We hadn't seen this PSG there for a long time. Of course, the main thing is that Paris Saint-Germain validated its qualification for the semi-finals of the Champions League. But after the great victory at the Parc des Princes in the first leg (3-1), we expect something else from Luis Enrique's men in the return match.
This observation was even more valid after the start of the meeting, where the champions of France punished their opponent on two counterattacks perfectly played, and concluded by … the two lateral rear. Achraf Hakimi (0-1, 11th) and Nuno Mendes (0-2, 28th) gave four goals, at that time, to their team.
Given the form displayed by PSG for three months, and the gap in the score, it was unthinkable to envisage a “comeback” on the part of the English. But this is what almost happened, after the reduction of the score signed Youri Tielemans, on a strike deflected by William Pacho (1-2, 34th).
On the return from the locker room, Marquinhos and his teammates underwent a real storm, first with a distant strike from John McGinn (2-2, 55th), and a new goal signed Ezri Konsa, after a Marcus Rashford festival (2-3, 58th).
Donnarumma still saves PSG
At that time, there was really fire for PSG. And Gianluigi Donnarumma, who had delayed the deadline against Rashford (57th), was still decisive to prevent Aston Villa from returning to height, by Youri Tielemans (60th) and Marco Asensio (70th). As in Anfield in eighths, the Italian international saved his team.
Much less sovereign than in recent weeks, PSG has clearly trembled to the end, until the additional time when a strike from Ian Maathsen has been countered by William Pacho (90th+3), while she was spinning towards the goal.
So here is PSG, despite everything, in the semi-finals of the Champions League. For the fifth time in its history, and the fourth time in six years. It will be against Arsenal or Real Madrid. And it will be necessary that this return match at Aston Villa, more complicated than expected, serves as a lesson to the Parisians.
