Paris Saint-Germain withstood a second-half barrage to triumph over Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate, securing their place in the Champions League semi-finals despite losing 3-2 on Tuesday.
The French champions appeared to be comfortably heading toward the final four when full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes found the net within the first 27 minutes, extending their 3-1 lead from the first leg.
Youri Tielemans reduced the English team’s deficit before the interval, and quickfire goals in two minutes from John McGinn and Ezri Konsa turned the tie around early in the second half.
PSG owed much to goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who thwarted Unai Emery’s team and helped avoid another dramatic collapse in the Champions League knockout stages.
Emery previously managed PSG when Luis Enrique’s Barcelona pulled off an incredible 6-1 comeback from a 4-0 first-leg disadvantage in 2017.
Villa hadn’t witnessed a European night like this since 1983, and before kick-off, the hosts experienced an embarrassing incident when the Europa League anthem played instead of the Champions League’s iconic pre-match hymn.
Desire Doue’s spectacular goal in the first leg, which began PSG’s comeback from a 1-0 deficit, was insufficient for him to retain a starting role in the match.
However, Luis Enrique’s choice to include Bradley Barcola in the lineup paid off as he dashed down the left, leading to Emiliano Martinez mishandling his cross, allowing Hakimi to score the opener in the 11th minute. Another rapid break from the visitors exploited Villa’s defence as Ousmane Dembele set up left-back Mendes to net his fourth Champions League goal of the season and second in this tie.
Villa’s determination to continue fighting was rewarded when Tielemans’ attempt, which took a deflection, pulled them closer before halftime. Villa supporters, including fervent fan Prince William and his son George, were exhilarated as what seemed like an unlikely comeback edged closer to fulfilment. McGinn’s deflected shot flew into the top corner to level the match at 2-2 on the night.
Emery’s decision to start Marcus Rashford instead of top scorer Ollie Watkins sparked controversy just before the match began. Since a January loan transfer from Manchester United, Rashford has experienced a resurgence. The England forward was thwarted from scoring by a phenomenal save from Donnarumma. However, from the subsequent corner, Rashford nutmegged Fabian Ruiz, manoeuvred past Vitinha, and delivered a ball that Konsa slotted home at the near post.
A PSG squad that had appeared dominant in the first half suddenly found themselves scrambling as Villa squandered a flurry of opportunities to push the game into extra time.
Donnarumma pulled off another outstanding stop to deny Tielemans’ header from reaching the top corner. Marco Asensio then seized the chance to score against his parent club, but Donnarumma rushed out of goal to make the block. Konsa failed to capitalise on another promising delivery from Rashford with a header.
But Rashford’s substitution for Watkins marked a pivotal moment as PSG regained control and almost increased their lead in the final minutes, with Martinez saving attempts from Hakimi and Doue.
Willian Pacho blocked Ian Maatsen’s shot destined for the goal during stoppage time, preventing Villa from scoring at the last moment.
Nonetheless, they have exceeded expectations in their first foray into the elite level of European football in over forty years. For PSG, the mission to capture the title they have yet to win continues, and they may not have a better chance to end that drought.
Yet, PSG is arguably the best team on the continent at this moment. With the Ligue 1 championship already secured, they can fully concentrate on conquering Europe in Munich on May 31.
