UEFA Super Cup: PSG edge Villa for second successive title
Thanks to goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desiré Doué, Paris Saint-Germain ran out 2-1 winners over Europa League champions Aston Villa on Wednesday night in Salzburg. Catch up on all the action with the Ligue 1 McDonald's team.
Kvara makes his case
On a lively night in Austria, Paris Saint-Germain were as impressive as always, with Luis Enrique handing a competitive debut to new signing Maghnes Akliouche on the right flank in his customary 4-3-3. Villa manager Unai Emery fielded several former Ligue 1 McDonald's players in his eleven against his former side, including teenage striker Brian Madjo and goalkeeper Marco Bizot.
PSG took the match by the scruff of the neck, and Vitinha's opening effort flew wide (11'). Villa responded but it would be PSG who broke the deadlock. Just seconds after Bizot made a fine save after Kvaratskhelia's mazy run, the Georgian made no mistake after the English side lost possession in midfield, scoring on the turn to put his side ahead (20'). Villa responded again and would pull level just before the break through Madjo, who scored from John McGinn's cross (45')
WHAT A DAY FOR PSG 🏆❤️ pic.twitter.com/mfnsNEiagh
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) August 12, 2026
Doué for the win
Into the second half, Enrique was quick to ring the change, including bringing on Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé at the break to replace Akliouche. It would prove to be a decisive change, as his through ball found Doué on the counter, leaving his countryman the opportunity to put his side ahead once more with a brilliant strike across goal just past the hour. The remainder of the match would prove closely fought, but PSG held on for the win.
Speaking post-match, Enrique underscored that despite some adversity and some players only having just returned to training, the result spoke volumes of his side's character, saying, “It was a difficult match to prepare for. The players needed a rest and some time with their families but every time they pull on the Paris Saint-Germain shirt, there’s that connection with the fans, and amongst the players themselves. What we showed again today is that, despite mistakes and a lot of things missing, we’re the team we’ve always been."
Next up for the Parisians before the Ligue 1 McDonald's season starts is Sunday's Trophée des Champions, where they'll face Coupe de France winners RC Lens at the Stade Bollaert.
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