Aston Villa narrowly beaten by Paris Saint-Germain in thrilling UEFA Super Cup

The Europa League winners were beaten by the reigning Champions League holders at the Red Bull Arena, with Desire Doue’s second-half strike settling an entertaining contest.

There was plenty of encouragement for Unai Emery’s side, though, particularly in the emergence of 17-year-old Brian Madjo, who marked his competitive Villa debut with a record-breaking goal.

PSG took the lead after 20 minutes when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia produced a superb finish to put the French side ahead.

Villa responded impressively and levelled just before half-time through Madjo, who volleyed John McGinn’s cross into the net at the back post.

The goal made Madjo the youngest player ever to score in the UEFA Super Cup and brought a remarkable end to his long wait for competitive football with Villa.

The England Under-17 international had already gone close twice before finding the net, first shooting wide before heading over the crossbar.

Madjo’s opportunity to finally represent Villa competitively came after the club successfully appealed against a FIFA registration ban.

Villa signed the striker from Metz for £10m in January, but he had been unable to feature while the dispute was resolved. A successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) at the beginning of August finally cleared the way for him to play.

He looked every inch the threat Villa had hoped for, regularly testing the PSG defence with his pace and physicality.

However, the teenager’s goal was not enough to earn Villa a first UEFA Super Cup triumph.

Doue restored PSG’s advantage in the 62nd minute, with the goal standing after a VAR check for offside.

Villa continued to compete until the final whistle and created opportunities of their own, forcing PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov into several important saves.

The result means PSG have retained the trophy they won for the first-time last year, when they defeated Tottenham on penalties.

For Villa, defeat was frustrating, but the performance offered further evidence that they can compete with Europe’s elite.

It was the second time in 18 months that Villa have seriously tested PSG, having lost a dramatic Champions League quarter-final against the French side 5-4 on aggregate in 2025.

Emery’s team also had to cope with a number of absentees in Salzburg.

Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Martinez and Ezri Konsa were given additional time off following the World Cup, creating opportunities for younger players to step forward. Nineteen-year-old midfielder George Hemmings was also handed a starting role.

There was another significant positive as Boubacar Kamara made his first competitive appearance since suffering a serious knee injury in January.

Villa captain McGinn had promised supporters before the match that they could still expect “as much as possible” from the team this season despite the departures of Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans.

A spirited display against the European champions suggested those words were not empty ones.

Villa are now preparing for the start of their Premier League campaign, with Brighton awaiting them on 23 August.

The club are also expected to remain busy in the transfer market before the window closes. Atletico Madrid left-back Matteo Ruggeri is poised to arrive, while Villa continue to pursue Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha.

Emery will understandably be disappointed to have suffered another final defeat, particularly given his record in the competition. The Spaniard has now lost all four of his UEFA Super Cup finals, having previously fallen short with Sevilla and Villarreal.

Villa have already secured European silverware, pushed PSG to the limit once again and seen Madjo announce himself on the European stage.

There may have been no trophy to celebrate in Salzburg, but Villa’s performance suggested they can enter the new season with plenty of confidence.

FAQs

Who won the UEFA Super Cup?

Paris Saint-Germain beat Aston Villa 2-1 in Salzburg to retain the UEFA Super Cup.

Who scored for Aston Villa against PSG?

Brian Madjo scored Villa’s goal, levelling the match shortly before half-time with a volley from John McGinn’s cross.

How old is Brian Madjo?

Madjo is 17 years old and became the youngest player to score in the UEFA Super Cup.

Why had Brian Madjo not played for Aston Villa before?

Madjo had been unable to play competitively for Villa because of a FIFA registration ban following his January move from Metz. Villa successfully appealed the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in August.

When do Aston Villa begin their Premier League season?

Villa begin their Premier League campaign away at Brighton on 23 August.

Can I book Aston Villa hospitality with Eventmasters?

Yes. Eventmasters offers hospitality experiences for selected Aston Villa fixtures, giving supporters the opportunity to enjoy a matchday with premium seating, hospitality facilities and food and drink included depending on the package. Availability varies by fixture, so fans should check the latest Aston Villa hospitality options when planning their visit.