Aston Villa manager Unai Emery remains confident his team can overturn a 3-1 deficit against Paris Saint-Germain and book a spot in the Champions League semifinals, despite Wednesday’s tough first-leg loss in the French capital.
Villa made a dream start at the Parc des Princes when Morgan Rogers fired them ahead in the first half. But PSG responded with style, as stunning goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia flipped the game in the hosts’ favor. A late strike in stoppage time by Nuno Mendes gave the French champions a two-goal cushion heading into the return leg at Villa Park.
"At 2-1, we were focused on winning the second match, and even at 3-1, nothing changes," Emery said post-match. "We’re here to enjoy the moment, and I’m proud of how the team competed. We were close to getting a better result."
While acknowledging PSG’s quality and power, Emery believes Villa can mount a comeback on home soil.
"Villa Park is our fortress, and we hope to be stronger there. PSG are the favorites now, but we still believe," he added.
Villa arrived in Paris riding high on a seven-match winning streak across all competitions, a run that has them eyeing a Champions League return next season and a spot in the FA Cup final. However, progressing in Europe will now require something special next Tuesday in Birmingham.
"I’m not happy with the result, but I’m proud of the performance. Playing a Champions League quarterfinal in Paris is already a special moment," Emery said. "Whether it’s 2-1 or 3-1, we still have to win the next match."
PSG's Quality on Display
PSG head coach Luis Enrique praised his side's performance and underlined that they won't change their attacking mindset for the second leg.
"The match had everything, but we controlled it," said the former Barcelona boss. "Villa scored from their first real attack, but Des got us level, and we pushed on in the second half. The third goal was the cherry on top."
The goals were indeed of the highest quality—Doue’s long-range strike and Kvaratskhelia’s brilliant solo run stood out, while Mendes sealed the win after rounding goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, finishing off a sublime pass from Ousmane Dembele.
PSG dominated the stats sheet, enjoying 68% possession and unleashing 30 shots to Villa’s eight.
"Our third goal reflects the effort and control we had over the 90 minutes," Enrique said. "We don’t play to sit back—we want to have the ball, dominate, and attack. That won’t change at Villa Park, even if the game will be tougher there."
PSG will be boosted by the return of captain Marquinhos for the second leg, as he missed the opener through suspension. With the Ligue 1 title already secured, they’ll have a full week to prepare after their weekend fixture against Nantes was postponed.
Villa, however, must refocus quickly as they travel to Southampton for Premier League action on Saturday.