On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the Parc des Princes will host a thrilling UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) takes on Aston Villa. The match is set to kick off at 21:00 local time and will be broadcast live on Canal+, with a pre-match show starting at 20:30. This encounter marks a significant moment for both clubs, each riding a wave of confidence heading into this pivotal match.
PSG, under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique, comes into this match following a dramatic victory over Liverpool in the previous round. After a goalless draw at Anfield, the Parisians triumphed 4-1 in a penalty shootout, showcasing their resilience and determination. This win not only secured their place in the quarter-finals but also solidified their status as serious contenders for the title.
Adding to their momentum, PSG recently celebrated their 13th Ligue 1 title, clinching the championship with six matches to spare. The team has been formidable this season, and their latest victory against Angers (1-0), thanks to a goal from Désiré Doué, further highlights their strong form. Kylian Mbappé, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and the emerging star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have all played pivotal roles in PSG's success this season.
On the other side, Aston Villa arrives in Paris with their own impressive credentials. Managed by Unai Emery, a former PSG coach, Villa has been on a remarkable run, remaining unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions. They recently secured a convincing 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest, with goals from Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen, placing them sixth in the Premier League standings.
This match will be particularly historic for Aston Villa, as it marks their first appearance in the Champions League quarter-finals since the 1982-1983 season. The Villans have already made waves in this tournament, having eliminated Club Brugge with an aggregate score of 6-1 in the previous round. Players like Ollie Watkins, who has been a consistent scorer, and Boubacar Kamara, a key figure in midfield, will be crucial as they aim to upset the French giants.
As the teams prepare for this high-stakes encounter, the atmosphere is expected to be electric, with notable figures such as Prince William and Tom Hanks in attendance. The match promises not only to be a battle of skill and strategy but also a clash of ambitions, with both teams eager to make a mark in European football.
In terms of team news, PSG will be without their captain Marquinhos due to suspension, which means Beraldo is likely to partner with Willian Pacho in central defense. Additionally, Lee Kang-In is unavailable, but the squad remains largely intact, allowing Enrique to field a strong lineup.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, faces its own challenges, with injuries sidelining Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley, along with Donyell Malen and Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba. However, the squad is nearly at full strength, and Emery will have options available, including the likes of Marco Asensio, who transferred from PSG earlier this year and has already made a significant impact in his new role.
The match is not just about the football; it also represents a narrative of redemption for Unai Emery, who returns to the Parc des Princes in search of success after his previous tenure. As both teams gear up for what promises to be an explosive match, the stakes could not be higher.
Fans can catch all the action live on Canal+, starting with the CANAL Champions Club program at 19:15, which will provide insights and analysis leading up to the match. For those unable to watch on television, streaming options are available via the myCanal platform.
As the countdown to kick-off begins, anticipation builds for what could be a defining moment in both PSG's and Aston Villa's seasons. With a place in the semi-finals on the line, expect nothing less than a fierce contest filled with drama, skill, and the spirit of competition.
This quarter-final clash between PSG and Aston Villa is a must-watch for football fans, as it encapsulates the excitement of knockout football at its finest. Can PSG continue their quest for European glory, or will Aston Villa pull off a historic upset? The answer awaits as the teams take to the pitch in Paris.
