It started with the Europa League anthem but nearly ended in a sensational comeback and Aston Villa reaching the Champions League semifinals. PSG was ripe for another legendary collapse tonight, but in the boiling cauldron of Villa Park, they were saved by the Italian giant between the posts—Gigi Donnarumma! Just like in the previous round, when he shut the door on Liverpool at Anfield in a penalty shootout and sent PSG through to face Villa. After half an hour of play, PSG had a four-goal advantage in this Champions League quarterfinal second leg, but in the end, they advanced by the skin of their teeth. Villa won 3–2, but were knocked out because of that one late goal conceded in Paris. They deserved at least extra time tonight.De Paris à Birmingham, quel soutien ! 😍🔥#UCL | #AVFCPSG pic.twitter.com/bZIC6sTSQo— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) April 15, 2025 Eight years ago, Unai Emery, with a much stronger Paris Saint-Germain squad, blew a four-goal lead in the second leg against Luis Enrique’s Barcelona. Tonight, the Basque coach nearly got his revenge. Only thanks to the insane and miraculous saves by Gianluigi Donnarumma did PSG escape with an acceptable defeat and move on. Aston Villa fought hard and bravely. Although the home team began the match with a huge blunder—playing the Europa League anthem before kickoff—they showed on the pitch that they fully belonged in the Champions League this season.Fueled by a fantastic atmosphere, Villa came out flying in the first 10 minutes and had a chance through Tielemans. But then PSG took control with their lethal transitions. After 30 minutes, the scoreboard read a demoralizing 0–2. PSG’s turbo-charged fullbacks devoured space and were ruthless in front of goal. Achraf Hakimi was in the right place when a pass from Barcola to Dembélé was intercepted, slotting the ball into the net. Villa tried to fight back, with good chances from Torres and Morgan, but then PSG launched another counter… They didn’t buckle under pressure, even in their own box. They carried the ball out through Kvaratskhelia and Neves, Hakimi led another break, Dembélé waited for Nuno Mendes, who once again blasted a missile into Emi Martínez’s net just like six days ago.The stands at Villa Park fell silent, it all seemed over—but Unai Emery’s men didn’t give up. Tielemans stole the ball from Neves, pushed forward, and after combining with Rashford and McGinn, with help from Willian Pacho, beat Donnarumma. The Italian had no chance as the Ecuadorian’s deflection completely changed the ball’s direction… That was the goal of hope—hope that caught fire in the second half! Donnarumma saved everything he could, and more, but his teammates were awful in defense. McGinn went on a solo run from his own half, nobody challenged him, and he reached 20 meters from Donnarumma’s goal and shot… Again, Willian Pacho deflected the ball into his own net! Villa came alive, Donnarumma saved a thunderous shot from Rashford, but just two minutes later, they were knocking on heaven’s door! Donnarumma denied Rashford again and pushed the ball out for a corner, but his teammates played amateurishly in defense. First Ruiz, then Vitinha—Rashford glided past them like training cones and delivered a perfect pass back to Ezri Konsa, who had a better chance than a penalty…##EDITORS_CHOICE##Luis Enrique was forced to act, subbing on Désiré Doué for the absent Barcola. Panic was written all over the PSG players’ faces. At that moment, PSG resembled all those loser squads from previous years that managed to lose won games and crash out of the Champions League with dumbfounded expressions. Villa spread its wings and went all in. Tielemans’ header was going under the crossbar, but out of nowhere, the almighty Gigi Donnarumma emerged to claw the ball out of the net. PSG was on the ropes, and only then did Emery respond with fresh legs—bringing on Asensio and Ramsey.Most goals by defenders in the UCL this season:◉ 4 – Nuno MendesMost assists by defenders in the UCL this season:◉ 5 – Achraf Hakimi◎ 5 – Davide ZappacostaThe PSG full-backs are on fire. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/31Nk8ixxaC— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) April 15, 2025 An even bigger chance came in the 70th minute, when Asensio went one-on-one with Donnarumma after a poor decision by Marquinhos. But again, Donnarumma saved it and kept PSG’s head above water. These are the chances Villa will regret for a long time… As much as they pressed in the final 20 minutes, they couldn’t create a better one. PSG had their chances too to settle things before the final whistle, but Doué and Hakimi lacked focus. When all is said and done, it can’t be said that PSG went through undeservedly—after all, they were far better in the first leg. But Villa proved tonight they deserved to be here too, and perhaps at least earned some extra time or penalties. Now, the French champions await the outcome of the return leg in Madrid and prepare for Arsenal—but after what we saw tonight, it’s clear that even a three-goal lead sometimes isn’t enough.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – QUARTER-FINALSSecond legTuesdayAston Villa – PSG 3-2 (1-2)/Tielemans 34, McGinn 55, Ekonsa 57 – Hakimi 11, Mendes 27/Dortmund – Barcelona 3-1 (1-0)/Guirassy 11, 49, 76 – Bensebaini 54(og)/Wednesday22:00: (2.70) Inter (3.65) Bayern (2.60)22:00: (1.75) Real Madrid (3.90) Arsenal (5.10)***odds are subject to change***
