Aston Villa were in dreamland for less than five minutes before tasting a 3-1 defeat against PSG in their Champions League quarter-final first leg. Morgan Rogers was on the end of a perfectly executed team move to open the scoring before Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Nuno Mendes produced moments of solo brilliance to turn the tide.
Express Sport runs through the Villa player ratings after an entertaining affair at the Parc des Princes.
Aston Villa player ratings vs PSG
Emiliano Martinez: 7
Forced into several saves to limit PSG’s advantage but the linesman spared his blushes by flagging Achraf Hakimi offside after he slotted a tame effort between the Argentine’s legs.
Matty Cash: 4
Had a very tough night against the electric Kvaratskhelia before Unai Emery hauled him off for Axel Disasi at half-time.
Ezri Konsa: 7
Constantly under pressure by PSG’s menacing attack but held his own on the biggest stage. England manager Thomas Tuchel would have been watching with intrigue.
Pau Torres: 6
Similarly as resolute but he’s not the most mobile defender and was seen scampering in a panic as the pace of the hosts bore down on Villa’s goals.
Lucas Digne: 5
Terrorised by the wonderkid Doue and didn’t offer too much down the left flank while he was pinned back by the teenage winger.
Boubacar Kamara: 5
A return to France for the former Marseille midfielder. Consumed by PSG’s relentlessly energetic midfield trio of Joao Neves, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz.
Youri Tielemans: 6
Picked out Rogers with a cross-goal assist to fire Villa into the lead but equally struggled against a superior midfield.
Morgan Rogers: 6
Landed on cloud nine with his back post tap-in that edged the visitors ahead of couldn’t impact the game after PSG took control.
John McGinn: 7
Offered invaluable energy and sparked Villa’s opener with a characteristic challenge to start a ruthless transition. He started for the Villans against Rotherham United six years ago tonight.
Jacob Ramsey: 5
Looked like a rabbit in headlights on this stage at times. A stark contrast from PSG’s devastating forwards. Hooked before the hour mark.
Marcus Rashford: 4
He has a strong track record against PSG with Manchester United but couldn’t lay a glove on the Ligue 1 champions tonight. Took 29 touches, lost the ball eight times and only one of three take-on attempts came off. Snubbing Ollie Watkins was a bold call by Emery that didn’t pay off.
Substitutes
Axel Disasi: 4
On for Cash at half-time. Destroyed by Kvaratskhelia moments later.
Marco Asensio: 5
A friendly showing against his parent club.
Ollie Watkins: 6
What must he be thinking? One of the Premier League’s best strikers isn’t a guaranteed starter. Bizarre.
Ian Maatsen: 6
A 10-minute cameo.
Amadou Onana: 6
Likewise.
