Psg narrowly defeated Aston Villa 2-1 in a thrilling clash at the Red Bull Arena, with young star Desire Due netting the winner following a VAR review. Matvei Safonov, the Russian goalkeeper, showcased his class throughout the match, marking an impressive ninth trophy with the club.
The showdown pitted champions of last season's European competitions against each other, with Psg coming off their Champions League victory and Aston Villa fresh from claiming the Europa League title. The match held much intrigue, especially with Safonov starting for Psg.
Stifled start and Khvicha's brilliance
The opening exchanges lacked fireworks as both teams took their time to find their rhythm, almost as if they were in a training session. Aston Villa initially held the upper hand with slightly more possession and a couple of set pieces, but the Psg defence, marshalled by Marquinhos, stood firm. Safonov was called into action early, making his first touch during a back pass from his defenders.
As the first half progressed, the game began to come alive. Desire Due tested Villa's goalkeeper, Bizzot, before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia showcased his skill on the left flank. Receiving the ball, he elegantly shifted past his marker, cut inside, and struck a fierce shot into the near corner that left Bizzot rooted to the spot – 1-0 to Psg.
Villa's response and a goal before the break
The concession of the goal sparked Aston Villa into action. Under Unai Emery's guidance, they seized the initiative, launching a barrage of attacks towards Safonov's goal as the first half drew to a close. Young forward Madi was particularly lively, going close with a header just moments later. Despite multiple attempts, it seemed Villa would go into half-time trailing.
However, in the closing moments of the half, Villa's persistence paid off. Captain John McGinn delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post where Madi managed to shake off his marker and smashed the ball past Safonov – 1-1 just before the break.
Luis Enrique's tactics and Due's showcase
After the interval, Psg's head coach, Luis Enrique, made a tactical switch, bringing on Ousmane Dembele to bolster the attack. Yet, it was Villa who started the second half stronger, with Safonov forced to display his shot-stopping prowess against McGinn's thumping effort from the edge of the box. Villa’s dominance in shooting statistics indicated 11 shots to Psg's mere four at that point.
It was on the 61st minute that Psg surged back in front in dramatic fashion. Dembele expertly threaded a pass through Villa's defence, enabling Due to break free and coolly finish past Bizzot. Initially ruled offside by the assistant referee, VAR confirmed Due’s position was onside as Villa's defender Matty Cash was caught out, and the referee emphatically pointed to the centre spot – 2-1!
Safonov's heroics and late drama
With Villa trailing again, they continued to press for an equaliser, resulting in an end-to-end encounter. Just minutes later, Safonov made another crucial save to deny Hemmings' powerful shot.
In an attempt to turn the tide, Emery made three substitutions, bringing on Tammy Abraham and Alisson, namesakes of Liverpool's goalkeeper. Their introduction breathed new life into Villa's attack. Alisson was involved immediately, charging down the wing before testing Safonov from a tight angle.
In the 82nd minute, Psg had a narrow escape as Alisson's low cross somehow evaded everyone in the box, including a sliding Abraham, who couldn’t get a touch on it.
In the final moments, Luis Enrique sought to stabilise the game with a series of substitutions that successfully slowed down play. With five minutes of added time, Villa desperately sought a late equaliser, but their final chance fell to Buendia, whose header skewed wide following a cross from Matsen.
Ultimately, the referee's whistle confirmed Psg's triumph, sealing a 2-1 victory and the UEFA Super Cup.
