PSG advance to Champions League semifinals
The French giants had taken a commanding 3-1 victory in the first leg, and that cushion proved vital as they progressed 5-4 on aggregate.
KATHMANDU: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League semifinals, overcoming Aston Villa on aggregate despite a 3-2 loss in the second leg of their quarterfinal clash on Tuesday night.
The French giants had taken a commanding 3-1 victory in the first leg, and that cushion proved vital as they progressed 5-4 on aggregate.
Aston Villa showed heart and resilience, producing an inspired performance at Villa Park, but ultimately fell just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made several crucial saves to keep his team in contention, but PSG’s first-leg dominance made the difference.
PSG struck early in the match, punishing Villa’s defensive lapse.
Achraf Hakimi capitalized on a mistake by Martínez to score in the 11th minute, giving PSG an early lead. Just 16 minutes later, Nuno Mendes doubled the lead, putting the visitors firmly in control and leaving Villa needing four goals to stay in the tie.
However, Villa refused to back down. Youri Tielemans pulled one back in the 34th minute, restoring hope for the home side and sending the teams into halftime with PSG leading 2-1 on the night.
The second half brought more drama as Unai Emery’s men ramped up the pressure. In a thrilling two-minute spell, Villa turned the game around — John McGinn fired in a stunning strike from 20 yards in the 55th minute, followed by a composed finish from defender Ezri Konsa off a brilliant assist from Marcus Rashford, putting Villa ahead 3-2.
With the aggregate score now 5-4, Villa continued to push for the goal that would level the tie and potentially send the match into extra time.
But PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma stood tall under pressure, producing three vital saves — denying Rashford’s powerful effort, parrying away Tielemans’ header, and stopping a close-range shot from substitute Marco Asensio with his foot.
Despite the loss on the night, PSG’s overall performance across both legs sees them through to the semifinals, where they will face either Arsenal or Real Madrid. Arsenal carry a 3-0 advantage into the second leg of their tie.
