Salzburg, Austria — Paris Saint-Germain retained the UEFA Super Cup after defeating Aston Villa 2-1 at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg on Wednesday night.
The victory handed PSG the trophy for a second successive year and added another title to their remarkable recent run of success, which has included back-to-back UEFA Champions League triumphs.
Somali referee Omar Artan took charge of the encounter, having earlier made headlines after reportedly being excluded from the World Cup following the United States’ refusal to grant him a visa.
PSG took the lead in the 20th minute through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who found the breakthrough as the French side began strongly.
Aston Villa, however, fought back and levelled the score shortly before halftime through 17-year-old Brian Madjo, who marked his club debut with a historic goal.
Madjo’s strike made him the youngest scorer in UEFA Super Cup history at 17 years and 212 days, surpassing the previous record held by Patrick Kluivert, who scored for Ajax in 1996 at the age of 19 years and 220 days.
PSG returned from the break with greater control after introducing Ousmane Dembélé, increasing the pressure on Villa’s defence.
Their persistence paid off in the 61st minute when Désiré Doué restored the lead. The goal was initially ruled out for offside but was eventually awarded following a VAR review.
Villa pushed hard for another equaliser but were unable to find a way through as PSG held firm to secure the 2-1 victory and retain the trophy.
The result extended PSG’s dominance over the Europa League holders, with the French champions recording an eighth successive victory against Aston Villa.
For Villa, the defeat brought an end to a spirited performance in their first UEFA Super Cup appearance since 1982.
PSG will now turn their attention to the French Super Cup, where they are set to face Lens.
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