Paris Saint-Germain has retained the UEFA Super Cup after defeating Aston Villa 2-1 in Salzburg, Austria, on Wednesday.
The Champions League holders strengthened their status as Europe’s leading club side after overcoming the Europa League winners in a thrilling encounter.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring for PSG before Aston Villa teenager Brian Madjo equalised shortly before half-time. Desire Doue restored PSG’s lead in the second half, with VAR confirming the Frenchman’s goal after it was initially ruled out for offside.
The victory means PSG have successfully defended the trophy they won 12 months ago against another Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur.
PSG started strongly, with nine players from the team that defeated Arsenal in the Champions League final in May included in the starting XI. Captain Marquinhos, Vitinha and Joao Neves were among those retained for the clash.
Villa, meanwhile, made several changes, with World Cup campaigners Ezri Konsa, Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins rested. New signings Joao Gomes and Madjo were handed their debuts, while Boubacar Kamara returned to the starting line-up after recovering from a serious knee injury.
Kamara came close to breaking the deadlock in the 13th minute when his low long-range effort narrowly missed the target.
PSG responded with increasing pressure and eventually took the lead in the 20th minute. Kvaratskhelia collected the ball on the left, cut inside and unleashed a powerful effort that beat goalkeeper Marco Bizot at his near post.
The Georgian winger continued to cause problems for Villa’s defence and almost created a second goal when he released Nuno Mendes, whose cut-back narrowly evaded PSG’s advancing attackers.
Villa gradually recovered and came close to an equaliser before the half-hour mark when Madjo headed John McGinn’s cross just wide.
The 17-year-old continued to threaten and eventually got his reward in the 45th minute. McGinn found Madjo inside the box, and the youngster produced a composed left-footed finish into the roof of the PSG net.
PSG manager Luis Enrique introduced Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele at the start of the second half as his side looked to regain control.
Villa remained dangerous after the restart, with McGinn forcing PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov into a save with a curling effort.
PSG regained the advantage in the 61st minute through Doue. The French winger raced down the right before bending the ball into the Villa net.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR overturned the decision after determining that Villa defender Matty Cash had played Doue onside.
Villa immediately searched for another equaliser, but Safonov denied George Hemmings to preserve PSG’s advantage.
Warren Zaire-Emery also made a crucial intervention to block a Joao Gomes effort as Villa continued to press.
With 15 minutes remaining, Enrique brought on World Cup winner Fabian Ruiz to strengthen PSG’s midfield and help protect the lead.
Villa’s best opportunity to level came inside the final 10 minutes, but Tammy Abraham was unable to connect with Alysson’s dangerous cut-back inside the six-yard box.
PSG ultimately held on to secure another European trophy and make a winning start to the new campaign.
The French champions will now turn their attention to domestic competition as they pursue another Ligue 1 title and hope to make history by winning the Champions League for a third consecutive season.
