Champions League Quarterfinals: Aston Villa Hosts PSG in Decisive Second Leg

Aston Villa will play against PSG at home on Tuesday for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal match. In the first leg, PSG defeated Aston Villa 3-1 in Paris. To advance to the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 1982, Aston Villa needs to win by at least two goals. PSG, having already secured the French league title, is fully focused on the Champions League, aiming to win their first ever title after losing in the 2020 final. PSG`s coach, Luis Enrique, is determined to achieve European success with the club and must overcome Unai Emery`s Aston Villa to proceed.

Match Details

• Date: Tuesday, April 15
• Location: Villa Park — Birmingham, England

First Leg Recap

In the first leg in Paris, PSG won 3-1. Despite Aston Villa scoring first, PSG responded with two goals from Desire Doue and one from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Nuno Mendes added a late goal to secure a comfortable lead for PSG heading into the second leg.

PSG`s Perspective

Luis Enrique emphasized that he respects Aston Villa`s potential and is focused on winning the second leg. He acknowledged the historical significance of Villa Park and sees it as a source of motivation rather than a problem for his team.

Aston Villa`s Perspective

Unai Emery highlighted the challenge of playing against PSG. He stressed the importance of his team executing their game plan, winning individual battles, and utilizing Villa Park as a fortress. Despite the first-leg deficit, Emery believes in his team`s ability to compete and potentially overturn the result.

Predicted Lineups

Aston Villa XI: Emiliano Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne; Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans; John McGinn, Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers; Marcus Rashford.

PSG XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Beraldo, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue.

Player to Watch

Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG: Kvaratskhelia, who scored in the first leg, has been a standout player for PSG since joining in January. His performance will be crucial for PSG`s chances of advancing in the Champions League.

Key Storyline

Emiliano Martinez vs PSG: The rivalry between Aston Villa`s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and PSG fans is a notable storyline. Martinez was heavily booed in Paris due to his past interactions with French fans after the 2022 World Cup final.

Match Prediction

Despite Aston Villa`s potential to score, it is predicted that PSG will secure a draw in the second leg, which will be enough to send them to the semifinals. Prediction: Aston Villa 2, PSG 2.

Champions League Quarterfinals Schedule

All times U.S./Eastern