Paris St-Germain earned a vital first-leg victory in the Champions League quarter-finals as Nuno Mendes found the net in the closing moments to secure a 3-1 win over Aston Villa at Parc des Princes.
Villa appeared to be heading home with a manageable one-goal deficit before Mendes stepped up in stoppage time, cutting inside and finishing high past Emiliano Martinez to give the French side a bigger cushion going into the second leg.
Earlier in the night, Morgan Rogers put the visitors ahead after 35 minutes, latching onto Youri Tielemans’ delivery following a swift counterattack. The goal sparked joy among the travelling supporters, including Prince William, a lifelong Villa follower.
That lead didn’t last long. PSG hit back quickly, with teenager Desire Doue bending a stunning shot into the corner from the edge of the area, leaving Martinez rooted to the spot.
Four minutes after the break, the Parisians took control when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who constantly caused problems for Villa’s defense, turned Axel Disasi and rifled a shot in at the near post.
Villa face uphill task in second leg
Villa had worked hard to stay in the match despite long spells without possession and were hopeful of keeping the scoreline narrow heading into stoppage time.
Goalkeeper Martinez, often the focus of jeers from the home crowd due to past controversies, made several important stops throughout the match, denying Ousmane Dembele and Achraf Hakimi, among others.
As the clock ticked down, Villa still believed a 2-1 deficit was within reach for the return fixture at Villa Park. But Mendes’ late strike shifted the mood entirely, as PSG celebrated and Villa players dropped to the turf in frustration.
Despite the setback, Unai Emery’s side showed determination against a well-organized PSG outfit and will try to use their home advantage in the second leg to mount a comeback.
PSG show growth and confidence on European stage
Luis Enrique’s side continues to look formidable as they progress through the competition. With a squad shaped more around cohesion than star power, PSG have found a strong rhythm.
Young talents like Doue and Kvaratskhelia, alongside the experienced Dembele, gave the Ligue 1 champions a dynamic presence in attack. Their pace and technique repeatedly opened up spaces in the Villa back line.
This victory adds to an impressive campaign that has already seen PSG overcome Manchester City and Liverpool. Their blend of possession control and sharp forward play could make them serious contenders for European silverware.
As they look ahead to the second leg, the Parisian club will feel confident that their late reward in the first encounter might prove decisive in their quest for a semi-final place.
