attack ⭐
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/qvadIy7v3D
Unbelievable, Villa have taken the lead through Rogers!
John McGinn dispossesses Mendes on the left side, charges forward and cuts onto his left foot and switches the ball to Marcus Rashford on the left.
Rashford quickly lays the ball to the overlapping Youri Tielemans, who smashes the ball across the box for Rogers to slot into the gaping net and give Villa the lead against the run of play.
Desire Doue goal vs. Aston Villa (39th min, Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Aston Villa)
PSG level the game up!
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
That finish from Désiré Doué is out of this world 💫
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/NtPzW2cYgL
Well that did not last long, that is sensational from Doue!
PSG are circulating the ball around the Villa box, working possession to the left side with Doue, who looks to go past Rogers in search of a shooting angle.
The winger fakes a shot, bursts past his marker and curls an effort into the top right corner via the underside of the crossbar, absolutely unstoppable from the teenager.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia goal vs. Aston Villa (39th min, Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Aston Villa)
There's no stopping Kvaratskhelia in that position 💨
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
What a goal 👏
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/DclFlVijYf
Oh my word, magical from Kvaratskhelia!
PSG launch a sweeping counter attack, moving the ball from right to left as they surge towards the Aston Villa goal, with the ball ending at Kvaratskhelia's feet.
The winger looks to cut onto his right foot, but skilfully rolls his studs over the ball to shift onto his left - sending Disasi the wrong way - and fires into the top left corner off the post.
Nuno Mendes goal vs. Aston Villa (92nd min, Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Aston Villa)
Composure personified 🥶
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
Nuno Mendes with a third for PSG in added time ⏰
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/qvXeXYRQBi
PSG have a third, composed and classy from Mendes!
Ousmane Dembele has the ball in the middle of the park and perfectly plays Mendes into the Aston Villa box, with the defender running between Aston Villa's full-back and central defender to get through on goal.
Mendes looks to shoot on his left foot, making Emi Martinez and Ezri Konsa challenge, cuts in on his right foot and finishes into the top corner to score a late third.
MAN OF THE MATCH - DESIRE DOUE
© Imago
Doue and Kvaratskhelia, not much more needs to be said.
The two wingers terrorized Aston Villa with their skilful brilliance all night, while they both showed the willingness to defend that the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe never offered during their time at PSG.
Doue ultimately takes the crown, having been more influential in the first half and continuing his magic during his time in the second half, but in truth, both were just a cut above everyone else tonight - a statement in itself given the superb performances of several PSG players.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN VS. ASTON VILLA MATCH STATS
Possession: Paris Saint-Germain 75%-25% Aston Villa
Shots: Paris Saint-Germain 29-7 Aston Villa
Shots on target: Paris Saint-Germain 10-2 Aston Villa
Corners: Paris Saint-Germain 9-1 Aston Villa
Fouls: Paris Saint-Germain 9-8 Aston Villa
BEST STATS
Morgan Rogers has been involved in 11 goals in his last 14 starts for Aston Villa (7G 4A). 😮💨#UCL pic.twitter.com/G1DVMLNbOk
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) April 9, 2025
Desire Doue's last four games in all competitions:
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) April 9, 2025
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Gifted. ✨ pic.twitter.com/mcHVJgd97K
Desire Doue is the second-youngest player to reach 20 goal involvements for PSG this century - after Kylian Mbappe ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/Im3mfWrdGF
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
PSG, having already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title, saw their league fixture postponed in order to give them longer preparation time for the second leg of this clash, giving the Parisians a week break before their trip to England.
Aston Villa have not been granted the same luxury, with Unai Emery's men set to face Southampton on Saturday afternoon, where three points could prove crucial in their ongoing race for a place in the top five of the Premier League.
Ellis Stevens
