Kvaratskhelia, Doue fire PSG to 2-1 Super Cup win over Aston Villa
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Paris Saint-Germain defeated Europa League winners Aston Villa 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup at Stadion Salzburg on 13 August, with goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué sealing back-to-back Super Cup titles for the French club. PSG become only the third club in history to retain the UEFA Super Cup, joining AC Milan (1989 and 1990) and Real Madrid (2016 and 2017).
Key Developments
Kvaratskhelia broke the deadlock on 20 minutes, collecting a Doué pass, cutting inside, and driving a fierce strike beyond Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot. The Georgian winger, a decisive figure in PSG's 2024–25 and 2025–26 campaigns, set the tone for what would prove a demanding evening in Austria.
Villa hit back through teenage forward Brian Madjo — at just 17 years and 212 days the youngest player on record to start a Super Cup fixture — who had twice headed wide and struck the post before steering a volley home from John McGinn's cross on the stroke of half-time. Madjo simultaneously became the youngest-ever scorer in Super Cup history.
PSG Restore the Lead
Villa began the second half positively, with captain McGinn testing goalkeeper Matvei Safonov from outside the box. But against the run of play, PSG re-took the lead on 61 minutes when Doué latched onto a precise through ball from substitute Ousmane Dembélé and finished coolly past Bizot.
Villa manager Unai Emery introduced Tammy Abraham and Ross Barkley in search of an equaliser, but PSG's defence held firm to see out the result and open their European campaign with silverware.
What Luis Enrique Said
PSG head coach Luis Enrique credited his squad's character after the final whistle. 'We knew prior to the game it was going to be a tough one. But we were able to play as we did because my players showed just what they're made of. We may not be in the best physical condition, but once again it's a real demonstration of our DNA and our fans, who have helped us to win trophies and keep standards high,' he said.
Historic Context
The victory extends PSG's extraordinary recent trophy haul across the 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons. By retaining the Super Cup, they join an exclusive club: only AC Milan and Real Madrid had previously achieved consecutive Super Cup wins. For Villa, the defeat ends a spirited debut in the competition, though Madjo's record-breaking appearance will be remembered long after the scoreline fades.
PSG's next challenge will be to sustain this momentum as the domestic and European season proper gets under way.