In a quarter-final return from the Champions League to the completely reversing scenario, Paris Saint-Germain bowed 3-2 on the lawn of Aston Villa, but still manages to qualify for the semi-finals thanks to its 3-1 victory at the Park of Princes. An evening under high tension, marked by a goal from Achraf Hakimi and a collective performance in two stages, where PSG has passed very close to a new European disillusionment.
From the 11th minute, the Moroccan international put his own on the right rails. Taking advantage of a bad outing of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, Hakimi perfectly followed an action initiated on the left side by Barcola, before concluding with composure at the penalty spot. An important goal which then gave air to the Parisians. A few minutes later, on a new flash, Nuno Mendes dubbed a superb left shot. Paris then led 2-0 after 27 minutes and seemed to have folded the case.
But as often in the Champions League, nothing is ever acquired. Aston Villa gradually regained control of the match, reducing the gap before the break thanks to Tielemans. Upon returning from the locker room, the English accentuated the pressure, twice finding the net, to bring the scoring to 3-2. One purpose of the extension, the men of Unai Emery tried everything to the end.
Despite the Parisian feverishness and a red card of a little avoided by Hakimi in the first period after a mood gesture on McGinn, PSG retains its advantage at the end of the two confrontations (5-4 in the cumulation). The men of Luis Enrique will therefore see the last square in the competition, not without having approached the disaster. For Achraf Hakimi, scorer but also in view throughout the meeting, qualification remains a relief, despite a disturbing overall performance in the second period.
