Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Champions League Quarter-Final: Paris Saint-Germain Defeat Aston Villa in First Leg Encounter
Aston Villa’s Champions League dreams faced a harsh reality as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the quarter-final first leg. An early strike from Morgan Rogers briefly put Villa ahead, capping off a fluid team move. However, PSG responded emphatically, with Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Nuno Mendes each delivering moments of individual brilliance to overturn the deficit at Parc des Princes.
Aston Villa Player Ratings vs PSG
Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez: 7
The Argentine goalkeeper was kept busy, producing several crucial saves to prevent PSG from extending their lead. He was fortunate when an Achraf Hakimi attempt, which slipped under his body, was ruled offside by the linesman’s flag.
Defenders
Matty Cash: 4
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Endured a difficult evening against the electrifying Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Manager Unai Emery opted to replace him with Axel Disasi at the interval.
Ezri Konsa: 7
Despite facing relentless pressure from PSG’s potent attack, the defender stood firm and composed on the big stage. National team coach Thomas Tuchel may have been taking note of his performance.
Pau Torres: 6
Demonstrated similar resilience under duress, but his lack of pace was evident when PSG’s quick forward line surged towards the Aston Villa goal.
Lucas Digne: 5
Struggled to contain the youthful dynamism of Doue and offered limited attacking support on the left flank as he was frequently pinned back by the winger.
Midfielders
Boubacar Kamara: 5
Returning to familiar territory in France, the former Marseille player was overwhelmed by PSG’s energetic midfield trio of Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz.
Youri Tielemans: 6
Delivered an accurate cross-field assist to Rogers for Villa’s opening goal. However, he also found it challenging to gain control against a dominant PSG midfield.
Morgan Rogers: 6
Enjoyed a memorable moment, tapping in at the far post to give the visitors the lead. Yet, he struggled to influence the match after PSG seized command.
John McGinn: 7
Provided his characteristic high energy levels and initiated Villa’s opening goal with a strong challenge that launched a swift counter-attack. Notably, he was playing for Villa against Rotherham United on the same date six years prior.
Forwards
Jacob Ramsey: 5
Appeared overwhelmed by the occasion at times, a stark contrast to PSG’s clinical attacking players. He was substituted before the hour mark.
Marcus Rashford: 4
Despite a previous strong record against PSG with Manchester United, he failed to make an impact against the Ligue 1 champions in this fixture. He registered 29 touches, conceded possession eight times, and only completed one of three attempted dribbles. Emery’s decision to start him ahead of Ollie Watkins proved ineffective.
Substitutes
Axel Disasi: 4
Introduced at halftime for Cash, but was swiftly outmaneuvered by Kvaratskhelia.
Marco Asensio: 5
Delivered a subdued performance against his former club.
Ollie Watkins: 6
His omission from the starting lineup remains a talking point. Considered one of the Premier League’s top forwards, yet not guaranteed a starting place. A perplexing decision.
Ian Maatsen: 6
Made a brief ten-minute appearance.
Amadou Onana: 6
Also a late substitute with limited time to influence the game.