PSG survived a ferocious second-half attack at Villa Park to beat Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate in a dramatic UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday night to keep their dream of a first title alive.
With a 3-1 deficit, Villa approached the second leg with urgency but were struck early. PSG’s Achraf Hakimi scored in the 11th minute after Emiliano Martinez made a costly mistake. Nuno Mendes scored a clinical counterattack goal in the 27th minute.
Villa reacted determinedly. Youri Tielemans’ 34th-minute deflection shot brought the home crowd to its feet and ended the first half 2-1 for PSG.
The second half was Aston Villa’s. In a spectacular surge of energy, John McGinn scored in the 55th minute and Ezri Konsa two minutes later made it 3-2. Despite the momentum, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made a key save between the two goals to preserve PSG’s aggregate edge.
“Aston Villa made it difficult, but we did what we had to,” stated PSG captain Marquinhos.
“This competition is tough, but we’re improving with every match. In the semi-finals against Arsenal or Real Madrid, we believe this team can win.”
PSG survived thanks to Donnarumma and will face the winner of Arsenal vs. Real Madrid in the semi-finals. Arsenal leads after a 3-0 first-leg win.
