UCL semi-finals: PSG survive Aston Villa scare to advance
Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in the UCL semi-finals despite a 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa in a thrilling second leg of the quarter-finals on Tuesday. The Parisian club advanced with a 5-4 aggregate win, having won the first leg 3-1 in Paris.
Early Lead for PSG Shaken by Villa Comeback
The visitors took control early, with Achraf Hakimi scoring in the 11th minute after a swift counterattack. PSG doubled their lead in the 27th minute when Youri Tielemans fired home from close range, giving the French side a 2-0 cushion.
However, Aston Villa responded quickly. Tielemans struck back for the English team in the 34th minute after a smart exchange between Marcus Rashford and John McGinn. The momentum shifted further in the second half when McGinn equalized in the 55th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box. Just two minutes later, Ezri Konsa put Villa ahead 3-2.
Donnarumma and Martinez Shine in Goal
PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made several crucial saves to keep the aggregate score in their favor, including two stops from Rashford and a vital save against a Tielemans header. He also denied former PSG man Marco Asensio, who was on loan at Villa.
At the other end, Emiliano Martinez was equally heroic for Villa, saving key chances from Dembele, Hakimi, and substitute Desire Doue.
Final Drama Secures PSG’s Qualification
As the match entered stoppage time, Aston Villa nearly found a fourth goal when Ian Mathiassen shot from inside the box, but Willian Bachau cleared off the line. That moment sealed PSG’s qualification for the UCL semi-finals, where they now await the winner of the Real Madrid vs. Arsenal clash.
