PSG/Aston Villa – Kvaratskhelia, Doué, Pacho, Mendes… hits and misses! | OneFootball

This Wednesday evening, Paris Saint-Germain won 2-1 (PSG/Aston Villa video highlights) against Aston Villa in the 2026 UEFA Super Cupat Salzburg’s Red Bull Arena. Here are the highs and lows of this victory.

The highs

❤️The back-to-back that confirms a winning culture.

Even without reaching their best level, PSG retained the UEFA Super Cup and secured another European back-to-back. Paris struggled against a proactive Aston Villa side, but once again found the resources needed to win a do-or-die match. This ability to win despite imperfect preparation confirms the impression left over the past few seasons: this squad has developed a real winning culture.

Kvaratskhelia and Doué, once again there when it matters.

The biggest matches keep bringing the same men to the fore. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia broke the deadlock in the final with a powerful strike after beating Matty Cash, while Désiré Doué provided an assist before scoring the winning goal. Named man of the match, the Frenchman confirmed his ability to have a direct impact on major occasions. The talent is obvious, but this consistency in finals is becoming truly impressive.

Marquinhos leading the way, Zaïre-Emery already tireless.

When the Paris defense started to wobble, Marquinhos kept making interventions and tried to keep the back line afloat. The captain remains the true leader of this defense. In front of him, Warren Zaïre-Emery showed already remarkable fitness, with countless runs and a crucial tackle in front of João Gomes. Matvey Safonov also deserves a mention for several important saves that kept Paris in front.

The lows

Pacho still not quite there.

Willian Pacho endured a difficult evening against Brian Madjo. Often unsettled in duels, the Ecuadorian failed to contain the young striker on Aston Villa’s equalizer. His positioning and defensive aggression also lacked accuracy in several English attacks. After a disrupted summer preparation, Pacho still seems to be searching for his bearings and his best physical level.

Nuno Mendes without his usual influence.

The Portuguese defender did create a few attacking situations, but his match was marked by too many inaccuracies. Less explosive, less sharp in his forward runs, and sometimes late defensively, Nuno Mendes never really took control of his flank. His partnership with Pacho on the left side also lacked composure. It was a performance fairly far from the standards the Paris full-back has set in recent months.

A final played before being truly ready.

The main disappointment goes beyond individual performances. PSG had to play a European final in their first official match, with players returning in stages after the World Cup and a physical preparation that was inevitably cut short. Several players understandably lacked rhythm, while some key figures were not yet ready to start. Paris overcame the challenge, but this schedule needlessly exposes players to injuries and early dips in form.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.