Aston Villa will welcome PSG this Tuesday for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash. In the first leg, PSG, managed by Luis Enrique, defeated Aston Villa 3-1 at the Parc des Princes. To advance to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 1982 (when they won their only title), Aston Villa needs to score at least two goals in this home game. PSG, having already secured the French league title, can fully concentrate on their Champions League campaign, especially after being eliminated in the semi-finals by Borussia Dortmund last season.
Since taking charge in the summer of 2023, Luis Enrique`s primary goal has been to lead PSG to their first Champions League title, after they lost the 2020 final to Bayern Munich. To achieve this, PSG must first overcome Aston Villa and their former PSG coach, Unai Emery. Emery`s tactical skills were evident in the first leg, despite the final score. Here`s a preview of the match, including key points and what to expect:
Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 15
- Location: Villa Park — Birmingham, England
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Aston Villa +230; Draw +260; PSG +110
First Leg Recap
In the first leg in Paris, PSG emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline. Despite Aston Villa taking an early lead through Morgan Rogers in a counter-attack, PSG responded with two impressive goals from Desire Doue from outside the box and a solo effort from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia early in the second half. Nuno Mendes sealed the win for PSG just before the final whistle, giving them a significant advantage heading into the second leg.
PSG`s Perspective
Luis Enrique has stated that he is not underestimating Aston Villa`s capabilities. He emphasized that the team`s objectives are to address the challenges posed by Aston Villa and secure a win. He acknowledged the high stakes of the competition, where only one team will proceed to the semi-finals. Enrique dismissed any notion of overconfidence, highlighting the team`s determination and respect for Aston Villa. He also mentioned the motivation his players find in playing at historic stadiums like Villa Park.
Aston Villa`s Perspective
Unai Emery acknowledged the difficulty of facing PSG in the second leg during the pre-match press conference. He stressed the importance of a well-executed game plan and individual player performances. Reflecting on the first leg, Emery noted PSG`s strength in the competition but also highlighted Aston Villa`s competitiveness. He expressed confidence in his team`s tactical approach for the home leg at Villa Park, aiming to leverage their home advantage as a fortress and believing in their chances to overcome PSG.
Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa XI: Emiliano Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne; Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans; John McGinn, Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers; Marcus Rashford.
PSG XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Beraldo, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue.
Key Player to Watch
Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG – Kvaratskhelia, PSG`s winger, scored a remarkable goal in the first leg and has been a standout signing for the club since joining in January. His contributions are considered crucial to PSG`s potential success in the Champions League.
Key Storyline
Emiliano Martinez vs PSG – Aston Villa`s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, was a central figure in the first leg due to his history with French fans following Argentina`s victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final. Martinez was met with hostility from the Paris crowd throughout the match.
Match Prediction
Despite the first-leg result, Aston Villa has shown they can create scoring opportunities against PSG. However, overcoming a 3-1 deficit might be too challenging. To advance, Villa needs to score three goals. Prediction: Aston Villa 2, PSG 2.
