Superb Désiré Doué & electric Khvicha Kvaratskhelia help PSG to first leg win vs Aston Villa

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PSG 3-1 Aston Villa 

©TM/IMAGO

PSG once again shone in the Champions League, and reaffirmed their status as one of the favourites to go all the way in this season’s competition. Morgan Rogers continued his superb season by giving Aston Villa the lead to cap off a superb team move started off by the tenacity of midfielder John McGinn. However, less than five minutes later teenager Désiré Doué provided a moment of magic, curling a superb effort into the top corner from the edge of the box to level the game. Fellow winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia then showed his class as he turned substitute Axel Disasi inside out before firing past Emiliano Martínez to put PSG in front. 

Full-back Nuno Mendes then capped off an impressive evening, cutting inside to add a late third goal for the hosts. Much like in their round of 16 ties against Liverpool, the Parisians played with frightening energy. On the ball, their attacking players were a joy to watch. Either Real Madrid or Arsenal, who will play the winners of PSG vs Aston Villa, will be in for a stern test should they face Luis Enrique’s side in the semi-finals. Unai Emery will have to mastermind something special for the return leg in the Midlands next week to stop PSG progressing.

Both Doué and Kvaratskhelia were signed this season by PSG for €50 million and €75m respectively, and are currently looking worth every penny. Doué’s quick feet gave Villa nightmares, whilst Kvaratskhelia looked as though he would be able to nutmeg a mermaid. His dribbling skills were unplayable at times. Doué, currently with a market value of €60m, has 11 goals and 12 assists in his maiden season with PSG after signing from Stade Rennes last summer. Kvaratskhelia arrived later, coming in January from Napoli, but already has three goals and six assists in 16 games for his new side. The Georgian plays like a winger of yesteryear, constantly driving at players and beating defenders. That pair, as well as forward Ousmane Démbélé, will be key if PSG are to finally win their first ever Champions League title.