Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has advanced to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League for the second consecutive season, despite a nail-biting finish against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The French giants secured their place in the last four with a 5-4 aggregate win, having entered the second leg with a 3-1 advantage from the first match at Parc des Princes.
PSG started the match strong, with Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes scoring in the first half to extend their aggregate lead to 5-1. However, Aston Villa, backed by a passionate home crowd, mounted a spirited comeback, with Youri Tielemans, John McGinn, and Ezri Konsa scoring to bring the score to 5-4. Despite Villa's fierce effort, PSG held on to secure their progression.
After the match, PSG coach Luis Enrique expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "We are very happy; we are in the semi-finals for the second year in a row. I think that's a very good thing." He acknowledged the challenges faced during the match, particularly the emotional turmoil after conceding two goals in quick succession. "In the second half, we suffered; it was very difficult. But I think we have to be prepared for that, our team, our players and our fans," he added.
Enrique also praised his goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made crucial saves to prevent Villa from completing their comeback. "I think I have the best squad in the world, not only the goalkeeper," he said. "In a club like we are at PSG, you have a lot of quality players and Gigi is one of the best goalkeepers in the world."
Achraf Hakimi, who opened the scoring for PSG, shared his thoughts post-match, saying, "First of all, we're happy. Everyone should be happy, all the Parisians. We did what we needed to do. We didn't win but we qualified. That was the mission we came here to accomplish." He also thanked the fans for their unwavering support: "We thank the fans who came, they've supported us at every stage of the competition, in Paris too. We're glad to have them. We have to keep it up, and we thank them again."
PSG's journey to the semifinals has been marked by impressive performances, including a notable victory over Premier League champions-elect Liverpool in the knockout stage. The team has demonstrated resilience and talent, particularly under Enrique's management, who has successfully integrated younger players into the squad after the departure of stars like Kylian Mbappé.
The match against Aston Villa was a testament to the unpredictable nature of knockout football, where momentum can shift in an instant. Enrique acknowledged the quality of the opposition, stating, "This is the Champions League and you have to accept that the opposition team has a lot of quality. Aston Villa was playing with a lot of intensity in the second half and they scored two goals in three minutes when, at that moment, the match was almost dead. I think, over the two matches, we deserved to win."
PSG's defensive unit faced significant pressure during the second half, allowing nine shots on target, the most they have conceded in a single match in the Champions League this season. Despite this, they managed to hold firm, thanks in part to Donnarumma's heroics and a late block from Willian Pacho that secured their aggregate lead.
Looking ahead, PSG will face either Arsenal or Real Madrid in the semifinals, with Arsenal currently leading their tie 3-0. Enrique's side will be eager to capitalize on their momentum and make a serious push for their first Champions League title. "We have to keep working, there are still a lot of matches to come. We can't slow down," Hakimi emphasized.
The atmosphere at Villa Park was electric, with both sets of fans creating a vibrant backdrop for the match. The support from PSG's traveling fans was palpable, and their presence was a reminder of the club's strong following. Enrique remarked on the significance of the fans, saying, "The atmosphere in the stadium was also very nice."
As PSG prepares for the semifinals, they carry the confidence of a team that has proven its mettle in high-pressure situations. The victory over Aston Villa, despite the tense finish, has only strengthened their resolve. Enrique noted, "That match for us is something that allows us to grow up and compete even better. We are getting better and better and we are proving we are a good team. There is belief that we can go all the way and win it this year."
With a strong squad and a clear vision, Paris Saint-Germain is poised to make a significant impact in the Champions League as they continue their quest for glory. As the semifinals approach, the anticipation builds not only for PSG but for football fans worldwide, eager to see if this could finally be their year to lift the coveted trophy.
