Villa Responds with These Two Goals!

Tielemans keeps Villa alive

Nuno Mendes extends the lead!

Mistake by "Dibu" Martínez and Hakimi puts PSG in the lead!

Aston Villa’s starting XI to chase the miracle!

ALL SET AT PSG!

Aston Villa is preparing to face one of the most important matches in its recent history as they host Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. The English side needs to overcome a 3–1 deficit from the first leg at the Parc des Princes, which means they must win by at least two goals to force extra time or by three to advance directly to the semifinals.

Villa manager Unai Emery stated in a press conference that the team’s strategy hasn’t changed much despite the two-goal disadvantage. According to him, the objective remains the same: to win. Even with a closer scoreline in the first leg, the need for victory would still be present. Emery also noted that he has not yet finalized the starting lineup, although he has a clear tactical plan in mind.

The Birmingham-based club comes into the match after a league win against Southampton, but they were unable to rest several key players due to their domestic battle for a top-five finish. Players like Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, and Youri Tielemans will play a key role for a team that will look to capitalize on home advantage at Villa Park, where they’ve already recorded memorable victories this season—such as the one against Bayern Munich.

On the other side, PSG arrives with a solid advantage and confidence after a dominant performance in the first leg. Luis Enrique’s side benefited from a postponed league match, allowing them extra preparation time for this crucial European clash. Despite the lead, the Spanish coach has emphasized that his team will aim to win again and avoid any signs of complacency.

Forward Ousmane Dembélé, speaking in the pre-match press conference, acknowledged that he is enjoying one of the best periods of his career, highlighting the positive team atmosphere and the demanding nature of the coach, who expects full defensive commitment from all players, including attackers. Dembélé also praised the team’s mental toughness and ability to fight until the final whistle.

As for PSG’s lineup, Marquinhos is expected to return to the starting eleven after serving a suspension. There could also be a change in attack, with Bradley Barcola possibly coming in to exploit the spaces Aston Villa may leave if they play a more offensive game.

Both teams are playing for more than just a semifinal spot: Aston Villa dreams of reaching this stage for the first time in over 40 years, while PSG looks to solidify its status among Europe’s elite in pursuit of a long-awaited continental title.