By Razeen Gutta
Paris Saint-Germain opened their European season with silverware on Wednesday night, defeating Aston Villa 2-1 in Salzburg to become only the third club to win back-to-back UEFA Super Cups.
The Champions League winners showed their experience to survive heavy Villa pressure and claim another trophy under Luis Enrique.
PSG struck first in the 20th minute. Desire Doue slipped in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the Georgian cut inside before unleashing his trademark powerful shot past Marco Bizot.
It was another decisive moment for Kvaratskhelia, who was so influential for Paris last season.
Villa responded through 17-year-old debutant Brian Madjo.
The forward, who became the youngest ever player to start in a Super Cup game, went close twice before making history on the brink of half-time. He steered home a John McGinn cross to level matters.
Unai Emery’s side came out strong after the break, with McGinn forcing Matvei Safonov into a smart save.
But Paris hit back against the run of play in the 61st minute. Substitute Ousmane Dembele played a perfect through ball and Doue latched on to finish calmly past Bizot.
Villa turned to Tammy Abraham and Ross Barkley late on, but the French giants’ defense held firm. Villa pushed, but could not find a second.
Both sides will now turn their attention to the upcoming campaign with PSG taking on Lens in the French Super Cup this weekend before Ligue 1 and the Premier League both kick off next weekend.
Pictured above: PSG
Source: @psg
