Kvaratskhelia Sterling Play Leads PSG to Champions League Win Over Aston Villa
Paris Saint-Germain took an emphatic step towards the Champions League semi-finals after they defeated Aston Villa 3-1 in the first leg of their quarter-final fixture at Parc des Princes.
Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was the star, astounding supporters and defenders with a show of brilliance and winning quality.
Aston Villa stunned the hosts early, opening a 17th-minute advantage with Morgan Rogers completing an exquisite counter-attack.
The Premier League outfit were well structured and adventurous in breakaways, temporarily quietening the Parisian supporters and providing hope for their underdog charge.
But the lead was short-lived. PSG responded with determination and creativity spearheaded by Kvaratskhelia’s lively performance. Desiré Doué equalized the match with a composed finish before Georgian sensation grabbed the limelight, volleying home an awe-inspiring solo effort that reduced Villa’s defense to a bewildered melee.
His dazzling dribble and clinical finish took PSG ahead 2-1 and sharpened the game in the hosts’ favor.
Nuno Mendes added a third goal late in the match, capitalizing on PSG’s relentless pressure and establishing a two-goal advantage to take into the second leg in Birmingham.
Kvaratskhelia, penned by PSG in January from Napoli for €70 million, quickly became an instrumental part of Luis Enrique’s roster. His performance against Villa was only to again solidify his status as among Europe’s brightest young players and a potential difference-maker for PSG’s enduring struggle to become champions of the Champions League.
We know what he can do,” PSG manager Luis Enrique said after the game. “Kvara has that spark — he wins the game with a flash of brilliance. That’s what makes the difference at this level.”
Villa will now face an uphill task at Villa Park, having to reverse a 3-1 deficit against one of Europe’s most potent attacking teams. With Kvaratskhelia playing like this, it’s a tall order.
The second leg comes next week, and PSG are optimistic but wary in the face of a Villa side that has already defied expectations in this year’s competition.
