🏟️ Final Score (2nd Leg): Aston Villa 3-2 PSG
🧮 Aggregate: PSG 5-4 Aston Villa
🚨 A Scare PSG Will Not Forget
- Paris Saint-Germain are into the Champions League semi-finals, but only just.
- Despite leading 5-1 on aggregate at one point, they narrowly survived a furious Aston Villa fightback at Villa Park.
⚡ First-Half: PSG in Control
- Goals by Achraf Hakimi (11’) and Nuno Mendes (27’) seemed to put PSG on cruise control.
- The French side extended their aggregate lead to 5-1.
- But Youri Tielemans gave Villa hope with a deflected strike before halftime.
💥 Second-Half: Villa Storm Back
- John McGinn leveled the second leg with another deflected effort (51’).
- Just two minutes later, Ezri Konsa slotted in at the near post after brilliant play by Marcus Rashford.
- Villa now trailed 5-4 on aggregate, with momentum swinging wildly in their favor.
🧤 Donnarumma to the Rescue
- PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced multiple crucial saves, denying:
- Rashford’s curling effort
- Tielemans’ powerful header
- Marco Asensio’s late breakaway
- Without him, Villa might have forced extra time—or worse for PSG.
👑 Royal Presence
- Prince William and Prince George were in the stands, erupting with the Villa crowd as the comeback unfolded.
- Villa were playing in their first elite European night since 1983—and almost made it one for the ages.
⚽ Villa’s Heroic Effort
- Despite the loss, Unai Emery’s side earned admiration for their fearless play and near miracle.
- Starting Rashford over Watkins was bold—and nearly paid off.
- Konsa nearly had a second, while Watkins’ introduction slowed their tempo.
🏆 The Road Ahead for PSG
- PSG are likely to face Arsenal in the semis (the Gunners lead Real Madrid 3-0 after the first leg).
- They remain one of Europe’s form sides and are dreaming of their first-ever Champions League title.
- With Ligue 1 wrapped up, Luis Enrique can now focus entirely on Europe.
🔮 Possible Semis
- PSG vs Arsenal (pending 2nd leg)
- Barcelona vs Inter/Bayern
