PSG squeezed into the Champions League semi-finals on aggregate despite falling to a 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa on Tuesday.
Paris Saint-Germain narrowly advanced to the Champions League semi-finals despite a spirited second-leg fightback from Aston Villa. Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes fired PSG into a two-goal lead within 30 minutes, extending their aggregate advantage to 5-1. The French side looked set to cruise, but Villa stormed back through Youri Tielemans, John McGinn, and Ezri Konsa.
Villa created multiple chances but were repeatedly denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma, who delivered a world-class performance to keep PSG in the tie.
“A lightning quick counter culminated in a low cross from Bradley Barcola which Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez failed to deal with,” setting up Hakimi’s opener. Mendes added PSG’s second with a stunning strike.
Villa’s hopes revived when Tielemans’ deflected shot wrong-footed Donnarumma. McGinn’s rocket and Konsa’s finish turned the tie on its head. Marcus Rashford also impressed, assisting Konsa and nearly scoring himself.
PSG endured relentless pressure but held on, with Donnarumma producing crucial saves against Tielemans, Rashford, and Marco Asensio. Villa almost equalised on aggregate in stoppage time, but Willian Pacho’s goal-line block denied Ian Maatsen.
Donnarumma finished with five saves and was hailed as the match-winner, while PSG’s vulnerability offered hope to future opponents.
