Paris Saint-Germain already have their first trophy of the season. In Salzburg, the European champions defeated Aston Villa 2-1 and retain the UEFA Super Cup. A deserved victory at the end of a match largely controlled by Paris, even if the English side regularly demonstrated their ability to cause damage.
A first half of two halves
Paris took control from the opening minutes, with a high press and a clear intent to establish play in the English half. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, already very prominent, confirmed his excellent start to the season by opening the scoring in the 20th minute. After a poor clearance from Villa, the Georgian cut inside before unleashing a powerful strike that caught Marco Bizot off guard.
PSG could have extended their lead further, but Aston Villa never fully let go. Unai Emery's men gradually found space and finished the first half with far more threat. Brian Madjo, already very lively before the break, eventually equalised in the 45th minute. At just 17 years old, the forward put Villa back in the match at the perfect moment.
Dembélé sets it up, Doué finishes it off
The second half, however, put Paris back in charge. Ousmane Dembélé came on at half-time, for his first match since his delayed return from the World Cup. The Ballon d'Or winner did not immediately rediscover his usual rhythm — a deliberately measured entrance for a player still in his recovery phase — but his influence was nonetheless felt.
In the 61st minute, Dembélé sparked the decisive move by finding Désiré Doué in behind. The Frenchman rounded Bizot and scored, but the flag went up immediately for offside. After a VAR review, the goal was ultimately given: a Villa player was covering Doué at the moment of the cross. Paris retook the lead, 2-1.
Villa then pushed to get back into it. The English side carved out several more dangerous situations, but Paris controlled the final minutes better and held their advantage through to the final whistle.
Kvaratskhelia, the star of the night
Kvaratskhelia is the man of the match. The Georgian was the most dangerous Parisian on the pitch, capable of pushing Villa back with his bursts of pace, changes of direction and ability to attack space. His goal rewards a complete performance and confirms his importance within Luis Enrique's collective.
Akliouche, meanwhile, had a more understated official debut. Starting before making way for Dembélé at the break, he played simply and tidily, without yet carrying the same weight as the established attacking figures. For a first outing, there is nothing alarming: the combinations and rhythm will come.
A mention also for Omar Abdulkadir Artan. The Somali referee handled this final perfectly, with a serene management of the tense moments and sound use of VAR on the action leading to Paris's second goal. On the Salzburg pitch, Artan rose to the occasion.
The European reign continues
Paris did not put on a masterclass. They did something better: winning a still-imperfect European match, in which Aston Villa had their moments, without ever losing control of their own destiny.
After the Champions League, Paris add the Super Cup to their trophy cabinet. The European reign continues.
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