PARIS — Fireworks lit up the night sky around Parc des Princes, but it was Paris Saint-Germain’s scintillating attacking display that truly illuminated the French capital.
A resounding 3-1 victory over Aston Villa in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final sent a clear message to Europe: PSG are no longer just contenders, but favourites.
Luis Enrique’s side, now reimagined with youthful brilliance and tactical discipline, turned on the style to overwhelm Unai Emery’s Villa, with two of Europe’s most exciting young talents—19-year-old Desire Doue and Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—taking centre stage.
Despite dominating early proceedings, PSG found themselves stunned when Villa’s Morgan Rogers capitalised on a rare attack to put the visitors ahead in the 35th minute.
The goal came against the run of play, and briefly threatened to unsettle the home side. But the response from PSG was swift, ruthless, and dazzling.
Doue, who joined PSG from Rennes last summer in a £43m move, lived up to his billing as one of France’s brightest young stars.
The teenager tore down the left flank with purpose and poise, scoring a sensational equaliser just before the break. Picking up the ball 20 yards out, he curled a magnificent strike past a rooted Emiliano Martinez to bring the Parisians level and ignite the Parc.
After the interval, Kvaratskhelia—nicknamed the “Georgian genius” by fans—added his own moment of magic. With space opening up on the edge of the area, the former Napoli man danced past two defenders and fired low into the corner to put PSG ahead.
Though Villa showed resilience, with Martinez producing several fine saves to keep the score respectable, PSG’s superiority was undeniable. The third and potentially decisive blow came deep into injury time when Portuguese full-back Nuno Mendes powered home a low shot to seal the 3-1 victory.
For PSG, the result is more than just a lead—it is a symbol of transformation. The club’s Qatari owners have long chased the Champions League crown with a galaxy of superstars. But the glitz of Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Sergio Ramos brought only disappointment.
Now, with a renewed focus on team structure and long-term growth, PSG look a more complete, cohesive unit. The combined £102m spent on Doue and Kvaratskhelia may pale in comparison to the £200m Neymar deal of 2017, but it is proving money better spent.
Doue, whose name aptly translates to “desire gifted,” has already shown he possesses both. From his penalty heroics at Anfield to his dominant display against Villa, the teenager is quickly becoming a fan favourite—despite past disciplinary hiccups, such as arriving late to his first France call-up.
With the second leg at Villa Park looming, PSG hold the advantage and the momentum. For Villa, the task is daunting. For PSG, the dream of finally lifting Europe’s most coveted prize looks closer than ever.
