On Wednesday evening, Paris Saint-Germain won 3-1 (video highlights PSG/Aston Villa) against Aston Villa in the first leg of the Champions League 2024-2025 quarter-finals (return on March 15) at the Parc des Princes. Here are the highlights and lowlights of the victory.
Tops –
Désiré Doué: do brasil
Doué is this year’s revelation. He packs a punch offensively and defensively. His volume of play is enormous, and even with a number of imperfections in some of his choices, he is making a difference and showing that, as he progresses, he can become monstrous. Against Liverpool, and now in the Champions League quarter-finals, there’s no doubt about it: Doué has turned a corner, and it’s not going to stop any time soon.
Kvaratskhelia: the indefatigable
Like Doué, his defensive work is colossal, and offensively, his technique allows so many beautiful things to happen. His goal is a reflection of the player, full of determination. He scored this goal with an enormous desire to give Paris the lead. Another great game from the Parisian winter recruit.
A victory that leaves us dreaming of a semi-final
With a two-goal lead and PSG scoring in almost every game, or almost never losing by a two-goal margin, it’s almost a foregone conclusion. Especially as this evening’s opponents will not be able to repeat a non-match at home. They’ll be out in the open and PSG will have even more room to manoeuvre. It’s a complicated situation for the English. We’ll have to let them off the hook without getting the short end of the stick.
Flops –
A goal conceded after losing the ball
It’s becoming the norm for PSG, who are almost completely unaffected by opposing forays, but end up conceding a goal against the run of play. Nuno Mendes was at fault, Beraldo defended “rather badly” and Donnarumma, out of range, could do nothing.
Utra domination but “only 3 goals”
With this PSG, one can be demanding. Scoring just 3 goals after such dominance is bound to be frustrating. But we have to be careful, because the Champions League is also about details, and we’ll have to do better in future matches if we want to go all the way. PSG need to convert their chances better.
