'Right after Lee Kang-in left,' PSG wins again, claiming UEFA Super Cup for 'back-to-back' titles... defeating Villa 2-1

*This content was translated by AI.

'Even after Lee Kang-in (25) departed for Atletico Madrid, the team remains exceptionally strong.' Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated a powerhouse from England's Premier League (EPL) to claim the UEFA Super Cup title.

On the 13th at 4 a.m. Korean time, PSG crushed Aston Villa of England 2-1 in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup final held at Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria.

PSG participated in this tournament as the defending champion of the 2025–2026 UEFA Champions League (UCL). Having lifted their first-ever UEFA Super Cup trophy last season by defeating Tottenham Hotspur in a penalty shootout, PSG achieved back-to-back titles. Meanwhile, Villa, who reached the Super Cup stage for the first time since 1982 as Europa League (UEL) champions, fell short in defeat.

PSG deployed a 4-3-3 formation on this day. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Magnuss Aklouche, and Desire Doue formed the front three, while Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Warren Zaire-Emery were positioned in midfield. Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, and Achraf Hakimi constructed a back four, with Matvey Safonov guarding the goal.

Villa countered with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Bryan Mbeumo led the attack, supported by George Hirst, Emiliano Buendia, and John McGinn in the second line. Joao Gomes and Boubacar Kamara formed the midfield, while Ian Maatsen, Pau Torres, Victor Lindelof, and Matty Cash operated as defenders. Marco Bizot was in goal.

PSG took control early in the match. They opened the scoring with Hakimi's right-footed shot in the 9th minute of the first half and Vitinha's long-range strike in the 11th minute. Villa responded in the 13th minute when Kamara scored with a shot.

PSG took the lead. In the 20th minute of the first half, PSG regained possession through high pressing; Kvaratskhelia received Doue's pass, beat a defender inside the penalty area, and scored with a right-footed shot.

Villa launched a counterattack. They sought an equalizer with Mbeumo's header in the 28th minute and Hirst's right-footed shot in the 31st minute.

Finally, in the 45th minute of the first half, Mbeumo scored the equalizer. After McGinn delivered a cross from the right flank, he engaged in a physical battle with Pacho before connecting with a right-footed non-stop shot to restore parity at 1-1.

Immediately after the second half began, PSG substituted Aklouche for Ousmane Dembele. In the 16th minute of the second half, while the match remained competitive, PSG regained the lead. Doue received Dembele's penetrating pass, exploited space behind the defense, and scored in a one-on-one situation against the goalkeeper. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review confirmed that Cash failed to maintain the defensive line, ruling the goal as valid rather than offside.

After conceding the lead, Villa brought on Tammy Abraham, Lamar Bogarde, and Paulinho Allison simultaneously in the 27th minute of the second half, followed by Ross Barkley and Tyrone Mings in the 34th minute. PSG also strengthened their defense by introducing Theo Hernandez and Fabian Ruiz.

Villa attempted to equalize through Buendia's header during stoppage time but failed to score. The match ended with a 2-1 victory for PSG without any additional goals.

Doue, who scored the winning goal and led his team to the title, was named Player of the Match (POTM) for this game.

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*This content was translated by AI.