PSG 3–1 Aston Villa Player Ratings: PSG Too Good for Villa as They Put One Foot Ahead in the UCL Semi-Finals

PSG had another statement performance as they put Aston Villa to the sword with a convincing 3-1 victory that puts them well on course to qualify for the semis. PSG had to make a forced change, with Lucas Beraldo coming in for the suspended Marquinhos. For Villa, Unai Emery made a huge call to bench Ollie Watkins, with Marcus Rashford starting as number 9.

It was no surprise that it was the Parisians who were making the early inroads in the game. They engineered the game’s first chance with some slick interplay between Joao Neves and Dembele finding Vitinha, but his shot was comfortably gathered by Martinez.

A few minutes later, it was PSG again who came close to opening the scoring. Kvaratskhelia danced past a couple of Villa tackles but saw his shot blocked. Dembele, however, was there to unleash a rasping strike off the rebound which drew a sharp save from the Aston Villa striker.

PSG were dominant in all facets in the first 15-20 minutes or so. Such was the disparity in possession that Villa had completed just 18 passes in the first 15 minutes compared to PSG’s 120 or so. From there on, however, Villa slowly but surely began to find their bearings. They began to see a little more of the ball and began to play in their opponent’s half. While they did not have any shots to show for it, they did have a few good moments with the ball.

Just when it seemed like the half would end goalless, the game sprang to life in a space of 5 minutes. Villa took the lead against the run of play, to the shock of the boisterous home crowd. Nuno Mendes was dispossessed by some smart work by McGinn, who bulldozed forward and passed wide to Rashford.

The Man United loanee then slipped a side-rule pass to Youri Tielemans, who put in a wonderful ball on the turn, which needed no second invitation to Morgan Rogers, who scored with aplomb. It was his 4th goal in the Champions League and just reward for Villa on the face of things.

However, that lead lasted for a matter of just 4 minutes. From a throw-in, Nuno Mendes found Désiré Doué, who conjured a bit of magic and delivered an absolute howitzer from distance that left Martinez rooted to the spot as the ball went in off the underside of the crossbar. The fact that he was off-balance made the goal even more commendable.

From there, the game lulled into a state of flux as both sides played cautiously to walk into half-time with the score deadlocked. PSG more or less put the game to bed at the start of the second half itself.

A sweeping ball from Ruiz found Kvara, who slalomed through Disasi and unleashed a rip-snorter right into the roof of the net. That goal knocked the stuffing out of the Aston Villa side as they faded out of the contest. Villa were then put out of their misery right at the end when Nuno Mendes snuck through their defense and gave Martinez the eyes as he scored the third to apply gloss on a professional performance by the hosts. Here are the PSG vs Aston Villa Player Ratings.

PSG Player Ratings

GK- Gianluigi Donnarumma- 5.5/10

Could do nothing about Villa’s goal as he was well out of position covering the other side. Barely had anything to do before or after the goal, in all honesty.

RB- Achraf Hakimi- 6/10

The PSG skipper put in a good shift off the right flank as he bombed forward at will, but should have done better to prevent Tielemans from putting in the cross that led to the goal. He was unlucky to see his shot extremely well saved by Martinez in the second half.

RCB- Lucas Beraldo- 6/10

A composed outing for the defender in what was his 50th appearance for the club. Barring one moment where he was turned inside out by Rashford, he held his own in the heart of defense.

LCB- Willian Pacho- 6/10

Was his combative and usual physical self in the contest. Did well to keep a potentially dangerous attack at bay

LB- Nuno Mendes- 7/10

It was a game of two halves for the Portuguese. Gave away the ball that led to Villa’s goal. Atoned for it to some extent by playing a part in Doué’s equalising goal. Was involved in the move that led to PSG’s second goal. He was a more involved presence in the second half as PSG put Villa in a squeeze. He capped off the night with a sumptuous goal that was just reward for his efforts.

RCM- Joao Neves- 6.5/10

A metronomic performance for the young Portuguese in the middle of the park. Displayed unerring accuracy and intelligence with his passing. Always kept moving.

CM- Vitinha- 7/10

Orchestrated the PSG attacks like the true conduit he is. A 98% pass accuracy coupled with a shot that was saved and a shot that went just over the bar. A complete night’s work for the Portugal international.

LCM- Fabian Ruiz- 7/10

Provided the assist for the goal that gave PSG the lead. Was tenacious in defense and busy with the ball at his feet.

RW- Désiré Doué- 8.5/10

Came to life in the last few minutes of the first half. Scored a wonderful equaliser that brought his side back into the contest. He then went about torturing the Villa defense with his extraordinary dribbling and skill.

ST- Ousmane Dembele- 6/10

An uncharacteristic off-night for PSG’s talisman. While he was constantly involved in the build-up for multiple moves, he was not able to stamp his authority on the game as he usually does.

LW- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia- 9/10

The Georgian showed why he is addressed as “Kvaradona” with a virtuoso performance tonight. Tormented Matty Cash throughout the first half, and then scored an absolute worldie by sending Disasi on the floor. Should have had a couple more. Ended up with another assist to cap a glorious night.

Sub- Warren Zaire-Emery- 6/10

Was lively and active throughout his cameo. Did his bit well.

Sub- Bradley Barcola- 6/10

He was a constant threat on his flank. Put in a couple of teasing balls.

Sub- Goncalo Ramos- N/A

A late sub. Brought in to run out the clock.

Manager- Luis Enrique- 8/10

Another brilliant outing for the Spaniard. He is slowly and steadily building this PSG side into a juggernaut. Proper tactical masterclass from the Asturian sees them put one foot ahead in the semis.

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Aston Villa Player Ratings

GK- Emiliano Martinez- 6.5/10

He was by far the busier of the two goalkeepers. While he could do absolutely nothing about the two goals conceded, he pulled out several stops to ensure that the score stayed at 3-1.

RB- Matty Cash- 4/10

Had a woeful game overall. Was constantly given the run-around by Kvaratskhelia as he failed to get around him. Was booked after a series of annoying fouls. Was hooked off at half-time.

RCB- Ezri Konsa- 5.5/10

Was the more robust of the two defenders as he went in full-blooded on the tackles and blocks. Put in a reasonable shift at the back.

LCB- Pau Torres- 6/10

Showed his trademark composure and calmness with the ball as well as while dealing with danger. Put good defensive work on Ousmane Dembele to make him a non-factor in the game.

LB- Lucas Digne- 4.5/10

Barely had any tangible impact in the game whatsoever.

CDM- Youri Tielemans- 6.5/10

A wonderful assist for Rogers on the half-turn to give Villa a shock lead. Constantly looked for space and the spare man with the limited possession his side had.

CDM- Boubacar Kamara- 5/10

Had a decent game for his standards. Won most of his ground duels and shielded his defence reasonably well.

RW- Morgan Rogers- 7/10

Scored a well-constructed goal to give Villa the lead. He was a constant attacking threat down the right as he tried to get his side back on level terms.

CAM- John McGinn- 6/10

Displayed his usual tenacity and dogged determination in abundance. Won the ball, which was the catalyst for the opening goal. Made a few lung-busting runs as he tried to tackle the metronomic PSG midfield.

LW- Jacob Ramsey- 4/10

Was a total pedestrian in what was a very difficult night for the youngster. Unable to influence proceedings at all and was on the periphery throughout until he was subbed on the cusp of the hour mark.

ST- Marcus Rashford- 5.5/10

The Englishman could not continue his love affair in Paris as he was unable to score. Put in the pass to Tielemans that led to the goal, and also showed great skill to turn Beraldo inside out. But a lack of end product was palpable.

Sub- Axel Disasi- 5/10

Was easily turned by Kvara for the second goal. Average the rest of the half.

Sub- Marco Asensio- 5/10

He was brought to make an impact for his side. Failed to make one as he didn’t see much of the ball

Sub- Ollie Watkins – 5/10

Should have started the game. Did not have much of an impact.

Sub- Ian Maatsen- N/A

Late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Sub- Amadou Onana- N/A

Late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Manager- Unai Emery- 5/10

His decision to drop Watkins backfired big time. Lost the battle in the small points as his side could not deal with the movement and intensity of PSG’s relentless ball-movers. Faces an uphill battle in the second leg.

Sportsdunia Player of the Match goes to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

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