UCL Reaction: PSG 3-1 Aston Villa: Advantage to the Parisians
Desire Doue
Paris Saint-Germain beat Aston Villa 3-1 at the Parc des Princes in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Quarter Final, thanks to three sublime finishes from front men Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, alongside full-back Nuno Mendes.
It was Aston Villa who took the lead first, PSG caught in position, Villa executed the perfect counterattack for Morgan Rodgers to tap home in the six-yard box and shock Paris.
That lead would last under five minutes as PSG went back to doing what they had done all first half. Dominate. Young forward Desire Doue cut and curled the ball into the top corner setting the Paris fans into life with an outstanding finish.
The Parisian dominance on the ball continued into the second half and this time it was the turn or PSG’s other winger, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to score a ridiculous goal.
The Georgian took on substitute full-back Axel Disasi, sending him back to parent club Chelsea with a ball roll before smashing the ball into the net via the corner of the crossbar.
As Villa finally pushed for an equaliser, Ousmane Dembele slotted in Nuno Mendes who sat down Emiliano Martinez to make it 3-1.
PSG will travel to Villa Park on the back of a performance that should have created a larger lead. As for Villa, they will be hoping to see a lot more of the ball in the home leg but will glad the lead is just two goals.
The Quality of Expression
In a world of orchestrated football, PSG play with a fluidity that brings joy. Gone are the days of this team trying to buy their way to the top, whilst yes, they have spent, this is a real team, with serious cohesion and outstanding quality.
The front three of Dembele, Doue and Kvaratskhelia are fearless, they will take on anyone, playing with a freedom to sit down even the best of defenders.
Tonight, Dembele was used almost as a decoy, allowing his counterparts to run Villa ragged. Both Doue and Kvaratskhelia had defenders on strings, and both scored goals of outstanding quality. Luis Enrique has given these players creative freedom and it shows, they felt safe running at the opposition regardless of the outcome and produced sublime results.
Villa couldn’t comprehend this front three and whilst there is a lot of this PSG team that stands out, it is this front three that gives the X factor. Following this performance, it is no surprise that they are favourites following Real Madrid’s showing on Tuesday night.
Were Villa Set Up Wrong?
Unai Emery understood his team would struggle to see a lot of the ball so set his team up to play the counter after defending deep, with Marcus Rashford as the lone striker..
On 39 minutes, it worked as John McGinn stole the ball in order to start the textbook counter that resulted in Morgan Rodgers goal. Problem is that was all we saw from Villa until the 80th minute.
In Europe, it is so important to not drop too far behind, otherwise you’ll have to need a miracle in the second leg. On this logic it would make sense to set up to defend more but, in the end, it hurt Villa.
No ones hiding that PSG would have more of the ball, but Villa threatened barely twice in the game. There were moments where breaks were available, times of control but players were out of position, the banks were too deep.
The initial set up was good, yet in the end it cost Villa. Taking nothing from PSG but Villa had to push out more to truly trouble the Parisians and not play into their hands.
Are PSG the Real Deal?
PSG wrapped up the Ligue 1 title this week after not losing a game in the league this season. The only time the Parisians have lost is in the Champions League.
Since getting through the league phase, it has been about statements. They dealt with Liverpool at Anfield, and they dominated Aston Villa this evening.
It’s not longer about big names. This is a fluid team, the project has evolved, Luis Enrique is using his winning experience to mould something special and it is showing on the pitch.
PSG have a front three that can rip through the best defences, a midfield trio that combines experience with youth and creativity and backline that has full back’s that could play anywhere. All that before we talk about who’s on the bench.
Playing as they did tonight, there is no better opportunity for the Parisians. For Villa to come out on top, Emery will have to undertake a masterpiece of his highest proportions. Advantage PSG in this one.
