Aston Villa will need to overturn a two goal deficit in the Champions League quarter-finals after being beaten 3-1 by PSG in the first leg of their tie.
Villa took the lead against the run of play at the Parc des Princes. With PSG on top, John McGinn took control of the ball and kicked off a counter-attack. Morgan Rogers finished off the move with a tap in at the back post and the good vibes ended there for Unai Emery’s men.
Desire Doue was the instigator of PSG’s comeback. He cut in from the left and fizzed a shot into the far top corner before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sent the hosts ahead in the second half with an equally superb strike.
Villa seemed content to take a loss back to the Midlands but Nuno Mendes made the task incredibly difficult in stoppage time with a dainty and professional finish to sit down Emi Martinez and give the French champions a third goal.
Relive the Champions League action with our live blog below:
PSG vs Aston Villa LIVE
- PSG defeat Aston Villa in the Champions League quarter-finals first leg
- 90+2’ GOAL! Nuno Mendes adds killer third goal in stoppage time (PSG 3-1 AVL)
- 71’ DISALLOWED! Hakimi scores but it offside (PSG 2-1 AVL)
- 49’ GOAL! Kvaratskhelia scores blinder just after restart (PSG 2-1 AVL)
- 39’ GOAL! Doue equalises with superb strike (PSG 1-1 AVL)
- 35’ GOAL! Rogers taps home at the back post after counter attack (PSG 0-1 AVL)
- 23’ CLOSE! Vitinha’s curling effort it whipped over the crossbar (PSG 0-0 AVL)
- 8’ SAVE! Martinez denies Dembele after a quick corner (PSG 0-0 AVL)
Dazzling Desire Doue inspires transformed PSG as Aston Villa taught Champions League lesson
22:22 , Richard Jolly at Parc des PrincesNow it is Unai Emery who needs the Remontada. As he knows from bitter experience, Paris Saint-Germain have lost leads in European second legs before, and bigger ones than this. The verdict may be that Aston Villa’s damage-limitation exercise almost succeeded. Particularly in the four, heady minutes when they led but when a lone goal separated teams divided by a gulf in class.
But then Nuno Mendes provided the coup de grace, the third goal PSG fully deserved. Villa have a colossal task to overturn a deficit next week. Beaten by the youthful brio of Desire Doue and the idiosyncratic virtuosity of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, any comeback would have to come at the expense of a PSG side staking their claim to be Europe’s finest.
Dazzling Desire Doue inspires transformed PSG as Aston Villa taught lesson
PSG manager Luis Enrique on TNT Sports:
22:45 , Mike Jones"They scored that goal that felt a little difficult to accept but we just had to win that match and to score in the last minute was great for us and our confidence. We have to think about the second leg and it's going to be difficult for sure.
"It's important to believe in ourselves and the three goals were great, a lot of quality. We're very happy with the result. It will be difficult [at Villa Park] but we will try to play the same way - it's our DNA."
Morgan Rogers insists Aston Villa ‘not done yet’ despite defeat to ‘deadly’ PSG
22:38 , Mike JonesMorgan Rogers has insisted that Aston Villa retain real hope of progressing in the Champions League despite a 3-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their quarter-final.
Rogers opened the scoring with goal of lovely construct in the first half but PSG soon showed their class, with Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia producing standout moments of individual quality.
The attacking pair put the hosts ahead at the Parc des Princes before Nuno Mendes added a third, and potentially crucial, goal late on to increase the lead the French capital club will take to Villa Park next week.
Morgan Rogers insists Aston Villa ‘not done yet’ despite defeat to ‘deadly’ PSG
Aston Villa goalscorer Morgan Rogers to TNT Sports:
22:34 , Mike Jones"It was difficult. They're a really good team and have stars all over the place. It's difficult when you have to defend so much and battle. We did but in the end it was the quality from them and maybe some mistakes from us.
"We knew it would be difficult and knew how deadly they are. We didn't want to just come here and be spectators.
"Obviously the scoreline is not in our favour but we've got another game and we'll try and turn it around.
"We're here for a reason, we're not here to just compete. We want to keep fighting and normally we have the quality to compete with any team in the world.
"There's loads of belief in the changing room. We have nothing to lose, nobody thought we'd win the tie in the first place. Why not just go for it? We've definitely got the quality to turn things around. It's not done yet."
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live:
22:29 , Mike Jones"It was a difficult side.
"We are happy with this result, but we have to keep going as there is the second game and the job is not finished.
"This will be a difficult game [at Villa Park], but we have to try play our game and we will see what is happening there."
Paul Robinson reacts to Villa defeat
22:26 , Mike JonesThe former England goalkeeper told BBC Radio 5 Live:
“Aston Villa were outplayed in every single department. Villa couldn't live with the quality that PSG have.
“Paris St-Germain swarm all over a team. It is the whole team, every single person, they almost go man-to-man everywhere.
“It's such a difficult team to play against.”
Bringing George to Villa match in Paris is a big deal, William tells pundits
22:18 , Mike JonesThe Prince of Wales said bringing Prince George to Aston Villa’s Champions League quarter-final in Paris was a “big deal”, as he spoke to pundits Ally McCoist and Rio Ferdinand.
William said he was “pretty terrified” and “nervous” during the conversation at the Parc des Princes before the match against Paris St Germain on Wednesday, adding: “I’m wearing all my lucky clothes.”
The royal was pictured punching the air and hugging George, who was wearing an Aston Villa scarf, as he celebrated Morgan Rogers giving the Birmingham side a first-half lead.
Bringing George to Villa match in Paris is a big deal, William tells pundits
Kvaratskhelia named Player of the Match
22:14 , Mike JonesKhvicha Kvaratskhelia has been named Player of the Match.
The Uefa Technical Observer Group said: "He worked very hard during the whole game.
“He made himself available and brought the biggest threat, plus he delighted everyone with a piece of magic for the second Paris goal with a finish that had quality and showed individual talent.
“It was an example of how to pause and control the tempo of the game when an attacking player enters the opposition’s box. Everything he did was with intent and quality, both on and off the ball."
FT PSG 3-1 Aston Villa
22:10 , Mike JonesIn the other Champions League quarter-final of the night Barcelona have battered Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the first leg in Spain.
That should be enough for them to go through but you never know in this competition.
'There seemed a gulf in class'
22:06 , Richard Jolly at Parc des Princes“That third goal from Nuno Mendes may take the tie beyond Villa.
“Arguably the scoreline flattered them, though. There seemed a gulf in class.”
FT PSG 3-1 Aston Villa
22:03 , Mike Jones
Full-time! PSG 3-1 Aston Villa
21:53 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: The full time whistle goes and Villa have been stung by a late goal.
It could prove too much for them at Villa Park but PSG draw first blood at the Parc des Princes.
PSG lead heading into the second leg.
GOAL! PSG 3-1 Aston Villa (Nuno Mendes, 90+2')
21:52 , Mike JonesA third!
That could be killer. Ousmane Dembele slips a dainty pass into the box for the overlapping run of Nuno Mendes.
He checks himself, sits Emi Martinez down, then lifts it over the goalkeeper.
PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
21:50 , Mike Jones90 mins: Three minutes of added time to play.
Morgan Rogers shoots on the turn but lofts the ball high and wide.
PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
21:46 , Mike Jones87 mins: A cross from Vitinha finds Joao Neves but he can’t direct his header towards goal and nods it out of play instead.
PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
21:44 , Mike Jones84 mins: Six minutes plus stoppage time to go.
Aston Villa will take this result. PSG have been better than them tonight but they are only just ahead.
At Villa Park there will be the benefit of a mass of home supporters.
Unai Emery’s men just need to get out of the game withouth further damage.
PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
21:41 , Mike Jones80 mins: Nearly!
Onana, another of Villa’s substitutes, goes on a fine run through midfield and finds Asensio.
He opens up an angle and shoots only to send the effort wide.
PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
21:38 , Mike Jones77 mins: Ollie Watkins and Ian Maatsen are introduced by Unai Emery with Marcus Rashford and Youri Tielemans taken off.
Will the changes help Villa get themselves an equaliser?
'A big 20 minutes'
21:35 , Richard Jolly at Parc des Princes“A big 20 minutes or so.
“In many respects, 2-1 isn't a great scoreline for PSG, given their dominance.
“Villa can't afford it to get to 4-1. And yet overturning any deficit will be hard, given the quality of this PSG side, and remembering they won at Anfield.
“Emery is making changes, though whether that counts as sticking or twisting, Villa probably just need fresh legs, given the amount of running they have had to do.”
PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
21:32 , Mike Jones74 mins: A half-hearted attempt from Morgan Rogers forces a low save out of Donnarumma.
Desire Doue and Fabian Ruiz are off with Warren Zaire-Emery and Bradley Barcola brought on for the hosts.
PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
21:30 , Mike Jones71 mins: Disallowed!
Achraf Hakimi is fed the ball on the right side of the pitch.
He takes it into the box and shoots, beating Martinez despite the goalkeeper getting a touch to the ball.
The celebrations are cut short by the offside flag though.
PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
21:29 , Mike Jones69 mins: Villa are trying to get themselves back into the match.
Rogers comes down the right wing and lifts a cross into the far side of the box.
There’s no one around and the attack comes to nothing.
PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
21:25 , Mike Jones66 mins: Villa have, at times, six players in the back line trying to limit the space PSG have on the wings.
Doue takes in Disasi but Rogers it back to help out this time and together they force him to retreat.
PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
21:22 , Mike Jones63 mins: PSG are well on top now.
A corner is whipped into the box, hits a back or a shoulder of, I think a Villa defender, then loops into the hands of Emi Martinez.
PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
21:19 , Mike Jones60 mins: Jacob Ramsey is hooked off for Aston Villa with Marco Asensio brought on.
Asensio is in fine form and a goal from him against his parent club would be very handy for Villa.
PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
21:18 , Mike Jones57 mins: Save!
Wonderful from PSG. Fabian Ruiz is played into space on the left side of the pitch.
He gets up to the box and pulls it back to Achraf Hakimi who shoots and forces a low stop out of Emi Martinez!
'Kvaratskhelia has been terrific'
21:16 , Richard Jolly at Parc des Princes“Kvaratskhelia has been terrific in the second half.
“He wasn't bad in the first, either, but his duel with Axel Disasi looks distinctly one-sided.
“Disasi is a Parisian back in Paris but getting turned inside out by the Georgian for his goal probably wasn't the homecoming he had in mind.”
PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
21:16 , Mike Jones55 mins: Doue tracks back to the edge of his own box and recovers the ball.
PSG sweep forward quickly and win a corner but Villa manage to deal with it.
PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
21:10 , Mike Jones51 mins: This is a dangerous moment for Aston Villa now.
Anymore goals and the game could get away from them quickly.
As it stands they’re still in the tie.
GOAL! PSG 2-1 Aston Villa (Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 49')
21:09 , Mike JonesWow!
PSG move the ball up the pitch with one and two touch passes. They find Kvaratskhelia who weaves into the box.
He rolls his studs over the ball and wrongfoots Disasi before smashing his effort into the near top corner.
Incredible.
PSG 1-1 Aston Villa
21:06 , Mike Jones48 mins: Oh! Tielemans gets a lucky bounce and wins the ball in midfield.
There’s a chance for Villa for break but he picks out the wrong pass, trying to find Rashford, which gets intercepted by the hosts.
Second half! PSG 1-1 Aston Villa
21:04 , Mike JonesUnai Emery has made a change at the break with Axel Disasi coming on to replace Matty Cash.
Cash was on a yellow card so it could be a tactical move from the Villa boss.
PSG get the ball rolling again.
Why is Emiliano Martinez being booed by PSG fans in Champions League?
21:01 , Mike JonesEmiliano Martinez has been booed by fans of Paris Saint-Germain during Aston Villa’s Champions League quarter-final at the Parc des Princes.
The Villa goalkeeper had stirred up tension with French fans ahead the trip to PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals by wearing a custom cap displaying Argentina’s recent international trophies.
And the home fans voiced their disapproval of the shot-stopper both as he warmed up and in his early touches of the last-eight encounter, with the 32-year-old whistled after collecting a pass soon after kick off and then while preparing to take a goal kick.
Why is Emiliano Martinez being booed by PSG fans in Champions League?
HT PSG 1-1 Aston Villa
20:57 , Mike JonesBig constrasting stats from the first half.
Aston Villa had two shots, one on target and one goal. PSG meanwhile had 15 efforts, six on target and one goal.
Emi Martinez has made five saves already and there’s been none from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
HT PSG 1-1 Aston Villa
20:53 , Mike Jones
Half-time! PSG 1-1 Aston Villa
20:48 , Mike Jones45+2 mins: The whistle goes to end a fascinating 45 minutes of football.
PSG have controlled the game in large parts but Villa haven’t looked out of their depth and they can take heart from that.
Can they put in another 45 minutes of solid defensive work to take something back to Villa Park?
We’ll see shortly.
PSG 1-1 Aston Villa
20:47 , Mike Jones45 mins: Two minutes of added time to play in the first half.
Villa need to get to the break on level terms.
'Two terrific goals by rising stars'
20:44 , Richard Jolly at Parc des Princes“Two terrific goals by rising stars.
“Villa's was a team goal, finished off by Morgan Rogers, PSG's an individual special by Desire Doue.”
PSG 1-1 Aston Villa
20:44 , Mike Jones42 mins: It’s not as you were again with Villa dropping deep and defending to keep PSG out.
How will Unai Emery approach the second half?
GOAL! PSG 1-1 Aston Villa (Desire Doue, 39')
20:41 , Mike JonesDamn!
Desire Doue is fed the ball over on the left wing and there’s loads of space for him.
Doue comes inside with the ball and shoots. His effort strikes the underside of the bar and lands in the back of the net!
PSG 0-1 Aston Villa
20:39 , Mike Jones38 mins: The atmosphere has slightly dipped from the PSG supporters and the Villa fans can be heard now.
Matty Cash gets forward on the right and slips as he attempts to put in a cross.
Bett all round from Villa.
GOAL! PSG 0-1 Aston Villa (Morgan Rogers, 35')
20:36 , Mike JonesBang!
Aston Villa haven’t done anything until now. It’s a fine move.
McGinn wins the ball in the middle of the pitch, kick starts the counter and feeds the ball over to Rashford.
He plays in Tielemans who squares a pass across the face of goal.
At the back post is Morgan Rogers who taps it home!
'Martinez has looked reliable so far'
20:32 , Richard Jolly at Parc des Princes“Emi Martinez update: the PSG fans have chorused an insult or two in his native Spanish, just to make sure he understands he isn't their favourite person.
“Martinez has looked very reliable so far and Villa solid, with a back four that often becomes a five when someone else drops into the defensive line.
“They haven't had much of the ball in the PSG half, though.”
PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
20:31 , Mike Jones30 mins: Villa have made it through 30 minutes of pressure in this match.
A counter-attack is cut short by Nuno Mendes who is quick to close down Rashford.
Going forward Villa haven’t been able to get anything to click but Unai Emery will be pleased at the current scoreline.
PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
20:28 , Mike Jones27 mins: Kvaratshkelia floats a cross into the box but Martinez is quickly off his line to punch it away.
McGinn completes the clearance for Villa but it isn’t long before PSG have the ball back for another attack.
PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
20:26 , Mike Jones24 mins: Jacob Ramsey took a knock on the back of the knee and needs a bit of treatment.
He seems okay and should be able to play on.
Martinez gets the ball in play once more. There’s a tussle up the pitch and the ball squeezes out to John McGinn.
He has a go from a long, long way out and smokes the ball well wide of the target.
PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
20:24 , Mike Jones23 mins: Close! PSG work the ball brilliantly and get it to Dembele on the right wing.
He runs to the byline then pulls it back for Vitinha.
The midfielder curls a decent effort at goal and whips it over the crossbar!
PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
20:23 , Mike Jones21 mins: Morgan Rogers drives up the pitch on the right side and fizzes a pass over to Rashford.
He drops off and wins the ball before offloading it as Villa try to maintain possession.
PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
20:19 , Mike Jones18 mins: Matty Cash is the first player to see yellow tonight after colliding with Kvaratskheila.
Ezri Konsa was caught napping and Cash had to come across to cover him which earned the booking.
The free kick is slotted to Hakimi who smokes a long effort at goal which is scooped up by Martinez.
'By order of the PSG fans'
20:18 , Richard Jolly at Parc des Princes“The home supporters had a massive tifo with the message ‘by the order of the PSG fans’.
“Was that their response to the Peaky Blinders?
“Either way, they have been loud, and not merely in whistling Emi Martinez.
“The goalkeeper may be unperturbed. His save from Ousmane Dembele was terrific and probably very necessary.”
PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
20:16 , Mike Jones16 mins: A dainty pass over the top from Vitinha gets Achraf Hakimi into the box.
He miscontrols the ball and is closed down by Martinez who wins Villa a goal kick.
PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
20:15 , Mike Jones14 mins: Villa intercept the ball on the edge of their own box. They work it well and move the ball into the feet of John McGinn.
He drives through the middle of the pitch and draws a foul.
The free kick is taken by Youri Tielemans who launches it forward. The ball drops into left side of the box. Gianluigi Donnarumma comes out and palms the ball off the head of Pau Torres.
Villa flick it back into the dangerzone quickly but Willian Pacho leaps up to nod it clear.
PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
20:12 , Mike Jones11 mins: It’s going to be a long night for Villa.
Matty Cash finds himself one-on-one with Kvaratskhelia and is under pressure. The winger twists, turns and dribbles into the area before poking the ball to Nuno Mendes cutting inside.
He shoots and Villa are positioned well enough to block this effort too.
PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
20:09 , Mike Jones8 mins: Dembele goes sprinting down the right side of the pitch and brings the ball into the box before winning a corner.
It’s the first of the game.
PSG play it short to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who dribbles into the penalty area.
He skips inside and has a shot blocked. The ball comes back to Dembele who forces another save out of Martinez!
PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
20:06 , Mike Jones6 mins: Through these early minutes it seems as though Villa will allow PSG to have most of the possession and attempt to counter with the pace of Marcus Rashford.
PSG are patient and work the ball over to the right side of the pitch.
A pass is pulled back to Vitinha who drills a low effort at goal which is smothered by Martinez.
PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
20:05 , Mike Jones3 mins: Here we go.
Desire Doue takes the ball on the inside right with his back to goal.
He controls it, spins and lays off a fine pass to Ousmanne Dembele.
Dembele cuts to the left and smokes a shot at goal but blazes his effort well over the top.
Emi Martinez collects the ball to resume the match and is met with a chorus of boos by the French fans who are less than fond of Villa’s Argentine goalkeeper.
Kick off! PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
20:02 , Mike JonesAston Villa get the ball rolling and send it back to Emi Martinez.
He pumps it long and over to the right side of the pitch. Marcus Rashford is hovering around but the PSG defenders manage to deal with the ball.
PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
19:57 , Mike JonesThe players make their way out onto the pitch at the Parc de Princes.
Aston Villa haven’t been in this situation for over 40 years.
It is a first for this group of players and they are two matches away from a Champions League semi-final. Can they get there?
Kick off is up next...
Pre-match thoughts from Unai Emery:
19:55 , Mike Jones"The challenge we have today, the biggest challenge we are going to face this season. We are ready and we're feeling consistent in this way - today we have to get our best.
"We are going to play intelligently. Of course, it is going to be amazing - we are enjoying Champions league, but we want to do something more.
"Playing away, they have the opponents supporters helping them and trying to push [them], but we have our supporters here. We are going to be here focused on the match, and be connected through our connections and motivations.
"We want to write our history here with the players we have."
Why is Emiliano Martinez being booed by PSG fans in Champions League?
19:50 , Mike JonesEmiliano Martinez has been booed by fans of Paris Saint-Germain as he warmed up ahead of Aston Villa’s Champions League quarter-final at the Parc des Princes.
The Villa goalkeeper had stirred up tension with French fans ahead the trip to PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals by wearing a custom cap displaying Argentina’s recent international trophies.
Martinez was dubbed a “specialist in provocation” by French newspaper L’Equipe following the goalkeeper’s antics in Argentina’s victory over Les Blues in the 2022 World Cup final.
Why is Emiliano Martinez being booed by PSG fans in Champions League?
Will Asensio score for Villa?
19:45 , Mike JonesMarco Asensio has scored three goals in two Champions League appearances for Aston Villa (both as a substitute), after failing to score in 10 games for former club PSG in the competition.
If he finds the net in this game, 2024-25 would be his best ever return in a single Champions League campaign (currently on three).
Vitinha's massive impact
19:40 , Mike JonesPSG’s Vitinha has completed 93% of his passes made under high-intensity pressure in the Champions League this season (544/586).
That is the highest completion rate of any midfielder in the competition (min. 100 attempted).
The Portuguese also leads all players for line-breaking passes in the knockout stages of the current tournament (77).
Dembele in frightening form
19:35 , Mike JonesOusmane Dembele has netted seven goals in his last six Champions League games for PSG.
That is one more than in his previous 36 appearances in the competition combined (6).
Six of those seven goals have been scored in away matches, however.
Returning Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio reveal vision of what PSG might have been
19:30 , Mike JonesIt was the first penalty Marcus Rashford had ever taken for Manchester United. It was surely the most pressurised he ever would. Kylian Mbappe could only stand and watch. The World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was at least able to dive but Rashford rifled it over him.
The away-goals rule meant the scenario was all or nothing, elimination or progress, deep into added time at the Parc des Princes. United’s underdogs had lost at home. Their resources were so depleted that Tahith Chong came on in the away leg. Against Mbappe and Buffon, Thiago Silva, Dani Alves and Marquinhos, Edinson Cavani and Angel Di Maria. Rashford scored.
Returning Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio reveal vision of what PSG might have been
Emery on Rashford
19:25 , Mike Jones“He’s a good guy, he’s humble, he’s a very good professional player. He’s really happy with his teammates and he’s being demanding with himself with everything that we want from him in the team.
“I think he’s playing free and comfortable, and this is the most important thing. It’s important to connect with him as a person firstly and after it to connect with him as a player.
“His process here is getting better. He’s playing in two different positions – he started here as a left winger and now he’s playing as more of a striker. How he can exploit his qualities as best as possible with us is the process we have.
“There’s still more to do and there’s still a process to do, but the most important is how he’s feeling. We’re seeing him smiling, which is the best view we can have. I’m seeing him happy and committed to everything we are doing.”
Midfield maestros
19:20 , Mike Jones52% of Aston Villa’s chances created in the Champions League this season have come from the middle third of the pitch (left/middle/right); the highest percentage of any side.
Meanwhile, Unai Emery’s team have conceded the fewest overall chances from the middle third this term (12).
PSG backing youth
19:15 , Mike JonesAt 24 years and 242 days, PSG have the fifth-youngest starting XI on average in the Champions League this season.
It is also the youngest of any team remaining in the 2024-25 tournament.
Bad memories for Emery
19:10 , Mike JonesAston Villa boss Unai Emery has won just two of his 10 games against Luis Enrique as a manager (one drawn, seven defeats), with both wins coming in home fixtures.
Indeed, this will be the first time they’ve faced each other since the 2016-17 campaign, when Luis Enrique’s Barcelona came from 0-4 down in the first leg to eliminate Emery’s PSG side in the Champions League last 16 (6-1 win in the second leg).
Villa are fourth English team PSG have played this year
19:05 , Mike JonesAston Villa will be the fourth different English team that PSG have faced in the Champions League this season (also Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool).
This is the joint-most opponents from one nation that a team have played against in a single European Cup/Champions League campaign, along with Leeds United in 2000-01 (four Spanish sides) and Real Madrid in 2023-24 (four German sides).
'PSG have been terrific in home games'
19:05 , Richard Jolly at Parc des Princes“A few hundred yards from the Parc des Princes, there were plenty of Aston Villa supporters luxuriating in the Paris sunshine.
“Their first European Cup quarter-final for 42 years is a glamour game, but with the prize for victory potentially a more familiar fixture: it might be Arsenal, rather than Real Madrid, in the semi-finals.
“A familiar face for PSG begins on the Villa bench, with Marco Asensio only a substitute. So is Ollie Watkins, which means Marcus Rashford leads the line in a Champions League quarter-final.
“PSG have spent much of their Champions League campaign playing English opponents, with mixed results, but have been terrific in both home games, even if they actually lost 1-0 to Liverpool on the night.”
Aston Villa’s Champions League dream depends on Unai Emery exorcising his greatest ghost
19:00 , Mike JonesIn weeks like this, Unai Emery immerses himself so much in match preparation that it’s almost impossible to turn his mind to anything else. He will always have another video to watch. As much as Emery brings these games down to their purest football elements – and almost because he’s such a gentleman – it’s still impossible not to wonder whether he will be motivated by one barb that is still said at Paris Saint-Germain.
That is that he is no more than “a Europa League manager” and “a level below a top coach”. They are stances from senior club figures that have informed wider commentary on Emery’s career, including on these pages.
Aston Villa’s Champions League dream depends on Unai Emery exorcising his a ghost
Villa's poor record
18:55 , Mike JonesAston Villa have never won away to a French opponent in European competition.
They’ve played five French teams, drawn twice and lost three times.
It is their most away to teams from one nation without winning.
The last two have both been defeats under Unai Emery, losing at Lille in April 2024 (1-2) and at Monaco in January this year (0-1).
PSG line-up to face Villa
18:51 , Mike JonesPSG XI: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Lucas Beralod, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruis; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
Aston Villa line-up to face PSG
18:49 , Mike JonesAston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; McGinn, Kamara, Tielemans; Ramsey, Rogers, Rashford
Team news is in 👊 UP THE VILLA pic.twitter.com/UON4uTAAPj
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 9, 2025
Emery on Martinez
18:40 , Mike Jones“He is mature, he is responsible, he is getting better at controlling his emotions,” Unai Emery said when asked about Emiliano Martinez and his antics.
“When he arrived at Aston Villa five or six years ago and now it is different.
“He is more mature, he is a better player and goalkeeper. Now my conversation with him is always the same: ‘Focus on football and your individual challenge and you have and try to control the emotion it is bringing to you’.
“Of course Emiliano Martinez is a very important player for us, he is one of the best players in the world, the best goalkeeper in the world, he got the award for it in Paris.
“Football is to understand the supporters, to understand how you are helping your team. Every player, coaches, supporters, we have to try and understand to be respectful.”
Martinez stirs up tension with France
18:35 , Jamie BraidwoodEmiliano Martinez stirred up tension with France ahead of Aston Villa’s trip to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals by wearing a custom cap displaying Argentina’s recent international trophies.
He is expected to receive a hostile reception when Aston Villa face PSG in the Parc des Princes - and arrived in Paris wearing a baseball cap with an emblem of the World Cup, two Copa Americas and the Finalissima covering the French cockerel.
Emiliano Martinez stirs up tension with France with message to PSG fans
18:30 , Mike JonesEmiliano Martinez stirred up tension with France ahead of Aston Villa’s trip to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals by wearing a custom cap displaying Argentina’s recent international trophies.
Martinez was dubbed a “specialist in provocation” by French newspaper L’Equipe following the goalkeeper’s antics in Argentina’s victory over Les Blues in the 2022 World Cup final.
Emiliano Martinez stirs up tension with France with message to PSG fans
'The recognition of Aston Villa is massive'
18:25 , Mike Jones“Aston Villa is an historic club in the world. They won the European Cup in 1982 and it’s something very special in football – the recognition of Aston Villa is massive,” Emery said in yesterday’s press conference.
He added: “When I arrived here two and a half years ago, I knew this history. The challenge in that moment was to be a contender for trophies, to play in Europe again and to play in the Champions League, which would be amazing.
“To keep it consistently is the next challenge. To be playing in Paris in the Champions League quarter-final is something really special and amazing for the everybody involved with Aston Villa, but we want to be consistently doing it.”
Emery on returning to PSG
18:20 , Mike JonesAston Villa’s head coach, Unai Emery, spent two years at PSG between 2016-18 and is returning to the Parc de Princes to face his old club tonight.
“I spent two years here and I’m always thankful for the experiences I had,” he said.
“Everything I did before is in my past and helped transform me into the coach I am now.
“I’m feeling good, it’s the first time I’m coming back here in Paris and the Parc de Princes. It’s something special for me.
“I’m very proud of how I am coming back here, playing in the Champions League with Aston Villa and trying to enjoy this quarter-final.”
PSG end run of defeats to English teams
18:15 , Mike JonesPSG eliminated Liverpool in the last 16 of this season’s Champions League.
They exited the competition in each of their last three knockout stage meetings with English sides.
Those defeats coming against: Man City in 2015-16 and 2020-21, and Man Utd in 2018-19.
'We've adapted to the competition'
18:10 , Mike JonesTielemans als explained how Villa have grown into the competition and taken lessons from playing against big name opponents like Bayern Munich in the league phase.
He said: "We have players with experience, and you can see that in how we've performed against some of the biggest teams.
“Our results have been really good, along with the way we've adapted ourselves to this competition. The main thing is our mentality and focus going into games, knowing that we can do something here.
“We're always ready and prepared."
'We have confidence'
18:05 , Mike JonesYouri Tielemans says that Unai Emery has instilled a sense of confidence into Aston Villa’s players and that they’ll be ready for tonight’s match.
Speaking at yesterday’s press conference the midfielder said: "We have a lot of confidence. Our coach knows what it is like to be at this stage of this competition, and we are all ready for tomorrow.
“Fighting for trophies is our ambition and we are prepared to end the season strongly."
Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha and the two unlikely paths of Ballon d’Or favourites
18:01 , Mike JonesAs we approach the business end of the season, the Champions League begins in earnest and two top talents teeter on the edge of greatness: Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha wouldn’t have been high on many people’s list of Ballon d’Or contenders last August, but this duo enter the quarter-finals as the two favourites for football’s most illustrious individual award.
And what further links this unlikely pairing – now among the leading men for two of the continent’s best sides – is that they are in the midst of finally delivering on the promising signs from earlier in their careers.
Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha and the two unlikely paths of Ballon d’Or favourites
'There is no luck involved'
17:55 , Mike JonesPSG forward, Desire Doue, spoke ahead of the match and claimed that luck played no part in either team getting to this stage of the competition.
He said: "When you reach this stage of the competition, there is no luck involved.
“So if Aston Villa are here, it means they deserve to be. So no talk of favourites.
“Villa are a good team with good players. We have to be serious from the kick-off to the final whistle and in the second leg too."
A second meeting
17:50 , Mike JonesThis just the second Uefa Champions League quarter-final between French and English sides in the last eight campaigns.
The first was between Manchester City and Lyon with City winning 1-3 in the only leg in 2019-20.
A first meeting
17:45 , Mike JonesParis Saint-Germain and Aston Villa will meet for the first time in European competition.
PSG will be the favourites to win with their home advantage but Villa have won the European Cup previously in their history.
It should be a good contest.
'Aston Villa look like us'
17:40 , Mike JonesLuis Enrique also spoke about PSG’s opponents tonight and how he sees similarities between Unai Emery’s team and his won.
He said: "[Unai Emery] is a great coach. Aston Villa are a great team. They have come on in the last two years thanks to Unai Emery.
“They look like us, with lots of versatile players. It's difficult to know who is going to play, especially after their winter transfer window where they have strengthened in a good way.
“It will be an open and difficult tie for both teams."
Are PSG favourites?
17:35 , Mike Jones"In football, there are no such things as favourites.” said PSG head coach Luis Enrique when asked if his side were the favourites to win this quarter-final.
He added: “There are eight teams who are in the quarter-finals because they deserve it.
“We will need to do what we have to do and deserve to win on the field."
Premier League guaranteed fifth Champions League spot after Arsenal beat Real Madrid
17:30 , Mike JonesThe Premier League will be guaranteed at least five teams in the 2025/26 edition of the Champions League after Arsenal’s thrilling 3-0 victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
Two additional spots in the Champions League are available to the leagues in the countries with the highest Uefa co-efficients, with countries earning co-efficient points based on how their sides perform.
A win adds two points, while a draw adds one, with all the points earned by each club added up and divided by the number of clubs that league has participating in Europe.
Premier League guaranteed fifth Champions League spot after Arsenal beat Real Madrid
PSG vs Aston Villa Prediction
17:25 , Mike JonesAston Villa have been one of the more impressive sides in the competition so far but face a huge step up in level for this quarter-final.
Should Unai Emery’s men come out of this test with a positive outcome they cannot be ruled out of progressing even further in the competition but PSG have more than enough attacking quality to hurt them, especially with such a strong record at home.
PSG 2-0 Aston Villa.
Aston Villa early team news
17:20 , Mike JonesFor Aston Villa, PSG loanee Marco Asensio is set to face his old club having score eight goals in 11 appearances for Villa. Leon Bailey is an injury doubt though has been seen in full training and could feature at some point in the game.
But, Ross Barkley will be absent and Emery has to decide who to select in midfield with John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara both fit to start.
Predicted Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; McGinn, Asensio, Rogers; Rashford
PSG early team news
17:15 , Mike JonesLee Kang-in is currently sidelined for PSG and the hosts will be without their captain, Marquinhos, for the first leg as he serves a suspension.
Luis Enrique rested his big guns in Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele for the title winning match against Angers and they are expected to return to the starting line-up.
Predicted PSG XI: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Beraldo, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Kvaratskhelia, Dembele, Barcola
How can I watch it?
17:10 , Mike JonesViewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live via TNT Sports 1 and discovery+, with coverage from 7.00pm BST. You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for £30.99 per month.
When is PSG vs Aston Villa?
17:05 , Mike JonesThe first leg of the Champions League quarter-final is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Wednesday 9 April at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
PSG vs Aston Villa
17:00 , Mike JonesParis Saint-Germain host Aston Villa in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at the Parc des Princes tonight.
The French club are the newly crowned Ligue 1 champions following a 1-0 victory over Angers on Saturday, ably managing to secure the title with six matches left to play.
Their focus now turns to the Champions League where they take on Aston Villa in the last eight having eliminated Liverpool, via a penalty shootout, in the previous round.
Villa have impressed in this competition for Unai Emery and hope to keep their fine run going. They defeated Club Brugge 6-1 on aggregate in the last-16 and have secured wins over Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig already in this campaign.
Good afternoon!
15:19 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Champions League action as Aston Villa face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals.
PSG have wrapped up the Ligue 1 title already this season and are now focusing of winning the Champions League for the first time.
They face a Villa side excelling this year but Unai Emery has a strong record in Europe and will want to impress tonight.
Can Villa beat PSG in their own backyard?
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and latest updates throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
