In what was another Champions League classic on Tuesday night, PSG dragged themselves to a semi-final ticket as they secured a remarkable 5-4 aggregate victory against Aston Villa.
Storming their way to a first-leg 3-1 win in Paris last week and holding a commanding advantage here, PSG got off to a dream start after just 11 minutes as Achraf Hakimi powered home.
Firmly regarded as a leading Champions League contender this season, things only got better for Luis Enrique’s side as Nuno Mendes doubled the French side’s lead as they briefly silenced the home support.
However, while Tuesday’s guests might have been in complete control during the opening half-hour, Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans pulled one back before the interval as his deflected shot left Gianluigi Donnarumma helpless.
Flying out of the traps following the half-time break, Villa reignited their semi-final dreams as John McGinn and Ezri Konsa bagged a quick fire brace that were separated by just a matter of seconds.
Although Villa might have thrown the kitchen sink at PSG late on as Donnarumma denied Tielemans thanks to a wonderful reflex stop, the French heavyweights managed to regain a measure of composure and dragged themselves over the finishing line.
While Villa might have eventually tasted heartbreak in the Midlands, they did secure a famous 3-2 win on the night and must take a host of positives away from an iconic occasion for the club.
On a night when PSG moved one step to a maiden piece of European silverware, we have taken a look at the main talking points from Tuesday’s showdown.
PSG drag themselves to the final four
More than deserving of their first-leg 3-1 victory in Paris last week, PSG have certainly underlined their status as a leading Champions League contender this season.
Travelling to the Midlands on Tuesday night having won all of their previous 16 consecutive appearances outside of Paris, PSG were confident of laying down another public marker here.
However, despite sending Premier League giants Liverpool packing last month and putting in a rampant first-half display on Tuesday night, Enrique’s side still have work to do and will be frustrated by their collapse on foreign soil.
Although the free-scoring French heavyweights might have taken a giant leap towards what would be a sensational European and domestic sweep, PSG will know the importance of finding some crucial defensive steel.
Having to ride their luck late on, the former Barcelona boss could feel that Tuesday’s rollercoaster affair in the Midlands was the perfect eye-opener for his superstar squad.
Villa win the battle but lose the war
Marking their return to the Midlands on Tuesday night always knowing that they were seeking a real Champions League miracle, even the most hardened of Villa fans wouldn’t have seen a route to the final four.
However, while Unai Emery’s men might have eventually fallen short in their bid to shatter more European records here, Villa should take a string of positives away from what was an iconic night for their fans.
Backed by a vocal home support at Villa Park and mounting what was a remarkable comeback against a PSG squad who are pencilled in as a standout contender to get their hands on a maiden Champions League crown, Villa showed all of their character.
Securing a famous second-leg victory on the night and causing the French high-flyers a host of issues over both legs, Villa’s can’t afford to show any signs of an emotional hangover as they turn their attention back to domestic duties.
Heading into their final six Premier League matchups of the season, Emery’s men currently sit just one-point adrift of finding a route back into the Champions League spots and booking another campaign at Europe’s top table.
PSG’s attention turns to Madrid
While PSG might be breezing their way to yet another Ligue 1 title this season and not really having to get out of third gear, it is no secret that a maiden Champions League crown is their full focus.
Although Enrique’s camp might have missed out on the chance to book their semi-final spot with another statement of intent, they have moved one step closer and all of their attention will turn to Wednesday’s showdown in Madrid.
Set for a mouth-watering final four showdown against either Real Madrid or Arsenal, the former Barcelona boss will already be putting together his plans for what should be a battle against another club looking to end their long wait for a first piece of European silverware.
Watching the Gunners storm their way to a sensational 3-0 victory in north London last week, Arsenal are sat firmly in the driving seat when they travel to the Spanish capital on Wednesday night.
However, with PSG narrowly avoiding what would have been an infamous Champions League collapse here, Arsenal will know that the job is not complete and Los Blancos are more than capable of completing another famous comeback.
Match Report
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Kamara, Onana, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Rashford
Subs: Ramsey, Maatsen, Asensio, Watkins, Barkley
PSG: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves, Barcola, Kvaratskhelia
Subs: Doue
Goals: Aston Villa: Tielemans (34’), McGinn (55’), Konsa (57’) – PSG: Hakimi (11’), Mendes (27’)
Yellow Cards: McGinn
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Jose Maria Sanchez
