Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) began the new club football season in the same way they ended the last one — with a major trophy. This time, it was the UEFA Super Cup, with Unai Emery’s Aston Villa beaten 2-1 in Salzburg.
PSG enjoyed more than 60 per cent possession, but the scoreline did not reflect how well Villa played for much of the game. Their crosses into the box caused numerous problems for the European champions, while 17-year-old Brian Madjo, making his competitive debut after Villa won a case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to register him, was arguably the most impactful player on the pitch.
The victory secured Luis Enrique’s 13th trophy with PSG, but it came the hard way. The opening goal was a reminder of what the World Cup in North America missed this summer. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia picked up the ball and unleashed a long-range effort so quickly that Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot barely had time to set himself. Kvaratskhelia, PSG’s Georgian superstar, was his usual self — skilful, fast, direct and almost impossible to stop.
Villa had threats of their own, with John McGinn’s crosses troubling one of Europe’s most accomplished back lines. They should have scored at least twice before eventually finding the net on the stroke of half-time.
Madjo must have enjoyed his first taste of senior football. The teenager produced a fine finish at the far post, and combined running power and an imposing physical presence that brought to mind a young Romelu Lukaku. The player signed from Metz for around £10 million in January was a constant menace.
In the end, PSG’s quality proved decisive. A pass from Ousmane Dembélé released Désiré Doué, with several players appearing to believe he was offside. VAR confirmed that Matty Cash had played Doué onside, and the Frenchman made no mistake with the left-footed finish.
Both teams had chances in the closing stages, but PSG held on to once again lay down their marker in European football. They may have won the Champions League in consecutive seasons, but there is little sign that they are ready to rest on their laurels.
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