Head coach Luis Enrique hailed his side’s “personality and character” after they overturned a first-half deficit with three stunning goals, leaving them strong favourites to reach the semi-finals.
Paris Saint-Germain produced a powerful mix of resilience and brilliance to secure a commanding 3-1 win over Aston Villa in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final at the Parc des Princes.
Head coach Luis Enrique hailed his side’s “personality and character” after they overturned a first-half deficit with three stunning goals, leaving them strong favourites to reach the semi-finals.
Villa struck first through Morgan Rogers in the 35th minute, catching PSG off guard despite their early dominance. But what followed was a dazzling response from the French giants, as 19-year-old Desire Doue equalised with a sensational curler before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Nuno Mendes added to the tally in the second half.
“What I enjoyed the most was the mentality,” said Enrique. “Football is like that — you can dominate and still go behind. But the team responded with personality and character. We’re happy with the result, but we’ll need to bring the same attitude to the second leg.”
For Mendes, who sealed the win deep into stoppage time, the goal was both instinctive and calculated. “I saw the keeper come out and tried something different — it worked. But we know it’s only half-time in the tie. We need to rest and stay focused.”
The atmosphere in Paris mirrored the on-pitch spectacle. Fireworks exploded above the stadium as PSG lit up the night with a performance that mixed flair with purpose. The win was more than just a victory; it was a statement of a club finally maturing into a cohesive unit after years of chasing instant glory through superstar signings.
After years of frustration — despite bringing in the likes of Neymar, Messi, and Ramos — PSG appear to have found a better formula. Now, it’s not the galácticos but rising stars like Doue and Kvaratskhelia who are delivering when it matters most.
Doue, whose name fittingly translates to “gifted desire”, lived up to his billing, tormenting Villa’s defence with his pace and confidence. The teenager’s curling equaliser showcased his raw talent and fearless mentality, a quality he displayed again when stepping up to score the winning penalty in the previous round against Liverpool at Anfield.
Signed from Rennes for £43 million last summer, Doue has quickly become central to Enrique’s dynamic and forward-thinking side. Though he has some edges to smooth — notably drawing the ire of France boss Didier Deschamps after arriving late for national duty — his stock is rising fast.
The transformation of PSG from a club built around celebrity to one focused on chemistry and structure appears to be paying off. While Villa showed heart and were kept in the contest by some fine saves from Emiliano Martinez, PSG’s firepower ultimately proved too much.
With a two-goal cushion heading to Villa Park, the French champions know the job is far from done. But for once, it feels like PSG’s Champions League campaign is built on something more sustainable than star power alone — a team with belief, balance, and the brilliance to match.
