Paris Saint-Germain retained the UEFA Super Cup with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa as Desire Doue scored a second-half winner in the European season opener.
The French champions secured their second consecutive Super Cup trophy after a competitive contest against their English Premier League opponents, extending an eight-year streak of dominance by Champions League titleholders in the fixture.
Neither side found much rhythm during a quiet opening 15 minutes in what was the first competitive match of the season for both clubs. Paris Saint-Germain eventually broke the deadlock in the 20th minute through Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Kvaratskhelia received a pass on the edge of the penalty area and struck a powerful shot high into the roof of the net past goalkeeper Marco Bizot. Aston Villa defender Matty Cash attempted to block the strike, but lacked support from his teammates to prevent the opening goal.
Having not featured at the World Cup, Kvaratskhelia displayed high energy levels throughout the match, operating across both wings and helping out in defensive areas. Aston Villa responded strongly in the closing stages of the first half, putting continuous pressure on the French side's penalty box.
Villa's 17-year-old striker Brian Madjo initially squandered a clear opportunity when he headed over from a John McGinn cross. However, the teenager made amends in the 45th minute by wrestling past PSG defender Willian Pacho inside the area to slot a finished shot beyond goalkeeper Matvei Safonov and draw Aston Villa level before the break.
VAR decision validates Doue winner
Aston Villa maintained their momentum early in the second half, forcing Safonov into a sharp save after a deflected drive from Villa captain McGinn. Yet Paris Saint-Germain took advantage of Villa's missed opportunities in the 61st minute when French youngster Desire Doue ran clean through on goal to finish one-on-one against Bizot.
The assistant referee initially flagged Doue for offside, but a video assistant referee review overturned the decision after replays showed Cash had played the PSG attacker onside by trailing his leg.
Aston Villa pushed for a second equalizer immediately after the restart. George Hemmings missed a point-blank chance in the 63rd minute by shooting straight at Safonov, while midfielder Joao Gomes saw a late strike inside the penalty area blocked at the last second.
As Villa tired in the final minutes, Paris Saint-Germain controlled possession and limited further dangerous chances to seal the victory. PSG head coach Luis Enrique brought on substitutes Warren Zaire-Emery, Fabian Ruiz, Senny Mayulu, and Lucas Beraldo to close out the game, while Unai Emery introduced Tammy Abraham, Ross Barkley, Alysson, and Lamare Bogarde in pursuit of a late goal.
Historical trends and team news
The result means Champions League winners have now won the UEFA Super Cup for eight consecutive years. The last Europa League team to lift the trophy was Atletico Madrid, who defeated Real Madrid 4-2 after extra time in 2018. PSG themselves needed a penalty shootout to win the trophy last year after trailing 2-0 against Tottenham Hotspur until the 84th minute.
Aston Villa, who were competing for their second Super Cup 44 years after beating FC Barcelona over two legs in 1982, went into the match severely depleted. Head coach Emery did not cut short post-World Cup breaks for key starters including goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and striker Ollie Watkins, while midfield leaders Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans left the club during the summer transfer window.
Match statistics and complete lineups
Somalian referee Omar Artan officiated the match and issued three yellow cards, all to Aston Villa players: Pau Torres, Joao Gomes, and John McGinn.
Paris Saint-Germain: Matvei Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes (Warren Zaire-Emery 75'); Vitinha, Joao Neves (Fabian Ruiz 75'); Maghnes Akliouche (Ousmane Dembele 46'), Desire Doue (Senny Mayulu 87'), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Lucas Beraldo 89').
Aston Villa: Marco Bizot; Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen; Boubacar Kamara (Lamare Bogarde 73'), Joao Gomes (Ross Barkley 79'); John McGinn (Alysson 73'), George Hemmings, Emiliano Buendia; Brian Madjo (Tammy Abraham 73').
