[popcorn number=”Four” desc=”No. of teams who have won two consecutive UEFA Super Cups; Ajax, AC Milan, Real Madrid and PSG” class=”Default”]
[popcorn number=”Nine” desc=”PSG’s current unbeaten streak against English teams” class=”Default”]
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won the UEFA Super Cup for a second straight year by beating Aston Villa 2-1 on Wednesday thanks to Desire Doue’s second-half goal in the curtain-raiser to the European football season.
Doue’s 61st-minute strike after running onto Ousmane Dembele’s pass was initially ruled out for offside, only for the goal to be awarded following a video review.
Despite not playing to their usual sky-high standards, Luis Enrique praised his side’s display against a spirited opposition.
Luis Enrique. Pic/AFP
“We knew prior to the game it was going to be a tough one. But we were able to play as we did because my players showed just what they’re made of. We may not be in the best physical condition, but once again it’s a real demonstration of our DNA and our fans, who have helped us to win trophies and keep standards high,” said the Spanish coach.
Earlier, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia hammered in the opener in the 20th minute after flummoxing the Aston Villa defenders with his quick feet. However, the two-time Champions League winners’s dominance began to wane as the first-half drew to a close as Unai Emery’s side took the fight to them, with John McGinn’s crosses from the right flank wreaking havoc on PSG’s defence.
It was through one such cross from the Scottish international that Villa found the equaliser as 17-year-old striker Brian Madjo, who had spurned a couple of chances earlier, volleyed home in the 45th minute.
Villa came out with more verve in the second-half, but after Doue scored against the run of play, the Parisians displayed their big-game experience to hold onto the lead.
Although they came out on the losing side, Emery lauded his team. “We played with personality, intensity, and were tactically disciplined. We must feel really proud of everything we did today,” said Emery.
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