PARIS SAINT-Germain completed a successful UEFA Super Cup title defense as Desire Doue struck the second-half winner in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday night (Thursday in the Philippines) in Salzburg, Austria.
Doue broke a 1-1 deadlock in the 61st minute, converting Ousmane Dembele’s pass to deliver PSG its second consecutive Super Cup crown and make the French powerhouse the first club since Real Madrid in 2016 and 2017 to win the competition in successive years.
PSG drew first blood in the 20th minute when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia unleashed a powerful strike that beat Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot.
Aston Villa, however, answered through 17-year-old Brian Madjo, who made an immediate impact in his competitive debut for the English club by scoring the equalizer.
The goal also put Madjo in the record books as the youngest player to start and score in a UEFA Super Cup final.
Madjo was cleared to play only days before the match after Villa secured approval following a dispute with FIFA over his registration.
With the match deadlocked, PSG regained the advantage in the 61st minute as Doue connected with Dembele’s pass and found the back of the net.
The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but a VAR review overturned the decision after Villa defender Matty Cash was judged to have played Doue marginally onside.
PSG protected the slim advantage the rest of the way to secure another piece of European silverware and strengthen its bid for what could become a six-trophy campaign this season.
The annual UEFA Super Cup pits the reigning Champions League winner against the Europa League champion. PSG entered the match as European champion, while Villa earned its berth after capturing the Europa League title./PN
