AFCON 2025
Paris Saint-Germain successfully defended the UEFA Super Cup, beating Aston Villa 2-1 in Salzburg on Wednesday to become only the second team in the modern era to retain the trophy. Désiré Doué scored the decisive goal in the 61st minute, with PSG lifting the trophy despite having just days to prepare after several players returned late from the 2026 World Cup.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave PSG the lead in the 20th minute with a powerfully struck opener, but Aston Villa hit back through 17-year-old Brian Madjo, who marked his competitive debut with a fine volley. Madjo’s involvement came just days after a dispute with FIFA over his registration was resolved, allowing him to feature at the Red Bull Arena.
Doué settled the contest after latching onto a pass from Ousmane Dembélé and curling a left-footed effort into the far corner. The goal was initially ruled out for offside before referee Artan awarded it following a VAR review that showed Villa right-back Matty Cash had played the Frenchman onside.
Luis Enrique praised his side’s character after the win, telling Canal+ that he was not surprised by the performance because he knows the players and their abilities well. The Spanish coach admitted the build-up to the final had been far from ideal, noting that PSG had only a handful of days to train given how many of his squad were involved deep into the World Cup.
The PSG boss also singled out summer signing Maghnes Akliouche, who made his debut in a false-nine role and impressed during a 45-minute cameo before being substituted. Enrique said Akliouche played exactly as he had seen him perform at Monaco, showing his quality and personality, and added that he was delighted for the 24-year-old to begin his PSG career with a European trophy.
The victory extends PSG’s dominant run in continental competition, with the club now having lifted four European titles in a row when counting back-to-back Champions League and Super Cup triumphs. Captain Marquinhos lifted the trophy after the final whistle.
PSG will not have long to enjoy the win, as they turn their attention to the Trophée des Champions against Lens on Sunday, a fixture pitting last season’s Ligue 1 champions against the French Cup winners. Aston Villa, meanwhile, will look to regroup after a spirited display that fell just short against the European champions, with Unai Emery’s side now shifting focus to their Premier League campaign.
