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FRIDAY | AUG 14, 2026

Malaysian Paper

PSG players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Uefa Super Cup match against Aston Villa in Austria yesterday. – AFPPIC

PSG keep crown Kvaratskhelia, Doue strike as Champions League winners edge Aston Villa in Super Cup P ARIS ST GERMAIN retained the Uefa Super Cup with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa yesterday, overcoming a spirited challenge from the Europa League win ners to claim their second European trophy in three months. brilliance. The Georgian winger collected a pass from Doue, cut inside Matty Cash and unleashed a powerful shot that flew past Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot. played, the chances we made, and the quality of our individuals, I am very proud of the players.” Villa were without several senior players who had only recently returned from World Cup duty, including Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and goal keeper Emiliano Martinez. said. “We competed very well; we had chances to get a better result, but they are top players so they get their chances. They scored and won the game.” Doue, named Player of the Match, said PSG’s hunger for more silverware remained undimin ished.

Villa responded strongly and Madjo had sev eral opportunities to equalise before finally get ting his reward in first half stoppage time. John McGinn floated a cross towards the six yard box and Madjo, under pressure from Willian Pacho, stretched to volley the ball into the roof of the net. The goal made the Luxembourg-born forward the youngest scorer in Super Cup history at 17 years and 212 days, breaking the previous record held by Patrick Kluivert. Madjo could have scored earlier after heading two chances wide and hitting the post, but his per sistence paid off on a night when Villa’s young players showed they could compete against the reigning European champions. Villa manager Unai Emery was particularly pleased with the performance despite the defeat. “I’m so, so happy, because we were missing some players, and there is still some work to do, but today showed we are getting close against a great team,” Emery said. “The squad afterwards felt they could compete with Paris, and that’s what is most important for me. I wanted this trophy, but given the way we

“Our mindset is to always win and to be as competitive as possible,” he said. “We’re very happy. Coming back from vacation, we know it’s not easy, but we had things in place tonight. “The main objective is to win everything this year.” The match also marked a historic occasion for referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who became the first Somali and the first non-European referee to officiate the Super Cup. Artan had been denied entry to the United States for the World Cup ear lier this year. PSG now turn their attention to another trophy when they face French Cup winners Lens in the Champions Trophy on Sunday. Villa, meanwhile, will continue preparations for their Premier League campaign, which begins on Aug 23 with a trip to Brighton. Emery has now lost all four of his appearances in the Uefa Super Cup, but Villa’s performance in Salzburg offered encouragement as they prepare for another season in European competition. – Reuters/Agencies

That opened the door for youngsters such as Madjo and 19-year-old George Hemmings, who impressed against a PSG side containing nine starters from the Champions League final. Villa continued to threaten after the interval and McGinn forced a good save from Matvey Safonov with a curling effort from outside the area. But PSG restored their lead in the 61st min ute. Substitute Ousmane Dembele released Doue behind the Villa defence and the French forward raced into the box before curling a composed fin ish into the far corner. The assistant referee initially raised the offside flag, but a VAR review showed Cash had kept Doue onside and the goal was awarded. Villa pushed forward in search of another equaliser, with Hemmings going close and Emi Buendia heading wide late on, while substitute Tammy Abraham also came close. But PSG defended resolutely to secure another trophy. “To lose is not a good feeling but I think we can feel very proud of the game we played,” Buendia

Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue secured the win for the back-to-back Champions League winners, with 17-year-old Brian Madjo scoring a historic equaliser for Villa on his senior debut. The victory made PSG only the third club to win consecutive Super Cups, following AC Milan in 1989 and 1990 and Real Madrid in 2016 and 2017. For PSG coach Luis Enrique, it was another indication that his side can maintain their remark able winning standards despite an interrupted pre-season, with many players only recently returning from the World Cup. “We knew prior to the game it was going to be a tough one,” Enrique said. “But we were able to play as we did because my players showed just what they’re made of. “We may not be in the best physical condition, but once again it’s a real demonstration of our DNA.” PSG took the lead in the 20th minute when Kvaratskhelia produced a moment of individual

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