Paris Saint-Germain began the new campaign with more silverware as Desire Doue’s second-half winner secured a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg.
PSG had to work for it, though. Villa showed courage and quality, with teenage forward Brian Madjo scoring on his competitive debut to cancel out Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s opener.
Kvaratskhelia broke the deadlock after 20 minutes. The winger cut inside from the left before firing a powerful effort that wrong-footed Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot.
Villa responded with a moment of history. Just days after receiving approval to play following a registration dispute with FIFA, 17-year-old Madjo volleyed home to become the youngest player to score in a Super Cup final.
The teenager could have added more. He had three other chances that went narrowly wide, while 19-year-old George Hemmings also showed no fear against the European champions.
PSG finally found the breakthrough in the 61st minute. Doue raced behind the Villa defence to meet Ousmane Dembele’s pass and fired home, although the goal was initially ruled out for offside.
VAR changed the decision. A review showed Matty Cash had kept Doue onside by the smallest of margins, sending PSG back in front.
Villa refused to fade. Hemmings went close moments later, but Matvey Safonov produced an important save to protect PSG’s lead.
Unai Emery was proud of his young side despite the defeat. “With a loss, you can never feel happy but how we compete, how the players respond on the field for 90 minutes,” he said in an interview after.
“We must feel really very proud of what we have done today,” Emery added.
PSG were without several key Villa players, including Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martinez, but the youngsters filled the gaps with confidence.
For Luis Enrique’s side, the result continues a remarkable run. PSG became the first club since Real Madrid in 2016 and 2017 to win consecutive Super Cups.
