On April 9, 2025, the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) imposed 3-1 on Aston Villa at the Parc des Princes, on the one-way game of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. This exciting meeting, which brought together two teams with great aspirations, left the PSG in a favorable position for the party back. However, it also caused some controversy due to arbitral decisions and a VAR that was discussed.
Alignments
PSG (4-3-3):
- Portero: Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Defenses: Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Beraldo, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes
- Campers: João Neves, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz
- Delanteros: Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
- Relevant substitutes: Warren Zaïre-Emery (by João Neves, 78′), Marco Asensio (by Dembélé, 85′), Lee Kang-in (by Kvaratskhelia, 88′)
- Coach: Luis Enrique
Aston Villa (4-5-1):
- Portero: Emiliano Martínez
- Defenses: Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne
- Campers: Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara, Morgan Rogers, John McGinn, Jacob Ramsey
- Delantero: Marcus Rashford
- Relevant replacements: Ollie Watkins (by Rashford, 70′), Amadou Onana (by Ramsey, 75′), Donyell Malen (by Rogers, 82′)
- Coach: Unai Emery
Technical and Tactical Analysis
The PSG showed its superiority at the Parc des Princes, although the Aston Villa surprised at the beginning with a temporary goal. Luis Enrique raised an offensive 4-3-3, while Unai Emery opted for a more conservative 4-5-1, seeking contragolpes.
- First Time: PSG Domain and Villa Response
- The PSG began dominating with 65% possession, seeking to open the field with Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé for the bands. However, its initial lack of precision allowed Aston Villa to remain solid, with a well-organized defense led by Pau Torres.
- In the 35′, the Villa hit first: McGinn recovered, Tielemans attended and Rogers defined with a crusade after a big move to the second stick (0-1). The move was reviewed by the VAR for a possible out of play, but it was validated, generating controversy.
- The PSG reacted quickly. In the 39′, Désiré Doué tied with a golazo: he walked from the left and shot the squad (1-1). The Villa was repleted, and the PSG closed the first time on several occasions, including two key stops from Emiliano Martínez to Dembélé.
- Second Time: PSG Aplast
- The PSG came out more intensely after the rest. In the 49′, Kvaratskhelia marked 2-1 with a left-handed missile after a poppy inside the area, leaving the ‘Dibu’ Martínez unopposed.
- The Villa tried to react with the Watkins entrance, but Donnarumma stopped a Rogers attempt at 73′. The PSG controlled the rhythm with Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha, while Kvaratskhelia remained a headache on the left.
- In the 90+2′, Nuno Mendes sealed 3-1 after a breastfed inside the area, defining calmly before Martinez. The goal came in the last sigh, but it was key to broadening the lead.
- Keys of the Party
- PSG Domain: They controlled the possession and generated 18 shots (7 by door) in front of the 5 of the Villa (2 by door).
- Banda Izquierda Letal: Kvaratskhelia and Nuno Mendes constantly overflowed, breaking the Villa’s defense.
- Solidez del Villa al Start: His defensive approach worked in the first time, but they crumbled after 2-1.
- Defensive Errors: The Villa left spaces in the second time, and Cash suffered with Kvaratskhelia.
MVP of the Party
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: The Georgian talent was recognized as the Party Player for UEFA. His impressive goal at minute 49 gave the advantage to the PSG, and his ability to overflow on the left (completed 3 regates and made 2 key passes) left the Villa unanswered. In addition, it proved a great quality by pausing the game and controlling the pace, something that was highlighted by the UEFA Technical Observer Group.
Score of Players (Scale 1-10)
PSG:
- Donnarumma: 7 – Sure, with a big stop to Rogers.
- Hakimi: 7.5 – Solid in defense and dangerous climbs.
- Beraldo: 7 – Correct, although he suffered in the goal of the Villa.
- Pacho: 7.5 – Sign, with good cuts.
- Nuno Mendes: 8.5 – Gol and great match for the band.
- João Neves: 7 – He brought balance before being replaced.
- Vitinha: 8 – He controlled the environment with accurate passes.
- Fabian Ruiz: 7.5 – Good ball handling and recovery.
- Doué: 8 – Golazo and constant danger.
- Dembélé: 7.5 – Active, but lacked precision.
- Kvaratskhelia: 9 – Gol, overflow and offensive leadership.
Aston Villa:
- Martínez: 8 – Three key stops, blameless in the goals.
- Cash: 5.5 – Overwhelmed by Kvaratskhelia, amp.
- Konsa: 6 – Right, but overwhelmed in the second time.
- Pau Torres: 7 – The best of the defense, but he could not with everything.
- Digne: 6 – He suffered with Dembélé.
- Tielemans: 6.5 – He attended 1-0, but he diluted.
- Kamara: 6 – He fought in the middle, but overcome.
- Rogers: 7 – Gol and danger, but a clear one failed in the second time.
- McGinn: 6.5 – Key Recovery for 1-0, but little more.
- Ramsey: 6 – Discreet, replaced after discomfort.
- Rashford: 6 – Little impact, replaced by Watkins.
Arbitrary and VAR polyester
- Gol del Aston Villa (0-1):
- Rogers’ goal in the 35th minute was reviewed by a possible out-of-play Tielemans in the previous move. The VAR, under the direction of Maurizio Mariani, approved the goal after a quick review, but the subsequent images showed that the position was quite adjusted. Experts such as Juan Martínez Munuera, a Spanish former minister, commented that “the line was millimetric, and the protocol requires more clarity to annul”.
- Not Pited Before 2-1:
- In the play of the goal of Kvaratskhelia, the Villa claimed a lack of Fabian Ruiz over McGinn in recovery. The referee left behind, and the VAR did not intervene, which generated protests from Emery and the English players.
- Amarillas Dispares:
- Matty Cash received yellow in the 42′ for an entry on Dembélé, but the PSG accumulated several tactical faults (such as one of João Neves about Rogers) that were not sanctioned by card, which sparked criticism for lack of consistency.
Post-Partido statements
- Luis Enrique (PSG Trainer): “We dominate from beginning to end, although they marked first. There are no favorites in this phase, but we are happy with the result. Kvaratskhelia was key, but the entire team showed character. There’s a turn left, and we must be focused. “
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (MVP): “It was a hard game, the Villa is a great team. I’m happy for the goal and victory, but work is not over. In Birmingham it will be complicated, we must keep this level. “
- Unai Emery (Aston Villa Trainer): “We compete well, but 3-1 at the end hurts. The first goal of the PSG came after a dubious move, and that affected us. We’re still alive, and Villa Park will be different. I’m proud of my players. “
- Matty Cash (Aston Villa): “We knew it would be difficult. We defended well, but fitting the third goal in the last minute was hard. At home, with our hobby, we can go back.”
Reactions in Social Media
In X, the party generated a flood of comments:
- PSG boats celebrated: “Kvaratskhelia is a crack, what a bargain” and “This Luis Enrique PSG is hungry for Champions.”
- Criticism of the VAR: “The goal of the Villa was out of play, the VAR is a disaster” and “They always favor the big ones, what a shame.”
- Support to the Villa: “Great effort of the Aston Villa, at home can give the surprise.”
- Elogios a Martínez: “El Dibu es un pared, sin él habría sido 6-1”.
World Sports Press
- L’Équipe (France): “The PSG takes a firm step towards semifinals. Kvaratskhelia shines on a night of Parisian rule. “
- Le Parisien (France): “Conclusive view, but the VAR generates doubts. The PSG, closer to its European dream. “
- The Guardian (United Kingdom): “Aston Villa falls in Paris, but remains alive. The VAR, again in the center of the polemic. “
- Daily Mail (United Kingdom): “The PSG goes back and hits the Villa, but arbitration leaves questions. Can Emery’s surprise at home?”
- Sport (Spain): “The PSG of Luis Enrique scares Europe. Kvaratskhelia, a star tab. “
- Estadio Deportivo (Spain): “The PSG is imposed with authority, but the Villa claims for the VAR. The elimination remains open. “
Comments of Experts
- Thierry Henry (Analist): “The PSG showed its quality, but the Villa had its moments. Kvaratskhelia is a differential player, can take them away. “
- Jamie Carragher (Sky Sports): “The VAR failed in the Villa’s goal was out of play. The PSG was superior, but Emery knows how to go back home.”
- Juan Martínez Munuera (Exárbitro): “The decision of 0-1 was very adjusted. The VAR should have reviewed more time, generates doubts. “
- Michael Owen (Analyst): “The PSG has a semifinal foot, but Villa Park can be hell. Do not discard Emery. “
Extended Analysis
The 3-1 reflects the great moment the PSG lives under the direction of Luis Enrique. Kvaratskhelia is consolidating as a true star, and the team shows an impressive combination of intensity and quality. However, the party was not free of controversy: the initial goal of the Villa generated doubts about the VAR, and the lack of consistency in the arbitral decisions revived the complaints of the English. Practically, the PSG showed itself superior, especially in the second half, where its high pressure and the game by the bands disarmed the Villa. Despite a solid approach at first, Emery’s failed to keep pace and paid their defense mistakes expensive. The elimination is still open, but the PSG has a clear advantage for the match back. Can the Villa turn around the situation at home, or will the PSG confirm its favorite status?
