Aston Villa Vs PSG: UEFA Champions League quater-final 2nd-leg match preview
Aston Villa will host PSG in the 2nd leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. SportsRation present preview of the match.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is hoping to script a memorable comeback when his side host Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash on Tuesday night at Villa Park.
The French champions head into the match with a 3-1 lead from the first leg in Paris, but Villa believe the tie is far from over – especially under the guidance of Emery, who is no stranger to European nights.
Villa took the lead in the first leg through Morgan Rogers, but a spirited PSG comeback saw Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Nuno Mendes all find the net to give Luis Enrique’s side the advantage heading into the return fixture.
Despite the two-goal deficit, Emery remains optimistic. “It’s not over yet,” he said. “We know what we are capable of at Villa Park, especially with our fans behind us. We need to be clinical and brave.”
Villa warmed up for the big match with a 3-0 victory over Southampton at the weekend, where second-half goals from Ollie Watkins, John McGinn and Donyell Malen lifted the mood in the camp. The result also boosted Villa’s hopes of finishing in a Champions League spot through the Premier League.
At Villa Park, the English side are unbeaten in 17 matches across all competitions and have scored at least twice in seven of their last eight home games. Emery himself has a strong record in European home fixtures, winning 11 of his last 13 matches.
PSG, however, come into the tie full of confidence. Having already sealed the Ligue 1 title with six games to spare, they enjoyed a weekend off and are fresh for the midweek clash. Luis Enrique’s side are also in incredible form on the road, winning 16 straight away matches in all competitions.
The French side have bad memories of second-leg slip-ups in Europe, including their famous collapse against Barcelona in 2017. But this new-look PSG, filled with young stars and a renewed sense of balance, seem determined not to repeat past mistakes.
Star winger Ousmane Dembele has been in sensational form, contributing 42 goals and assists in 41 matches this season. Midfielder Vitinha also made headlines after completing 148 passes in the first leg – a Champions League knockout record for PSG.
Team News
Aston Villa:
Leon Bailey is nearing full fitness but will not be ready to start. Emery is expected to recall regular starters like Pau Torres, Lucas Digne, and Boubacar Kamara, while Ollie Watkins is likely to lead the line after scoring at the weekend.
Predicted XI:
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Rogers, McGinn, Rashford; Watkins
PSG:
Captain Marquinhos returns from suspension and is expected to replace Lucas Beraldo. Luis Enrique is likely to stick with the rest of the team that won the first leg.
Predicted XI:
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
Prediction:
Aston Villa 2-2 Paris Saint-Germain (PSG win 5-3 on aggregate)
Expect an electric atmosphere at Villa Park and a fearless display from Villa, but PSG’s attacking threat could prove too much over the two legs. Villa may draw on the night, but PSG should progress to the semi-finals, where they could face either Arsenal or Real Madrid.
