PSG survive Aston Villa scare and goes through to semifinal

Paris Saint-Germain have advanced to the Champions League semifinals for the fourth time in six years after surviving a thrilling encounter at Villa Park. Despite a 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa in the second leg, the Parisians edged the tie 5-4 on aggregate, thanks to their 3-1 win in the first leg in Paris.

Aston Villa, backed by a roaring home crowd in Birmingham, came within inches of forcing extra time in the dying seconds, but a stunning volley from substitute Ian Maatsen was heroically cleared off the line by PSG defender Willian Pacho.

PSG start strong before chaos unfolds

PSG appeared in complete control early on. After just 11 minutes, Achraf Hakimi opened the scoring on a lightning-quick counterattack, capitalising on a loose parry from Emiliano Martínez. Before the half-hour mark, Nuno Mendes doubled the lead with another swift break, seemingly putting the tie to bed at 5-1 on aggregate.

But Villa, led by manager Unai Emery against his former club, refused to roll over. Youri Tielemans pulled one back before halftime with a well-placed strike that injected belief into the Premier League side.

Villa storm back into contention

The second half brought more drama. John McGinn surged from deep and fired home to level the score on the night at 2-2. Moments later, Marcus Rashford's brilliance helped set up Ezri Konsa for Villa’s third goal, making it 3-2 and just one goal away from forcing extra time.

Villa threw everything forward in the closing stages. Rashford, Tielemans, and Marco Asensio all saw chances denied by PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who proved crucial with several outstanding saves.

In stoppage time, Maatsen came agonisingly close to completing the comeback with a powerful volley, but Pacho’s last-ditch clearance preserved PSG’s slender lead.

PSG’s youthful side defy expectations

The win marks a significant step forward for Luis Enrique’s project in Paris. With a youthful and energetic squad, PSG have defied expectations this season, particularly after a shaky start to the competition. Eight of the eleven starters at Villa Park were under the age of 27, with only captain Marquinhos over 30.

PSG’s style under Enrique, who led Barcelona to the Champions League title in 2015, is defined by technical quality, fearlessness, and faith in young talent. It’s a stark contrast to the superstar-heavy approach of previous PSG sides.

Now, PSG wait to see who they will face in the semifinals. If Arsenal eliminate Real Madrid in the other quarterfinal, it would be PSG’s third English opponent in a row after overcoming both Liverpool and Aston Villa.

Next up: Allianz Arena in sight

The Champions League semifinals will be played on April 29/30 and May 6/7. The final takes place at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31. PSG, still chasing their first European crown, are now two games away from another shot at glory.