Paris Saint-Germain secured the 2026 UEFA Super Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria, on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué powered the reigning Champions League winners past the Europa League champions, allowing Les Parisiens to successfully defend their European Super Cup crown.
The fixture brought together two elite continental champions under the tactical guidance of Luis Enrique for PSG and Unai Emery for Aston Villa. According to reports from Kompas, the French powerhouse successfully completed a back-to-back triumph in the competition, matching a feat last achieved by Real Madrid in 2016 and 2017. Meanwhile, Unai Emery’s search for a first UEFA Super Cup title continued after four career appearances in the showcase match.
Early Threats and Kvaratskhelia’s Opener
Aston Villa entered the match following a six-game preseason schedule, though they arrived in Salzburg without three regular starters: Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa, and Emiliano Martínez, as detailed by Kompas. Despite entering with less match fitness after only recently returning to training sessions, PSG weathered an early storm from the Premier League side.
In the 13th minute, Boubacar Kamara carved out space in midfield and unleashed a powerful, low-driven strike that zipped narrowly past the left post of PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. The effort signaled genuine intent from the English club, but it was Luis Enrique’s side that broke the deadlock soon after.
According to Bola.net, the opening goal arrived in the 20th minute. Aston Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot initially palmed away a deflected shot from Désiré Doué. However, a defensive turnover by Brian Madjo deep in his own half allowed Doue to quickly feed Kvaratskhelia. Controlling the ball cleanly with his first touch, the Georgian winger fired a decisive shot into the top-left corner, leaving Bizot stranded and putting PSG up 1-0.
Madjo Equalizes Before Halftime
Aston Villa absorbed the setback and intensified their search for an equalizer as the first half wound down. Brian Madjo tested the Parisian defense twice with headers before finally making his mark on the stroke of halftime.
In the 45th minute, captain John McGinn delivered a precise cross into the box. Madjo met the delivery with a swift finish into the upper-left corner past Safonov, sending the teams into the interval level at 1-1.
VAR Intervention and Doue’s Winner
The second half began with high intensity. McGinn immediately tested Safonov with a fierce long-range effort, but the Russian goalkeeper produced a sharp save to keep the score level.
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The turning point arrived just past the hour mark. In the 61st minute, Désiré Doue found the back of the net, though the assistant referee initially raised the flag for offside. Following a review by VAR and referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the offside call was overturned, and Doue’s goal was validated in the 62nd minute, restoring PSG’s lead at 2-1.
Trailing once more, Unai Emery’s side threw numbers forward. PSG weathered late pressure while missing opportunities to extend their lead through Nuno Mendes and Ousmane Dembéle, both of whom failed to beat Bizot. In stoppage time, Emiliano Buendía squandered a final chance for Villa, heading wide from a cross to confirm the narrow defeat.
Lineups and Tactical Setup
Both managers deployed strong tactical setups for the showcase in Austria. Luis Enrique opted for a 4-3-3 formation, marshaling a backline of Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, and Nuno Mendes ahead of goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. The midfield trio consisted of Warren Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, and João Neves, while the attacking trident featured Maghnes Akliouche, Désiré Doué, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Unai Emery countered with a 4-2-3-1 structure. Marco Bizot started in goal, protected by a defense of Matty Cash, Victor Lindelöf, Pau Torres, and Ian Maatsen. Boubacar Kamara and João Gomes patrolled the base of the midfield, supporting an attacking line of John McGinn, George Hemmings, and Emiliano Buendía behind lone striker Brian Madjo.
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