UEFA CL: PSG survive Aston Villa scare to reach Champions League semis

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) beat Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate. They reached the Champions League semifinals despite losing 3-2 on Tuesday.

PSG started strong, with Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes scoring early. Their goals came within the first 27 minutes, adding to a 3-1 first-leg lead.

Youri Tielemans scored for Aston Villa before halftime. In the second half, John McGinn and Ezri Konsa scored two quick goals. This changed the momentum of the match.

PSG's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma played a crucial role. He prevented Villa from scoring more and avoided another Champions League collapse.

Villa's coach Unai Emery had previously managed PSG during a famous loss in 2017. Luis Enrique faced a scare but ultimately secured victory this time.

This was Villa's first European night like this since 1983. Before kickoff, an embarrassing moment occurred when the Europa League anthem played instead of the Champions League hymn.

Desire Doue’s stunning strike in the first leg did not earn him a starting spot. However, Luis Enrique’s choice to start Bradley Barcola paid off.

Barcola sprinted down the left side, leading to Hakimi’s opening goal at 11 minutes. Ousmane Dembele assisted Mendes for his fourth Champions League goal of the season shortly after.