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法蘭克福力克波鴻，德甲前四位置更趨穩固

DIWIDA.NEWS basketball, european football, football clubs, soccer, sports

法蘭克福力克波鴻，德甲前四位置更趨穩固

（法新社德國波鴻16日電）德甲足球聯賽法蘭克福今天3比1擊敗波鴻，隊史首度以德甲前四名之姿打進歐冠的希望越來越濃。法蘭克福今天贏球後躍居本季德甲聯賽第4，領先第5RB萊比錫3分積分。法蘭克福從未靠在德甲打進前4名晉級歐冠會內賽，頂多只在2022-23...

Onyedika and Onyemachi Secure Club Honors

DIWIDA.NEWS european football, football clubs, football players, soccer, sports

<p>
 <p>
  <strong>
   Bruno Onyemaechi
  </strong>
  Raphael Onyedika stood out alongside other talented Nigerian footballers in European competitions this past weekend. Both players secured significant domestic titles for their respective teams—Olympiacos and Club Brugge—with their impressive performances, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
 </p>
 <p>
  In the Belgian Cup final held at the King Boudewijn Stadium in Brussels, Onyedika played a key role in midfield as Club Brugge narrowly defeated their bitter rivals Anderlecht with a score of 2-1. The 24-year-old significantly influenced the early part of the game, controlling play through precise passes and strategic movements.
 </p>
 <p>
  His impact was clear leading up to both goals, with Brugge scoring two times before halftime thanks to Romeo Vermant, who finished calmly following crosses delivered by Hugo Siquet and Christos Tzolis. Onyedika’s steady positioning in midfield effectively disrupted Anderlecht’s counterattacks and offered a strong foundation for the offense.
 </p>
 <p>
  In the 74th minute, he was replaced amidst a standing ovation from the Brugge supporters who recognized his contribution to the team's 12th Belgian Cup victory, their first title since 2015.
 </p>
 <p>
  At the same time in Greece, Onyemaechi played a key role as Olympiacos clinched the Greek Super League championship with a decisive win against PAOK at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on the last day of the season.
 </p>
 <p>
  Even though the Piraeus team had secured their 48th championship title prior to this game, the encounter was still marked as a festive conclusion. The 26-year-old Nigerian defender, recruited from Portuguese club Boavista in January, continued his strong performance playing as a left-back. He effectively neutralized PAOK’s attempts on the right flank before being replaced in the 63rd minute.
 </p>
 <p>
  Onyemaechi’s quick adjustment to Greek football has been impressive, culminating in his first European league championship during this noteworthy six-month period. He is also aiming for a domestic double as the Greek Cup final against OFI approaches on May 17.
 </p>
 <p>
  In another part of France, Super Falcons' goalie Chiamaka Nnadozie emerged as the heroine when Paris FC broke their 19-year title drought by beating Paris Saint-Germain 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out to clinch the 2025 Coupe de France Féminine. After a scoreless draw following 90 minutes at Calais, Nnadozie made two vital saves during the penalty kick stage to secure the win.
 </p>
 <p>
  This stood out as a pivotal moment in Nnadozie’s club history because it represented her initial trophy win in Europe and solidified her status as one of the most dependable shot-stoppers in female football.
 </p>
 <p>
  The adventures of the group during the weekend have bolstered Nigeria's increasing tally of global accolades, with more expected soon, notably for Victor Osimhen, who has a chance at winning both the Turkish Super Lig and Turkish Cup titles.
 </p>
</p>
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).

Onyedika and Onyemachi Secure Club Honors

Bruno Onyemaechi Raphael Onyedika stood out alongside other talented Nigerian footballers in European competitions this past w...

7 Shockingly Young Managers Taking Over in 2025: Wilshere, Ramsey and More!

DIWIDA.NEWS european football, football clubs, football players, soccer, sports

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Drdnb" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Drdnb.jpg"/>
<p>
 Former
 Arsenal
 ,
 Manchester United
 and
 Liverpool
 Stars are part of the surprisingly youthful group of former athletes who have become football managers in 2025, and we're amazed by this trend.
</p>
<p>
 These days, most players tend to play professionally until their late thirties, but others decide to retire early and make a headstart on their managerial career.
</p>
<p>
 After examining this trend more closely, we discovered seven remarkably youthful ex-professionals who have since become managers.
</p>
<h2>
 Jack Wilshere
</h2>
<p>
 After the removal of Norwich City manager Johannes Hoff Thorup, Wilshere has been appointed as the temporary head coach for the remainder of the season.
</p>
<p>
 His professional journey was interrupted by injuries, which eventually led to his retirement in 2020 when he was just 30 years old.
</p>
<p>
 He has subsequently taken up positions as a youth coach, initially with Arsenal and currently with Norwich. However, he has now been assigned his highest-profile role yet – at least for the time being.
</p>
<p>
 At 33 years old, he will be the youngest manager in the Championship, and at the end of the season, he is scheduled to face off against one of his ex-Arsenal teammates.
</p>
<h2>
 Aaron Ramsey
</h2>
<p>
 Ramsey remains listed with Cardiff City, but he has been appointed as the club’s caretaker manager after Omer Riza was let go over the Easter holiday.
</p>
<p>
 He took charge of his first game over the weekend and could only draw against Oxford, which leaves Cardiff in the relegation zone with two games to go.
</p>
<p>
 On the last day of the season, Cardiff will head to Norwich, with Ramsey set to face Wilshere from the technical area.
</p>
<h2>
 James Morrison
</h2>
<p>
 Championship clubs seem to have an obsession when it comes to hiring prime Barclaysmen as temporary managers.
</p>
<p>
 Recently, West Bromwich Albion terminated their relationship with Tony Mowbray, and they've appointed 38-year-old Morrison as interim manager for the remainder of the season.
</p>
<h2>
 Tom Cleverley
</h2>
<p>
 Considering that most Watford managers don’t last longer than a few months, Cleverley has done an exceptional job to last over one year in the head-coach role.
</p>
<p>
 Even though many predicted Cleverley would face challenges early in the season, he has kept Watford close to the top six throughout.
</p>
<p>
 At only 35 years old, he is currently among the youngest managers in the EFL.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  READ NEXT:
  The top 10 players with the highest combined goals and assists in Europe for the 2024-25 season.
 </strong>
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  TRY A QUIZ:
  Could you list all 60 English players who have achieved 50 or more goals in the Premier League?
 </strong>
</p>
<h2>
 Javier Mascherano
</h2>
<p>
 Mascherano once shared the pitch with Lionel Messi at Barcelona and flash forward to 2025, he’s now his manager at Inter Miami.
</p>
<p>
 “Sometimes I get uncomfortable talking about him because he’s been my teammate for over 20 years, and now I have to support him in this new role as a coach,” Mascherano told reporters when discussing his new role.
</p>
<h2>
 Burak Yilmaz
</h2>
<p>
 One of the most lethal strikers to ever grace the Turkish Super Lig. Yilmaz called it quits on his playing career in 2023 and he’s not wasted any time in heading into management.
</p>
<p>
 Having previously had managerial stints with Besiktas and Kayserispor, the 39-year-old is currently managing Kasimpasa in the Turkish Super Lig.
</p>
<h2>
 Cesc Fabregas
</h2>
<p>
 Following his retirement from professional football in 2023, Fabregas quickly moved into coaching.
</p>
<p>
 After serving as Como’s interim manager in 2023, he took over as head coach last summer and now has his team positioned at the 13th spot in Serie A.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  TRY A QUIZ:
  Could you list the top 30 players who have recorded the most assists in Premier League history?
 </strong>
</p>

7 Shockingly Young Managers Taking Over in 2025: Wilshere, Ramsey and More!

Former Arsenal , Manchester United and Liverpool Stars are part of the surprisingly youthful group of former athletes who have beco...

Arteta Sticks to His Plan, Refuses Player Rotation Before Crucial Crystal Palace Showdown

DIWIDA.NEWS arsenal fc, european football, football clubs, soccer, sports

<div class="text_text__oJhZK">
 <p>
  <span>
   Arsenal has no intention of rotating their squad or giving players a break ahead of their upcoming Premier League match against Crystal Palace, as they prepare for next week’s Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain. Manager Mikel Arteta stated this during his Tuesday press conference.
  </span>
 </p>
 <p>
  <span>
   Arsenal, who currently sit at 66 points and rank second in the standings, have essentially been eliminated from contention for the Premier League title as Liverpool only require one additional victory to clinch the championship.
  </span>
 </p>
 <p>
  <span>
   Arsenal’s team has been eliminated from both the FA Cup and the League Cup, where they lost in the semifinals. This leaves the UEFA Champions League as their primary opportunity for winning a trophy this campaign; however, Arteta ruled out resting his crucial performers in the match against 12th-place Crystal Palace.
  </span>
 </p>
 <p>
  <span>
   "When players are in good condition and willing to participate, they must be allowed to play; we can’t consider things differently," he stated to journalists before the match at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
  </span>
 </p>
 <p>
  <span>
   When they are actively performing, they excel because of their consistent play and physical as well as emotional stability. It’s during these moments that they find their groove and reach their peak.
  </span>
 </p>
</div>
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).

Arteta Sticks to His Plan, Refuses Player Rotation Before Crucial Crystal Palace Showdown

Arsenal has no intention of rotating their squad or giving players a break ahead of their upcoming Premier League match against Cry...

Top 10 Scorching Goalscorers and Playmakers in European Football 2024-25

DIWIDA.NEWS europe, european football, football players, soccer, sports

<p>
 Big names from
 Barcelona
 ,
 Liverpool
 ,
 Chelsea
 and
 Bayern Munich
 rank among the leading players in Europe for the highest total of goals and assists in the 2024-25 season up to this point.
</p>
<p>
 It takes something special to be able to create and finish, and there are an interesting mix of the usual suspects alongside some surprise names when you take a look at which players have notched the most direct goal contributions in Europe’s top five leagues – Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1 – so far this season.
</p>
<p>
 Here are the top 10 players with the highest total of combined goals and assists in Europe’s main leagues so far this season.
</p>
<p>
 Note: If two players have an equal number of goal contributions, they are ranked based on their goals and assists per minute ratio. As a result, Cole Palmer and Romelu Lukaku narrowly miss out on our top 10 list.
</p>
<h2>
 10. Bradley Barcola – 22 years old (13 goals, 9 assists)
</h2>
<p>
 Even without Kylian Mbappé and earlier without Lionel Messi and Neymar, PSG seems stronger than ever. They have secured the Ligue 1 title well ahead of schedule, consistently finding the back of the net at an impressive rate.
</p>
<p>
 While The Parisians may lack the star power of their past, they haven’t lost ground by nurturing young French talents such as Barcoła.
</p>
<p>
 The 22-year-old forward is thriving under Luis Enrique’s guidance, contributing with either goals or assists every 82 minutes in France’s top league.
</p>
<h2>
 9. Erling Haaland – 24 (21 goals, 3 assists)
</h2>
<p>
 Even though Haaland experienced a slump from November to January, he has reignited his goal-scoring ability lately, netting eight times in his past 11 Premier League matches.
</p>
<p>
 There aren't many assists available, but that isn’t his main role. Let the playmakers and wingers handle the creative work, and Haaland will step in to deliver the final touch.
</p>
<p>
 Currently bound until the summer of 2034, he has no immediate plans to leave the city. However, a third consecutive Premier League Golden Boot might be unattainable following the injury sustained during the FA Cup victory against Bournemouth.
</p>
<h2>
 8. Kylian Mbappe – 25 (22 goals, 3 assists)
</h2>
<p>
 It was only a matter of time that Real Madrid’s latest Galactico featured in this list.
</p>
<p>
 After a slow start to life at the Bernabeu, slowly but surely Mbappe is silencing his doubters.
</p>
<p>
 He’s been one of the most prolific goalscorers across Europe’s major leagues since the turn of the year, and he might just be Los Blancos’ best and most important player in their title tussle with Barcelona.
</p>
<h2>
 7. Ousmane Dembele – 26 (21 goals, 5 assists)
</h2>
<p>
 It feels like we’ve been waiting Dembele’s entire career for him to finally deliver consistent end product.
</p>
<p>
 In the early months of 2025, the penny might have finally dropped for the French winger. He’s scored nine goals in his last 11 appearances in all competitions.
</p>
<p>
 Whisper it but PSG look better than they did at any point in their stacked superstar era, and Dembele has undoubtedly been their standout man. Could he fire them to a historic treble this season?
</p>
<h2>
 <strong>
  6. Robert Lewandowski – 27 (25 goals, 2 assists)
 </strong>
</h2>
<p>
 Another 25-goal campaign for the seasoned Polish international.
</p>
<p>
 We're only now reaching the endgame, and the 36-year-old has already reached that prestigious benchmark for league goals.
</p>
<p>
 While there may be few assists listed here, this doesn't reflect Robert Lewandowski's true strengths. He excels when presented with scoring opportunities—of which Barcelona provides plenty—and consistently delivers, much like his 25th La Liga goal during Barcelona's win against Girona.
</p>
<h2>
 5. Alexander Isak – 27 (21 goals, 6 assists)
</h2>
<p>
 The Newcastle forward has leapt into the top five following his emphatic run of form.
</p>
<p>
 “He is a world-class talent and the way he took his goals today, he has got that coolness in front of goal, that composure that very few players have,” Eddie Howe told reporters after Isak scored a hat-trick against Ipswich.
</p>
<p>
 “When you add his other qualities into the mix, how quick he is, how technically gifted he is, for me, he has got it all.”
</p>
<p>
 The top No. 9 in the Premier League at present? He definitely showcased his prowess with how confidently he scored during the cup final against Liverpool.
</p>
<h2>
 4. Mateo Retegui – 28 (23 goals, 5 assists)
</h2>
<p>
 Atalanta performed exceptionally well with the replacement of their injured key forward Gianluca Scamacca, who sustained a severe ACL tear just before the start of the season. Retegui has potentially been the most impactful acquisition this year.
</p>
<p>
 Scamacca came back for only five minutes before sustaining yet another injury that keeps him sidelined for the rest of the season. Fortunately for Atalanta, they do not need his services.
</p>
<p>
 Retegui could very well be the top striker in Serie A. This news would delight football supporters across Italy – could the Argentine-born product of the Boca Juniors youth academy be the one to guide the Azzurri to their first World Cup victory since 2014?
</p>
<h2>
 <strong>
  3. Omar Marmoush – 28 (19 goals, 9 helpers)
 </strong>
</h2>
<p>
 You're witnessing the potential breakout star of the 2024-25 season. After an impressive beginning to the campaign with Eintrcht Frankfurt, Manchester City decided to invest approximately £59 million in him.
</p>
<p>
 In only 17 Bundesliga matches, this 25-year-old player managed a goal involvement every 58.2 minutes and appeared as an unrelenting presence in Germany’s top division.
</p>
<p>
 He has already scored three goals early in his Premier League career. Marmoush appears to be among City’s top performers and will likely play a crucial role as they aim to return to the Champions League.
</p>
<p>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1xTVB0" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1xTVB0.jpg"/>
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  READ:
  Top 10 Emerging Talents in European Football for the 2024-25 Season: Marmoush, Delap,…
 </strong>
</p>
<h2>
 2. Harry Kane – 31 (23 goals, 8 assists)
</h2>
<p>
 Although the England captain did not claim any titles during the previous season, his statistics from his first year at Bayern Munich were extraordinary. He could potentially surpass those figures in the 2024-25 campaign.
</p>
<p>
 In addition to his impressive performance in the Bundesliga, Kane has shown remarkable productivity in the Champions League as well.
</p>
<p>
 Surely this is the year he gets his hand on silverware?
</p>
<h2>
 1. Mohamed Salah – 45 (27 goals, 18 assists)
</h2>
<p>
 It still leads by a significant margin.
</p>
<p>
 Despite Salah's chances for winning the Ballon d'Or possibly suffering a significant blow following Liverpool's exit from the Champions League and their unexpected loss in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, it should not be overlooked that he is currently having one of the most remarkable individual seasons in recent Premier League history.
</p>
<p>
 Liverpool’s Egyptian King has already
 surpassed several all-time Premier League legends
 And there are still six matches left to play.
</p>
<p>
 He’s definitely going to break it down.
 the record for most goals and assists in a single Premier League season
 and might quickly join the
 all-time European legends
 .
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  READ NEXT:
 </strong>
 <strong>
  The leading 10 goalscorers in Europe for the 2024-25 season include Lewandowski, Salah, Retegui, and others.
 </strong>
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  TRY A QUIZ:
  Could you list the top 50 scorers from Europe's main leagues dating back to the year 2000?
 </strong>
</p>

Top 10 Scorching Goalscorers and Playmakers in European Football 2024-25

Big names from Barcelona , Liverpool , Chelsea and Bayern Munich rank among the leading players in Europe for the highest total of...

Sundowns vs. Pirates: Juggling Schedules for CAF and League Glory

DIWIDA.NEWS european football, football clubs, soccer, sports, tournaments

<div class="text_text__oJhZK">
 <p>
  <span>
   AS IMPRESSIVE as it would be for South African football if both Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates made it to the CAF Champions League final, this accomplishment could pose a significant scheduling challenge for the PSL.
  </span>
 </p>
 <p>
  <span>
   As things stand, the custodians of the country’s professional football must be scratching their heads as they seek ways to ensure that a trouble-ridden season ends on time. Traditionally, the final two or three matches of the campaign are played simultaneously to avoid any cries of 'unfair advantage' in the battles for the championship or to avoid relegation.
  </span>
 </p>
 <p>
  <span>
   The controversy surrounding Royal AM—which resulted in the KwaZulu-Natal team being suspended mid-season and ultimately ejected because of monetary issues involving both FIFA and SARS—has created complications. It has caused an uneven schedule, leaving some teams to have played 25 games while others have only managed 20.
  </span>
 </p>
 <p>
  <span>
   Additionally, cancellations resulting from bad weather or insufficient lighting conditions have proven unproductive, causing teams like Pirates and Golden Arrows to fall considerably behind in the total number of games played.
  </span>
 </p>
 <p>
  <span>
   The Buccaneers' situation has become even more complex due to their involvement in continental soccer. Some of their league games were rescheduled because they came before CAF Champions League encounters. However, surprisingly, this consideration was not afforded to Sundowns.
  </span>
 </p>
 <p>
  <span>
   This has deprived us of an equitable Betway Premiership matchup, as the Brazilian teams seem to be strolling toward the championship due to their significant point advantage. However, the truth is that these teams have participated in more fixtures—should the Pirates secure victories in their outstanding matches, they would trail by merely three points.
  </span>
 </p>
 <p>
  <span>
   Following the nullification of the Royal AM fixtures, teams will now compete in 28 games instead. Mamelodi Sundowns currently stand at 22 matches and hold a nine-point advantage over Orlando Pirates, who have only completed 20 matches so far.
  </span>
 </p>
 <p>
  <span>
   Although Sundowns' upcoming fixtures against Richards Bay at home on April 30th, followed by a match with Mamelodi Sundownes on May 17th also at home, along with an away game versus Cape Town City on May 4th, are all set, uncertainty lingers around their remaining three games.
  </span>
 </p>
 <p>
  <span>
   The current title holders are set to face Chippa United on May 24, which also marks the date for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final. If Sundowns manage to beat Al Ahly this Friday, then the local match would have to be rescheduled.
  </span>
 </p>
 <p>
  <span>
   Next up are the rearranged fixtures against Chippa United and Stellenbosch FC, originally postponed earlier in the season and now needing fresh scheduling.
  </span>
 </p>
 <p>
  <span>
   Pirates encounter an even tougher scenario, as their previous encounters with Golden Arrows, Magesi, and SuperSport United have not yet been included in the schedule. Similar to Sundowns, they too are scheduled to play against AmaZulu on 24 May, but this game might get rescheduled if José Riveiro’s team beats Pyramids FC on Friday.
  </span>
 </p>
 <p>
  <span>
   The fixed matches for Pirates, which are set to proceed according to plan, include facing Sekhukhune United at their home ground on April 30th, then participating in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs on May 3rd, followed by a game with Arrows on May 6th, and wrapping up this series of games versus TS Galaxy on May 17th.
  </span>
 </p>
 <p>
  <span>
   If the PSL aims to conclude the season by May 24 and mandates that teams play their last two games simultaneously (with an exception due to the reduced number of 15 clubs), they might utilize the midweek slots on May 13-14 and May 20-21.
  </span>
 </p>
 <p>
  <span>
   For pirates, the initial schedule would have them playing just days following the Nedbank Cup final, where they will face off against Chiefs. The subsequent fixtures come perilously near to the date of the first leg of the Champions League final—especially tricky should only one team advance and need to head to Egypt. However, if both teams qualify for this stage, there won’t be significant distance involved, potentially easing some logistical challenges.
  </span>
 </p>
</div>
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).

Sundowns vs. Pirates: Juggling Schedules for CAF and League Glory

AS IMPRESSIVE as it would be for South African football if both Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates made it to the CAF Champions ...

Man Utd in Crosshairs: Amorim Targets Double Blow as €100M Serie A Gems Under Surveillance

DIWIDA.NEWS european football, football clubs, news, soccer, sports

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1DtACR" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1DtACR.jpg"/>
<p>
 According to reports from Italy, Manchester United has "kept close tabs" on two of Atalanta's internationally recognized players lately, dispatching "special scouts" to observe their performance in the match against AC Milan over the past weekend.
</p>
<p>
 According to
 TuttoAtalanta
 ,
 <strong>
  Man Utd
 </strong>
 ’s recruiting team was heavily active over the past weekend as they kept building the groundwork for potentially a bustling summer of acquisitions.
 <strong>
  Ruben Amorim
 </strong>
 .
</p>
<p>
 The manager of Manchester United is believed to be seeking at least five new players, including additions to strengthen the midfield and bring in a forward.
 <strong>
  productive forward to relieve the stress from Rasmus Hojlund
 </strong>
 .
</p>
<p>
 The pair impressed in very different ways as Brazilian international Ederson scored the only goal of the game from a deep-lying midfield position to beat AC Milan 1-0.
</p>
<p>
 On top of that, Ederson completed the most dribbles, created the most chances, and led the way with seven tackles in 90 minutes.
</p>
<p>
 The all-action midfielder is being watched by clubs around Europe and is thought of as the perfect complement to the more defence-minded Manuel Ugarte.
</p>
<p>
 Italian international Mateo Retegui was also a thorn in the Rossoneri’s side as he fashioned four shots at goal worth 1.18 xG, though he failed to add to the 26 goals he’s scored across all competitions this season.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  <p>
   MORE MANCHESTER UNITED UPDATES ON F365...
  </p>
 </strong>
 <strong>
  <p>
   <span>
    Manchester United: Amorim aims for £169 million in sales as six players are let go to finance a 'major effort' in the summer transfer window.
   </span>
  </p>
  <p>
   <span>
    Rashford might 'quite possibly return' to Manchester United due to a 'significant problem' affecting Amorim's position.
   </span>
  </p>
  <p>
   <span>
    'Explosive' Star Prefers Manchester United Over Arsenal and Aston Villa as Red Devils Disregard Transfer 'Anomaly'
   </span>
  </p>
 </strong>
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  Retegui, who is 25 years old, joined Serie A just two seasons ago after scoring against England in a UEFA Champions League qualifying match two years prior. He has now caught the attention of Manchester United scouts.
 </strong>
 .
</p>
<p>
 Retegui played for Genoa for one season before joining Atalanta last summer. Since then, he has been impressive for Gian Piero Gasperini’s team, helping Atalanta secure third place in the Serie A standings and netting crucial goals in the Champions League.
</p>
<p>
 It remains to be seen whether the Italian striker will be the answer that Amorim is looking for, as reports indicate that the team might still be searching for solutions.
 <strong>
  targeting a marquee signing and have allegedly agreed a deal with Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen
 </strong>
 .
</p>
<p>
 Both players are on the radar at Old Trafford, with early contact reportedly made with their entourages — and while United’s interest is now becoming clearer, the price tag attached to this double swoop could soar past €100m.
</p>
<p>
 The report states that United’s strategy has been "crucial" and indicates that both players are seen as top contenders for recruitment. Amorim’s team is eager to strengthen their midfield and offensive positions.
</p>
<p>
 Given Atalanta's reputation for profiting from player transfers and Retegui's impressive tally of 26 goals across various competitions, it comes as no shock that the Italian team is planning to demand a high fee.
</p>
<p>
 It remains unclear whether United will go for one or both options, but it's evident that preparations are starting early. Amorim might turn his attention to Italy in search of the key players needed for his team reconstruction.
</p>

Man Utd in Crosshairs: Amorim Targets Double Blow as €100M Serie A Gems Under Surveillance

According to reports from Italy, Manchester United has "kept close tabs" on two of Atalanta's internationally recognized pl...

UEFA Mulls 3 Key Changes to Champions League After Arsenal's Protest

DIWIDA.NEWS europe, european football, football clubs, soccer, sports

<ul>
 <li>
  <strong>
   The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is contemplating three potential modifications for the widely watched international competition.
  </strong>
 </li>
 <li>
  <strong>
   The organization overseeing football has implemented multiple alterations to the tournament previously and is currently planning to add three additional modifications.
  </strong>
 </li>
 <li>
  <strong>
   It is anticipated that the committee tasked with enforcing the updated regulations will convene a meeting in Munich, Germany, to deliberate on the possible modifications.
  </strong>
 </li>
</ul>
<p class="align-left">
 The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is contemplating three potential modifications to the knockout phase structure of the Champions League.
</p>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1DwElc" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1DwElc.jpg"/>
<p class="align-left">
 The organization overseeing football has implemented numerous modifications throughout history, making these kinds of updates familiar territory for the global football community.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 Nevertheless, they might still exert considerable influence on the competition.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 This season alone, UEFA introduced a major update, with the highly anticipated global tournament switching to a completely new format in which 36 teams, instead of the usual 32, compete in one big group rather than in traditional group stages.
</p>
<h2>
 A concise summary of the present system
</h2>
<p class="align-left">
 Following the league stage, the top eight teams from the bigger pool of 36 secure automatic berths into the round of 16.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 Teams finishing from 9th to 24th position participate in an additional playoff round to decide which of these sides advance to the knockout phase.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 During the round of 16, the highest-ranked eight teams face off against the eight victors from the playoff matches.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 The leading teams are granted the benefit of hosting the second leg of their matches, a situation typically viewed as advantageous.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 In light of several unexpected outcomes observed during this year's Champions League matches, UEFA is contemplating additional modifications to the competition.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 A suggestion that has garnered considerable notice involves possibly eliminating extra time in UEFA Champions League games.
</p>
<h2>
 Why is UEFA contemplating these modifications?
</h2>
<p class="align-left">
 The primary driver for these potential alterations stems from worries regarding player fatigue and ensuring that the new system remains equitable for every team.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 Due to these issues, the UEFA committee plans to convene a meeting in Munich, Germany, on May 30 to address the suggested modifications.
</p>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1DwBL6" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1DwBL6.jpg"/>
<h2>
 The three key suggested alterations
</h2>
<p class="align-left">
 The three key proposals under consideration by UEFA’s committee encompass the possible elimination of extra time during knockout rounds, granting more home games to the leading eight teams, and reinstating the regulation that stops clubs from the same nation from competing against one another in the Round of 16.
</p>
<h2>
 Elimination of additional time during knockout games
</h2>
<p class="align-left">
 As reported by BILD, in case of a tie during the knockout stages, the additional 30 minutes will be eliminated, leading to an immediate penalty shoot-out to determine the winner. This change aims at reducing player exhaustion.
</p>
<h2>
 Significant home-field advantage for the leading eight teams
</h2>
<p class="align-left">
 Currently, the top eight clubs from the league phase of the UEFA competition advance directly to the round of 16 and host the second-leg matches, typically considered beneficial.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 Currently, UEFA is considering providing additional advantages for these elite teams throughout the latter phases of the competition, extending beyond just the round of 16.
</p>
<h2>
 A rule has been implemented to avoid having teams from the same country face each other in the round of 16.
</h2>
<p class="align-left">
 Under the revised Champions League structure, clubs from the same nation have the possibility to meet each other as soon as the last sixteen stage.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 Previously, this occurred only starting from the quarterfinals.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 This alteration resulted in pairings such as PSG versus Brest, which bored certain fans attending a major European competition.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 Currently, UEFA is considering reinstating the previous regulation aimed at preventing domestic collisions until the final eight teams remain.
</p>
<h2>
 Luis Enrique's perspective on the Champions League semifinal matchup
</h2>
<p class="align-left">
 <strong>
  Diwida >.co.ke
 </strong>
 Previously mentioned were PSG manager Luis Enrique’s views on their forthcoming Champions League semi-final match, with PSG set to play against Arsenal in the initial encounter of the tie later this month.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 Arsenal moved into the semi-finals after defeating Real Madrid with an overall score of 5-1.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 The PSG coach noted that although encountering English clubs is routine, they have recently competed against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa. Now, they are scheduled to play Arsenal once more.
</p>

UEFA Mulls 3 Key Changes to Champions League After Arsenal's Protest

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is contemplating three potential modifications for the widely watched internatio...

“Everyone has their role” — Bayern Munich legend Thomas Müller says it’s about the “bigger picture” after Inter Milan loss

DIWIDA.NEWS european football, football clubs, news, soccer, sports

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CCikh" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CCikh.jpg"/>
<p id="V53OEy">
 Bayern Munich
 star Thomas Müller scored his team’s lone goal during a 2-1 loss to
 Inter Milan
 in the
 Champions League
 , but some fans were left puzzled by head coach Vincent Kompany’s decision to keep the 35-year-old on the bench to start.
</p>
<p id="grpA76">
 Müller, though, was not sweating it and does not want the situation to become a distraction.
</p>
<p id="mnvzut">
 “Of course I’d be happy to start. Everyone enjoys playing. Nevertheless, we also need players who can come off the bench and decide games or help steer the team in the right direction. Everyone has their role, which the coach defines before each game, and he does so with the utmost knowledge and awareness,” told Bild via
 @iMiaSanMia
 . “Especially for me, it’s important that I radiate that now, that this is about the bigger picture. It doesn’t feel like I’m on some kind of farewell tour, but rather we’re in the middle of the action here, and that’s how we act, and that’s how I feel.”
</p>
<p id="lRJChu">
 Müller continues to do and say all of the right things, despite what some would consider disrespectful treatment of late from the club executive (and maybe the coaching staff today).
</p>
<p id="cICCNH">
 With statements like he just made, it sure does seem like the venerable veteran is prepping for a role of his own in the front office at some point.
</p>
<p id="YOTUAW">
 Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Bayern Munich disappointing performance during a 2-1 loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League? Great, then check out the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show on
 Patreon
 ,
 Spotify
 , or below:
</p>
<p id="UY54xS">
 Also, be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on
 <strong>
  Patreon
 </strong>
 and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.
</p>

“Everyone has their role” — Bayern Munich legend Thomas Müller says it’s about the “bigger picture” after Inter Milan loss

Bayern Munich star Thomas Müller scored his team’s lone goal during a 2-1 loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League , but some fan...

PSG vs. Aston Villa Final Score: Kvaratskhelia and Doué's Masterstrokes Down Emery’s Men in UEFA Champions League Thriller

DIWIDA.NEWS european football, football clubs, news, soccer, sports

<p>
 Stunning goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia propelled Paris Saint-Germain to a 3-1 turnaround victory against Aston Villa in the opening match of their series.
 UEFA Champions League
 quarterfinal.
</p>
<p>
 Luis Enrique's newly crowned French champions took control early on but found themselves trailing despite the flow of the game during the first half-hour.
</p>
<p>
 John McGinn dispossessed Nuno Mendes and initiated a well-structured counter-attack, which allowed Marcus Rashford to find Youri Tielemans for a precise pass to Morgan Rogers, who scored his 14th goal of the campaign with an easy finish.
</p>
<p>
 PSG responded quickly and decisively with Doue – an unexpected addition instead of Bradley Barcola – surging forward from the left side, evading Rogers before delivering a stunning shot that hit the underside of the crossbar for a goal.
</p>
<p>
 Most recent live updates | Squad information and starting formations | Viewing locations based on your area
</p>
<h2>
 Paris Saint-Germain versus Aston Villa match result
</h2>
<table>
 <tr class="odd">
  <td>
   <b>
    2nd Half
   </b>
  </td>
  <td>
   Goal scorers
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr class="even">
  <td>
   <strong>
    <strong>
     PSG
    </strong>
   </strong>
  </td>
  <td>
   <b>
    3
   </b>
  </td>
  <td>
   Due 39', Kvaratskhelia 49', Nuno Mendes 90+2'
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr class="odd">
  <td>
   <strong>
    <b>
     Aston Villa
    </b>
   </strong>
  </td>
  <td>
   <b>
    1
   </b>
  </td>
  <td>
   Rogers 35'
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>
<p>
 Location: Parc des Princes, Paris
</p>
<p>
 Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  Lineups:
 </strong>
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  PSG
  <strong>
   (4-3-3, right to left):
  </strong>
 </strong>
 1. Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) - 2. Achraf Hakimi, 35. Lucas Beraldo, 51. Pacho, 25. Nuno Mendes - 17. Vitinha, 8. Fabian Ruiz
 (33. Warren Zaire-Emery)
 , 87. Joao Neves - 14. Desire Doueuvegne
 (29. Bradley Barcola)
 , 10. Ousmane Dembélé, 7. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  Aston Villa
  <strong>
   (4-2-3-1, right to left):
  </strong>
 </strong>
 23. Emiliano Martínez (GK) - 2. Marty Crachenworth
 (3. Axel Disasi)
 , 4. Ezri Konsa, 14. Pau Torres, 12. Lucas Digne - 44. Boubacar Kamara, 8. Youri Tielemans
 (24. Amadou Onana)
 - 7. John McGinn
 (22. Ian Maatsen)
 , 27. Morgan Rogers, 41. Jacob Ramsey
 (21. Marco Asensio)
 - 9. Marcus Rashford
 (11. Ollie Watkins)
 .
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  MORE:
 </strong>
 Emiliano Martinez's joke teases France ahead of Aston Villa's match against PSG in the Champions League.
</p>
<p>
 The hosts'  livewire wingers were the standout feature of the contest. Georgian magician Kvaratskhelia was a constant threat and he beat substitute Axel Disasi with a wonderful piece of dribbling before driving an unstoppable shot into the top corner, beyond Emiliano Martinez at the near post.
</p>
<p>
 On the balance of play, Villa might have been nursing a heavier deficit long before left-back Nunos Mendes surged onto Ousmane Dembele's wonderfully weighted pass to coolly give the Parisians a vital two-goal cushion heading into next week's second leg in Birmingham.
</p>
<p>
 That goal made this effervescent PSG side firm favourites to progress and they look far more likely European champions than any of their galactico-ridden predecessors.
</p>
<h2>
 PSG vs Aston Villa stats
</h2>
<table>
 <tr>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   <strong>
    PSG
   </strong>
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   <strong>
    Stat
   </strong>
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   <strong>
    Aston Villa
   </strong>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   29
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   Shots
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   7
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   10
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   Shots on target
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   2
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   1.94
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   Expected goals
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   0.74
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   76%
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   Possession
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   24%
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   840
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   Passes
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   271
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   9
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   Corners
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   1
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   9
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   Fouls
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   8
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   0
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   Yellow cards
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   1
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   2
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   Offsides
  </td>
  <td class="text-align-center">
   1
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>
<h2>
 <strong>
  PSG vs. Aston Villa live updates, highlights, and commentary
 </strong>
</h2>
<h3>
 Fulltime
</h3>
<p>
 Zaire-Emery looks to add more punishment from distance but fires over and that's all we have time for. Luis Enrique is delighted on the sidelines. His team were superb, with Doue and Kvaratskhelia scoring absolute worldies. Nuno Mendes' third for PSG has swung the tie heavily in their favour. Thanks for joining us
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  90+2 mins
 </strong>
 :
 <strong>
  GOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!! Nuno Mendes!!!!!
 </strong>
</p>
<p>
 That feels like a huge moment in the tie and Villa now have a mountain to climb next week. Nuno Mendes surges into the box on the end of Dembele's wonderfully weighted pass, the left-back coolly chops inside Konsa and finishes with aplomb.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  90+1 mins
 </strong>
 : Into three minutes of stoppage time. Rogers shoots on the turn but he's a little off balance and it flies off target.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  88 mins
 </strong>
 : Villa hanging in there under pressure. They've been outplayed by a brilliant team, but 2-1 heading back to Villa Park certainly gives them a chance. It's a far better predicament than Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund have landed themselves in away from home.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  80 mins
 </strong>
 : Asensio has a shot deflected behind but Villa can't make anything of the corner.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  79 mins
 </strong>
 : Triple Villa change. Watkins, Onana and Maatsen on for Rashford, Tielemans and McGinn.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  77 mins
 </strong>
 : Kvaratskhelia wants a penalty now after a nudge from Torres. No chance.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  76 mins
 </strong>
 Kvaratskhelia pushes Villa back, and Joao Neves’ attempt is redirected out of play. Villa manage the ensuing corner kick.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  73 mins
 </strong>
 Rogers from Villa advances and unleashes a powerful strike that Donnarumma manages to get his hands on.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  71 mins
 </strong>
 :
 <strong>
  Hakimi into the net, but the offside flag is raised!
 </strong>
 Martinez's embarrassment was avoided when the PSG right-back sent a cross rocketing through his legs. Doué exits to a standing ovation. Bradley Barcola enters the pitch. Zaire-Emery takes over for Fabian Ruiz.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  70 mins
 </strong>
 : Warren Zaire-Emery about to come on for PSG
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  67 mins
 </strong>
 Rogers has entered the book for taking out Vitinha.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  66 mins
 </strong>
 : A long spell of possession from PSG ends with Beraldo hitting a daisy cutter that Martinez keeps out unfussily.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  62 mins:
 </strong>
 PSG want a penalty for handball but the VAR check is over in a jiffy. Kvaratshkelia takes an in-swinging corner, flicked on by Joao Neves and gathered by Martinez.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  59 mins
 </strong>
 Asensio is set to face his former team as he joins Villa, replacing Ramsey.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  58 mins
 </strong>
 Dove charges ahead following more extraordinary play from Kvaratskhelia. The ball reaches Hakimi, who fires a powerful left-footer that Martinez parries away with his right hand.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  55 mins
 </strong>
 : Kvaratskhelia is seriously in the mood. His latest shot spins behind off Disasi. Pacho heads the resulting corner over.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  49 mins
 </strong>
 :
 <strong>
  GOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!! Khvicha Kvaratskhelia!!!!
 </strong>
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  Wow! Another fabulous goal!
 </strong>
 PSG's wide run finds Kvaratskhelia, who deftly controls the ball with exquisite touch beneath his cleats, outmaneuvering Disasi before unleashing a powerful drive into the upper far corner. Brilliant!
</p>
<p>
 Available in the US
</p>
<div>
 <span data-embed-id="4bfd4b48ed934a88a1b5776b65e359b7" data-embed-type="social-auto">
 </span>
</div>
<p>
 Available in the UK
</p>
<div>
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 </span>
</div>
<h3>
 <strong>
  Kickoff: 2nd Half
 </strong>
</h3>
<p>
 We have resumed play, and Villa has made a substitution with Disasi coming on for Cash. The yellow card Cash received likely factored into Unai Emery's decision.
</p>
<h3>
 Halftime
</h3>
<p>
 Villa scored first despite not being dominant, followed by an equalizer from Doue which leveled the game for PSG. The match remains balanced numerically, yet Villa possesses a skilled player who could make the difference.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  45+1 mins
 </strong>
 : Doue with a slaloming run, astonishing skill. He's eventually stopped in the Villa box. I'm old enough to remember a couple of hours ago when the teenager's selection ahead of Barcola looked like a gamble from Luis Enrique. he's repaid him in spades.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  44 mins
 </strong>
 : Doue lets fly again and Martinez pushes it clear. That shot was right above the Villa keeper. Either side and it was 2-1 because that was travelling.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  42 mins
 </strong>
 : Rashford battles his way to the byline as Villa look to respond. PSG manage to prod clear. This one is rollicking towards halftime.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  39 mins
 </strong>
 :
 <strong>
  GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!! Desire Doue!!!!!
 </strong>
</p>
<p>
 No stopping that one! Rogers fatally lets Doue go past him a little too easily cutting in off the left. The teenager rams home a spectacular shot via the underside of the bar. Woof! Game on.
</p>
<div>
 <span data-embed-id="7357a425c0724a1aaec371d7ecf655ed" data-embed-type="social-auto">
 </span>
</div>
<p>
 <strong>
  38 mins
 </strong>
 :
 Ohhhhh, Doue almost squeezes one past Martinez at the near post.
 The shot caught out the Villa keeper but he manages to scramble back and scoop it off the line.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  35 mins
 </strong>
 :
 <strong>
  GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!! Morgan Rogers
 </strong>
</p>
<p>
 Villa lead against the run of play with a beautifully worked counter-attack. It starts with McGinn, who ransacks Mendes and then spreads play to Rashford. He slips a pass to Tielemans to leave it on a plate for Rogers at the far post.
</p>
<div>
 <span data-embed-id="1b64193f4d314293a83e39bfa76e8121" data-embed-type="social-auto">
 </span>
</div>
<p>
 <strong>
  33 mins
 </strong>
 : After that pretty fraught opening, Villa are now keeping PSG at arm's length well enough.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  30 mins:
 </strong>
 McGinn and Rogers set up Rashford with a pass. Despite being tightly marked as he attempts to enter the penalty area, he manages to maintain control of the ball effectively.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  28 mins
 </strong>
 Villa clears a corner from the left and nearly breaks through Rashford. However, the hosts respond strongly, and although Emery’s team have another fleeting opportunity, it is quickly stifled before it can develop.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  26 mins
 </strong>
 Kvaratskhelia dribbles the ball into the Villa penalty area searching for Neves who is making a run. Martinez comes out to clear it with his fists.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  25 mins
 </strong>
 Villa now possess the ball within the PSG half. John McGinn’s choice to unleash a strike well wide from 35 yards doesn’t rank among his finest moments.
</p>
<p>
 <b>
  23 mins
 </b>
 : PSG straight back into their work. Vitinha has time and space to crack one from the edge of the box, but it's always rising. Rasmey is still in some discomfort from the free-kick he won a couple of moments ago and needs treatment.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  22 mins
 </strong>
 : Rogers drives out of the Villa half and looks for Rashford. The England forward brings it to Ramsey and that's a free-kick near halfway for the visitors. And breathe.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  21 mins
 </strong>
 : Digne brings down Doue on the other side and PSG have a set-piece on the right. Taken short once more and Kvaratskhelia's eventual cross is headed clear by Kamara.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  18 mins
 </strong>
 : Taken short to Hakimi, who lines a shot up from all of 30 yards. He loses his footing so he doesn't make a completely clean contact. Routine save for Martinez.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  17 mins
 </strong>
 : Konsa caught in possession and Kvartaskhelia is all over him. Away he goes and Cash bring the Georgian star down to earn a booking. That's a long time on the tightrope to come for the Aston Villa right-back.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  15 mins
 </strong>
 : Hakimi darts into the Villa box from the right. Martinez is out sharply for a smothering save. Villa are set up to contain but they need some sort of spell in possession soon or this could get really gruelling.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  10 mins
 </strong>
 : Kvaratskhelia twisting and turning Cash, who could be in for a long night. Nuno Mendes comes to join in the fun from left-back and has a shot blocked.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  7 mins
 </strong>
 : Strong early pressure from PSG. Corner taken short, here's Kvaratskhelia. He could have gone down there under Kamara's challenge. The ball breaks to Dembele, who draws a fine stop from Martinez.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  3 mins
 </strong>
 Pleasing kicks from Doué, catching everyone off guard before Bradley Barcola gets his chance. This creates room for Dembélé, who attempts a long-range shot but sends it flying well above the target.
</p>
<h3>
 Kickoff: 1st Half
</h3>
<p>
 Villa get us underway.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  5 mins before kickoff
 </strong>
 Here go the teams. An electric ambiance for each side.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  15 mins before kickoff
 </strong>
 Did you have someone from the British royal family discussing at length how Villa could potentially navigate and counteract PSG’s pressing strategy on your bingo card for tonight? Not on mine either.
</p>
<div>
 <span data-embed-id="29019a077a5946299dc06676e8ef90ef" data-embed-type="social-auto">
 </span>
</div>
<p>
 <strong>
  30 mins before kickoff:
 </strong>
 It’s already bustling and noisy at the Parc des Princes. Despite all the discussion about PSG's game-changing funding from Qatar and their international presence, their ultras remain just as fiercely devoted as those found anywhere else in Europe. You can expect an ambiance worth relishing.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  1 hour before kickoff
 </strong>
 For the hosts, Desire Doue rounds out the dynamic forward line along with Dembele and Kvaratskhelia. Fabian Ruiz, Joao Neves, and Vitinha have formed one of the most impressive midfield trios in European football this season. It’s a joy to witness their play.
</p>
<div class="image-wrapper">
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1y3RhP" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1y3RhP.jpg"/>
</div>
<p>
 <strong>
  70 minutes prior to kick-off
 </strong>
 : Here's the Villa lineup for tonight. Marcus Rashford starts but Marco Asencio is only on the bench against his parent club.
</p>
<div>
 <span data-embed-id="0e5ef668836843cc8290d3984c88e812" data-embed-type="social-auto">
 </span>
</div>
<p>
 <strong>
  1 hr 30 mins before kickoff
 </strong>
 : It should come as no surprise to anybody that Aston Villa goalkeeper, and Argentina's hero in their 2022 World Cup win over France,
 has been on the wind-up
 It will be an unfriendly environment at the Parc des Princes this evening. Look for Martinez to thrive in it.
</p>
<div class="image-wrapper">
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CCqbc" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CCqbc.jpg"/>
</div>
<p>
 <strong>
  2 hours before kickoff.
 </strong>
 Greetings and welcome to The Sporting News’ live updates for the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League. PSG secured their reign as French champions over the weekend. Will Luis Enrique guide them towards achieving their first-ever European crown?
</p>
<h2>
 <strong>
  PSG vs. Aston Villa
  <strong>
   kick off time
  </strong>
 </strong>
</h2>
<p>
 The UEFA Champions League game begins in Paris at 9 p.m., local time.
</p>
<p>
 This is how that duration would be expressed in several key regions:
</p>
<table>
 <tr>
  <td>
   <strong>
    <strong>
     Date
    </strong>
   </strong>
  </td>
  <td>
   <strong>
    <strong>
     Kickoff time
    </strong>
   </strong>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td>
   <strong>
    <strong>
     USA
    </strong>
   </strong>
  </td>
  <td>
   Wed, Apr 9
  </td>
  <td>
   3:00 p.m. ET
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td>
   <strong>
    <strong>
     Canada
    </strong>
   </strong>
  </td>
  <td>
   Wed, Apr 9
  </td>
  <td>
   3:00 p.m. ET
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td>
   <strong>
    <strong>
     UK
    </strong>
   </strong>
  </td>
  <td>
   Wed, Apr 9
  </td>
  <td>
   8:00 p.m. BST
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td>
   <strong>
    <strong>
     Australia
    </strong>
   </strong>
  </td>
  <td>
   Thu, Apr 10
  </td>
  <td>
   6:00 a.m. AEDT
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td>
   <strong>
    <strong>
     India
    </strong>
   </strong>
  </td>
  <td>
   Thu, Apr 10
  </td>
  <td>
   1:30 a.m. IST
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>
<h2>
 <strong>
  Paris Saint-Germain versus Aston Villa starting formations, latest updates
 </strong>
</h2>
<p>
 A significant duty is placed upon them.
 <strong>
  Lucas Beraldo
 </strong>
 as the replacement for suspended PSG captain
 <strong>
  Marquinhos
 </strong>
 .
</p>
<p>
 Luis Enrique gave
 <strong>
  Ousmane Dembele
 </strong>
 a bit of rest over the weekend, but returns to the front three alongside
 <strong>
  Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
 </strong>
 and
 <strong>
  Desire Doue
 </strong>
</p>
<p>
 The only injury concern for PSG was
 <b>
  Kang-in Lee
 </b>
 , but he has returned to training made the bench.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  <strong>
   PSG (4-3-3, right to left):
  </strong>
 </strong>
 Donnarumma (GK) - Hakimi, Beraldo, Pacho, Nuno Mendes - Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Joao Neves - Doue, Demble, Kvaratskhelia.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  <strong>
   PSG subs:
  </strong>
 </strong>
 Safonov (GK), Tenas (GK), Kimpembe, Goncalo Ramos, Lee, Hernandez, Mayulu, Barcolo, Zaire-Emery, Mbaye.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  Marcus Rashford
 </strong>
 starts up front for Aston Villa, with
 <strong>
  Ollie Watkins
 </strong>
 next to the loaned-in player from PSG
 <strong>
  Marco Asensio
 </strong>
 .
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  Ross Barkley
 </strong>
 ends up sitting on the bench after last playing in January because of a calf injury but
 <strong>
  Leon Bailey
 </strong>
 remains absent.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  Pau Torres
 </strong>
 partners
 <strong>
  Ezri Konsa
 </strong>
 at centre-back, with
 <b>
  Boubacar Kamara
 </b>
 and
 <strong>
  Youri Tielemans
 </strong>
 selected as the midfield two.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  <strong>
   Aston Villa
  </strong>
  <strong>
   (4-2-3-1, right to left):
  </strong>
 </strong>
 E. Martinez (Goalkeeper) - Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne - Kamara, Tielemans - McGinn, M. Rogers, Ramsey - Rashford.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  <strong>
   Aston Villa subs:
  </strong>
 </strong>
 Olsen (GK), Proctor (GK), Mings, Disasi, Maatsen, Bogarde, Onana, Barkley, Asensio, Watkins.
</p>
<h2>
 <strong>
  PSG vs. Aston Villa
  <strong>
   live stream, TV channel
  </strong>
 </strong>
</h2>
<p>
 Below is the information on watching the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg match across various key regions globally:
</p>
<table>
 <tr>
  <td>
   <strong>
    TV channel
   </strong>
  </td>
  <td>
   <strong>
    Streaming
   </strong>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td>
   <strong>
    USA
   </strong>
  </td>
  <td>
   -
  </td>
  <td>
   Paramount+
   ,
   ViX
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td>
   <strong>
    Canada
   </strong>
  </td>
  <td>
   -
  </td>
  <td>
   DAZN
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td>
   <strong>
    UK
   </strong>
  </td>
  <td>
   TNT Sports 1
  </td>
  <td>
   discovery+
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td>
   <strong>
    Australia
   </strong>
  </td>
  <td>
   -
  </td>
  <td>
   Stan Sport
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

PSG vs. Aston Villa Final Score: Kvaratskhelia and Doué's Masterstrokes Down Emery’s Men in UEFA Champions League Thriller

Stunning goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia propelled Paris Saint-Germain to a 3-1 turnaround victory against Aston Villa in...

PSG vs Aston Villa LIVE: Hosts Surge Ahead with Two-Goal Lead After Dominant Win in Paris

DIWIDA.NEWS european football, football clubs, news, soccer, sports

<p>
 <strong>
  Live – Last update at 10:45 PM
 </strong>
</p>
<p>
 To turn things around in the Champions League quarterfinals, Aston Villa must overcome a two-goal deficit following their 3-1 loss to PSG in the initial match of their series.
</p>
<p>
 At the Parc des Princes, Villa scored despite not being dominant during the game. When PSG was controlling proceedings, John McGinn seized possession and initiated a swift counter-attack. Morgan Rogers then sealed the deal by gently tapping the ball into an open net at the far post, leaving little joy for Unai Emery’s team from that point onward.
</p>
<p>
 Desire Doue sparked PSG's resurgence, cutting in from the left and firing a shot into the distant upper corner. Later, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia extended the host team's lead in the second half with an equally impressive goal.
</p>
<p>
 Villa appeared satisfied to accept a defeat when returning to the Midlands, but Nuno Mendes turned the challenge into an arduous one during added time. He accomplished this with a graceful and skilled finish, leaving Emi Martinez no chance, which provided the French champions their third goal of the match.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  relive the Champions League excitement through our live blog down below:
 </strong>
</p>
<div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG vs Aston Villa LIVE
  </h2>
  <ul>
   <li>
    Paris Saint-Germain win against Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match.
   </li>
   <li>
    90+2’ GOAL! Nuno Mendes seals the victory with a decisive third goal during stoppage time (PSG 3-1 AVL)
   </li>
   <li>
    71' DISALLOWED! Hakimi scores, but it's offside (PSG 2-1 AVL)
   </li>
   <li>
    49' GOAL! Kvaratskhelia nets an incredible strike immediately following the restart (PSG 2-1 AVL)
   </li>
   <li>
    39' GOAL! Doue levels the score with an impressive shot (PSG 1-1 AVL)
   </li>
   <li>
    35' GOAL! Rogers tucks one away at the far post following a quick counterattack (PSG 0-1 AVL)
   </li>
   <li>
    23' SO CLOSE! Vitinha's bending shot whizzed just above the crossbar (PSG 0-0 AVL)
   </li>
   <li>
    8' SAVE! Martinez stops Dembele following a swift corner (PSG 0-0 AVL)
   </li>
  </ul>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Stunning Desire Doué drives PSG's transformation as they impart Champions League lessons to Aston Villa
  </h2>
  22:22
  ,
  Richard Jolly at Parc des Princes
  <p>
   Now it is
   Unai Emery
   who needs the
   Remontada
   As he has learned from harsh personal experiences,
   Paris Saint-Germain
   have
   missed opportunities in European second-leg matches before
   , with larger ones than this. The conclusion might be that
   Aston Villa
   His damage-control effort nearly paid off. Especially during those exhilarating four minutes when they took the lead, with just one goal separating the two sides marked by a significant difference in skill level.
  </p>
  <p>
   However, Nuno Mendes delivered the final blow with the third goal.
   PSG
   completely earned. Aston Villa face an enormous challenge when they try to reverse the deficit in the upcoming match. They were outplayed by the exuberance of Desire Doué and the unconventional brilliance of
   Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
   Any return would need to be made at the cost of a PSG team.
   asserting their position as Europe's best.
  </p>
  <p>
   Stunning Desire Doué drives PSG's transformation as Aston Villa receives a harsh lesson
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Luis Enrique from PSG spoke with TNT Sports:
  </h2>
  22:45
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Their goal seemed somewhat hard to swallow, yet winning the game took precedence and scoring at the final whistle boosted our morale greatly. However, we mustn’t forget that the return match will undoubtedly pose significant challenges.
  </p>
  <p>
   Having faith in ourselves is crucial, and those three objectives were excellent, filled with high quality. We’re extremely pleased with how things turned out. It’ll be challenging at Villa Park, but we aim to maintain the same style of play – it’s inherent in who we are.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Morgan Rogers asserts that Aston Villa "isn’t finished" even after losing to the “lethal” Paris Saint-Germain.
  </h2>
  22:38
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Morgan Rogers has firmly stated that
   Aston Villa
   maintain genuine hope of moving forward
   Champions League
   even though they lost with a score of 3-1
   Paris Saint-Germain
   In the initial match of their quarter-final.
  </p>
  <p>
   Rogers initiated the scoring with a beautifully crafted goal in the first half, but
   PSG
   shortly demonstrated their caliber, with Desire Doué and
   Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
   producing standout moments of individual quality.
  </p>
  <p>
   The attacking pair put the hosts ahead
   at the Parc des Princes before Nuno Mendes added a third, and potentially crucial, goal late on to increase the lead the French capital club will take to Villa Park next week.
  </p>
  <p>
   Morgan Rogers insists Aston Villa ‘not done yet’ despite defeat to ‘deadly’ PSG
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Morgan Rogers, the Aston Villa goalscorer, told TNT Sports:
  </h2>
  22:34
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   it was challenging. they’re an exceptionally talented team with star players everywhere. defending extensively and fighting hard proved tough for us. we gave it our best shot, yet ultimately their superior skill shone through, along with perhaps a few errors on our part.
  </p>
  <p>
   They were known to be challenging and extremely dangerous. We weren't interested in merely visiting and watching from the sidelines.
  </p>
  <p>
   Evidently, the scoreboard isn’t in our favor, yet we have another match ahead of us, and we’ll aim to flip things around.
  </p>
  <p>
   We've gathered for a purpose, it’s not merely to engage in competition. Our aim is to continue battling and typically, we possess the caliber to go up against any team globally.
  </p>
  <p>
   There’s plenty of confidence in the locker room. We have nothing to lose since nobody expected us to win this tie initially. So why not give it our all? We undoubtedly possess the talent to flip the script. The game isn’t over yet.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, addressing BBC Radio 5 Live:
  </h2>
  22:29
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   "It was a difficult side.
  </p>
  <p>
   "We are happy with this result, but we have to keep going as there is the second game and the job is not finished.
  </p>
  <p>
   "This will be a difficult game [at Villa Park], but we have to try play our game and we will see what is happening there."
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Paul Robinson reacts to Villa defeat
  </h2>
  22:26
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   The former England goalkeeper told BBC Radio 5 Live:
  </p>
  <p>
   Aston Villa found themselves outperformed in all aspects of the game. They simply couldn't keep up with the level of play from PSG.
  </p>
  <p>
   Paris Saint-Germain overwhelm an opponent as a complete unit. Every individual player contributes, with nearly everyone going one-on-one throughout the match.
  </p>
  <p>
   It’s really tough to compete against this team.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   William informs commentators that taking George to the Villa game in Paris is significant.
  </h2>
  22:18
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   The
   Prince of Wales
   said bringing
   Prince George
   to Aston Villa’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final match
   Paris
   was considered "a big deal" when he conversed with analysts Ally McCoist and Rio Ferdinand.
  </p>
  <p>
   William said he was “pretty terrified” and “nervous” during the conversation at the Parc des Princes before the match against
   Paris St Germain
   On Wednesday, they added: "I’ve got all my lucky outfits on."
  </p>
  <p>
   The royal was pictured punching the air and hugging George, who was wearing an Aston
   Villa
   As he celebrated Morgan Rogers putting the Birmingham team ahead in the first half, he wore a scarf.
  </p>
  <p>
   Bringing George to Villa match in Paris is a big deal, William tells pundits
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Kvaratskhelia named Player of the Match
  </h2>
  22:14
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been named Player of the Match.
  </p>
  <p>
   The Uefa Technical Observer Group said: "He worked very hard during the whole game.
  </p>
  <p>
   “He made himself available and brought the biggest threat, plus he delighted everyone with a piece of magic for the second Paris goal with a finish that had quality and showed individual talent.
  </p>
  <p>
   It demonstrated the ability to slow down and manage the pace of the match as soon as an offensive player steps into the opponent's penalty area. Every action he took showed purposefulness and skill, whether with or without possession of the ball.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   FT PSG 3-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  22:10
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   In the other Champions League quarter-final match tonight, Barcelona has thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the first leg held in Spain.
  </p>
  <p>
   That ought to be sufficient for their needs, but who can say when it comes to this contest?
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   'There appeared to be a divide in social status.'
  </h2>
  22:06
  ,
  Richard Jolly at Parc des Princes
  <p>
   That third goal from Nuno Mendes could push the match out of reach for Villa.
  </p>
  <p>
   Arguably, the scoreline made their performance look better than it was. There appeared to be a noticeable difference in skill level.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   FT PSG 3-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  22:03
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CCA2s" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CCA2s.jpg"/>
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CCERY" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CCERY.jpg"/>
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CCA2t" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CCA2t.jpg"/>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 3-1 Aston Villa (full time)
  </h2>
  21:53
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   90+3 mins: When the final whistle blows, Villa finds themselves hit by a last-minute score.
  </p>
  <p>
   It might be overwhelming for them at Villa Park, but PSG takes an early lead at the Parc des Princes.
  </p>
  <p>
   PSG are ahead as they head into the second leg.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Goal! Paris Saint-Germain leads Aston Villa with a score of 3-1 after Nuno Mendes scores at minute 90+2.
  </h2>
  21:52
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   A third!
  </p>
  <p>
   It might just do some damage. Ousmane Dembele slides a delicate pass into the penalty area for the supporting run of Nuno Mendes.
  </p>
  <p>
   He examines himself, guides Emi Martinez into position, then raises it over the keeper.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  21:50
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   90 mins: An additional three minutes allocated for gameplay.
  </p>
  <p>
   Morgan Rogers takes a shot on the turn but sends the ball soaring high and far off target.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  21:46
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   87 mins: A pass from Vitinha reaches Joao Neves, but he fails to guide his header toward the goal and sends it out of bounds instead.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  21:44
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   84 mins: Six minutes including stoppage time remain.
  </p>
  <p>
   Aston Villa will consider this outcome satisfactory. Despite PSG outperforming them throughout the night, they maintain a narrow lead.
  </p>
  <p>
   At Villa Park, the advantage will come from having a large number of home fans present.
  </p>
  <p>
   Unai Emery’s team simply needs to navigate through the match without suffering any more losses.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  21:41
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   80 mins: Nearly!
  </p>
  <p>
   Another substitute for Villa, Onana, embarks on an impressive dribble through the center of the field before finding Asensio.
  </p>
  <p>
   He takes aim at an angle but sends his shot off target.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  21:38
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   77 mins: Unai Emery brings on Ollie Watkins and Ian Maatsen as he substitutes Marcus Rashford and Youri Tielemans.
  </p>
  <p>
   Could these adjustments assist Villa in finding an equaliser?
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   'A big 20 minutes'
  </h2>
  21:35
  ,
  Richard Jolly at Parc des Princes
  <p>
   A significant period of about 20 minutes.
  </p>
  <p>
   From numerous perspectives, 2-1 is not an ideal result for PSG considering their control of the game.
  </p>
  <p>
   Villa cannot afford to fall behind by three goals, let alone reach a 4-1 deficit. Overcoming such a disadvantage will be challenging against this high-quality PSG team, particularly considering their victory at Anfield.
  </p>
  <p>
   Emery is implementing alterations; however, whether this should be seen as maintaining direction or changing course, Aston Villa likely just require new energy considering the extensive running they've had to endure.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  21:32
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   74 mins: Morgan Rogers makes a lackluster effort that prompts a diving save from Donnarumma.
  </p>
  <p>
   Warren Zaire-Emery and Bradley Barcola come on as substitutes for Desire Doue and Fabian Ruiz at the hosts' end.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  21:30
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   71 mins: Disallowed!
  </p>
  <p>
   On the right flank of the field, Achraf Hakimi receives the pass.
  </p>
  <p>
   He carries it into the box and fires a shot, managing to score even though Martinez touches the ball.
  </p>
  <p>
   However, the festivities are curtailed due to the offside flag being raised.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  21:29
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   69 mins: Villa are attempting to regain their footing in this game.
  </p>
  <p>
   Rogers advances along the right flank and sends a high cross towards the far end of the penalty area.
  </p>
  <p>
   Nobody is nearby, so the assault amounts to nothing.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  21:25
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   66 mins: At times, Villa deploy as many as six defenders to restrict the space PSG has on the flanks.
  </p>
  <p>
   Dove welcomes Disasi, and Rogers steps up to assist this time. Together, they compel him to withdraw.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  21:22
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   63 mins: PSG are firmly in control now.
  </p>
  <p>
   A corner is taken swiftly towards the box, strikes the back or shoulder of what seems to be an Aston Villa defender, before floating into Emiliano Martínez’s gloves.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  21:19
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   60 mins: Jacob Ramsey is substituted out for Aston Villa as Marco Asensio comes onto the field.
  </p>
  <p>
   Asensio is performing well, and scoring against his former team would greatly benefit Villa.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  21:18
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   57 mins: Save!
  </p>
  <p>
   Fantastic move by PSG. Fabian Ruiz finds himself with space to operate on the left flank.
  </p>
  <p>
   He approaches the box and passes it back to Achraf Hakimi, who then takes a shot, forcing Emiliano Martínez into a low save!
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   'Kvaratskhelia has been terrific'
  </h2>
  21:16
  ,
  Richard Jolly at Parc des Princes
  <p>
   Kvaratskhelia has been outstanding in the latter part of the game.
  </p>
  <p>
   He didn't perform poorly in the first match, but his confrontation with Axel Disasi appears quite lopsided.
  </p>
  <p>
   Disasi, who returned to Paris as a Parisian, might not have envisioned this kind of welcome when the Georgian scored against him.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  21:16
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   55 mins: Doue retreats to the boundary of his own penalty area and gains possession of the ball again.
  </p>
  <p>
   PSG surge ahead rapidly and earn a corner kick, however, Villa succeed in clearing it.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  21:10
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   51 mins: This poses a significant risk for Aston Villa at this moment.
  </p>
  <p>
   If they score more goals, the game might swiftly spiral out of their control.
  </p>
  <p>
   At present, they're still tied up with each other.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Goal! Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Aston Villa (Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 49')
  </h2>
  21:09
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Wow!
  </p>
  <p>
   PSG advance the ball upfield using quick one- and two-touch passes. They locate Kvaratskhelia, who dances his way into the penalty area.
  </p>
  <p>
   He spins his studs around the ball and deceives Disasi before driving the shot into the upper near corner.
  </p>
  <p>
   Incredible.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 1-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  21:06
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   48 mins: Wow! Tielemans benefits from a fortunate deflection and gains possession in the middle of the field.
  </p>
  <p>
   Villa has an opportunity to score but opts for an incorrect pass, attempting to locate Rashford instead, which ends up being seized upon by the defending team.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Second half underway! PSG 1-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  21:04
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Unai Emery has introduced a substitution at halftime, bringing on Axel Disasi to take the place of Matty Cash.
  </p>
  <p>
   Since Cash had a yellow card, this might have been a strategic decision by the Villa manager.
  </p>
  <p>
   PSG starts the game anew.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Why are Paris Saint-Germain supporters jeering Emiliano Martínez during the Champions League match?
  </h2>
  21:01
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Emiliano Martinez
   has received boos from supporters of
   Paris Saint-Germain
   during
   Aston Villa
   ’s
   Champions League
   quarterfinal at the Parc des Princes.
  </p>
  <p>
   The Villa goalkeeper had
   aroused tension among French supporters
   Before facing Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals, he wore a specially designed hat showcasing Argentina's latest international victories.
  </p>
  <p>
   The supporters at home expressed their dissatisfaction with the goalkeeper as he warmed up and during his initial touches in the quarterfinal match. The 32-year-old was booed after receiving a pass shortly following kickoff and also when getting ready for a goal kick.
  </p>
  <p>
   Why are Paris Saint-Germain supporters jeering Emiliano Martínez during the Champions League match?
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   HT PSG 1-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:57
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Large contrasting statistics from the opening period.
  </p>
  <p>
   Aston Villa managed two attempts at goal, with one shot on target resulting in a single goal. In contrast, PSG launched fifteen shots overall, of which six were on target and yielded one goal.
  </p>
  <p>
   Emiliano Martínez has pulled off five saves so far, whereas Gianluigi Donnarumma hasn’t had any yet.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   HT PSG 1-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:53
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CCDMy" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CCDMy.jpg"/>
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CCvaK" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CCvaK.jpg"/>
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CCIAd" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CCIAd.jpg"/>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Halftime! Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:48
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   45+2 mins: The referee blows the whistle to conclude an intriguing first half lasting 45 minutes.
  </p>
  <p>
   Despite PSG largely dominating the match, Villa hasn't appeared overwhelmed and they could find encouragement in this performance.
  </p>
  <p>
   Could they muster another 45 minutes of strong defending to secure something for their return leg at Villa Park?
  </p>
  <p>
   We’ll see shortly.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 1-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:47
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   45 mins: An additional two minutes have been allocated for playing time in the first half.
  </p>
  <p>
   Villa needs to reach the breakpoint on equal terms.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   'Two outstanding goals from emerging talents'
  </h2>
  20:44
  ,
  Richard Jolly at Parc des Princes
  <p>
   Two outstanding goals from emerging talents.
  </p>
  <p>
   Villa scored as part of a team effort, completed by Morgan Rogers, whereas PSG's came from a remarkable individual play by Desire Doue.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 1-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:44
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   42 mins: Once more, Villa is backpedaling deeply, focusing on defense to prevent PSG from scoring.
  </p>
  <p>
   What strategy will Unai Emery employ for the second half?
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Goal! Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Aston Villa (Desire Doué, 39')
  </h2>
  20:41
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Damn!
  </p>
  <p>
   Desire Doue receives the pass on the left flank with plenty of room to exploit.
  </p>
  <p>
   Dove comes into play with the ball and takes a shot. The attempt hits the bottom part of the crossbar before landing at the rear of the net!
  </p>
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CCyvx" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CCyvx.jpg"/>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 0-1 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:39
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   38 mins: The mood has taken a slight drop among the PSG supporters, with the Villa fans' voices becoming more noticeable now.
  </p>
  <p>
   Matty Cash advances down the right wing but stumbles when trying to deliver his pass into the box.
  </p>
  <p>
   Betall around from Villa.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Goal! Paris Saint-Germain 0-1 Aston Villa (Morgan Rogers, 35')
  </h2>
  20:36
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Bang!
  </p>
  <p>
   Aston Villa hasn't taken any action so far. This is indeed a good decision.
  </p>
  <p>
   McGinn gains possession in the center of the field, initiates a fast break, and passes the ball to Rashford.
  </p>
  <p>
   He plays for Tielemans, who delivers a cross in front of the goal.
  </p>
  <p>
   Behind the posts, Morgan Rogers steps up and scores!
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Martinez has appeared dependable up until now.
  </h2>
  20:32
  ,
  Richard Jolly at Parc des Princes
  <p>
   Updates on Emi Martínez: some PSG supporters have shouted out a couple of insults in his native Spanish to ensure he knows he’s not particularly liked by them.
  </p>
  <p>
   Martinez has appeared quite dependable up until now, and Villa seems sturdy, thanks to a back four that frequently transforms into a five whenever another player joins the defensive lineup.
  </p>
  <p>
   They have not had significant possession in PSG's half, however.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:31
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   30 mins: Villa has managed to withstand 30 minutes of intense pressure in this game.
  </p>
  <p>
   Nuno Mendes swiftly closes down Rashford, preventing a counter-attack from developing further.
  </p>
  <p>
   Moving ahead, Aston Villa hasn't managed to gel things together yet, but Unai Emery would certainly be satisfied with the present scoreboard situation.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:28
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   27 mins: Kvaratshveliya sends a cross into the box, but Martinez swiftly comes out of his goal to clear it with a punch.
  </p>
  <p>
   McGinn makes the clearance for Villa, but PSG quickly regain possession and launch another assault.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:26
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   24 mins: Jacob Ramsey received a blow to the back of his knee and requires some treatment.
  </p>
  <p>
   He appears fine and ought to be capable of participating in the game.
  </p>
  <p>
   Martinez starts with possession again. After some battling further up the field, the ball squirts free to John McGinn.
  </p>
  <p>
   He has a go from a long, long way out and smokes the ball well wide of the target.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:24
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   23 mins: Almost there! PSG handle the ball superbly and manage to pass it to Dembele on the right flank.
  </p>
  <p>
   He sprints towards the byline and then delivers a cross for Vitinha.
  </p>
  <p>
   The midfielder sends a reasonable shot towards the goal but ends up sending it over the crossbar!
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:23
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   21 mins: Morgan Rogers drives up the pitch on the right side and fizzes a pass over to Rashford.
  </p>
  <p>
   He loses consciousness briefly and gains control of the ball before passing it off as Villa attempt to keep hold of the possession.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:19
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   18 mins: Matty Cash receives the initial yellow card of the evening after bumping into Kvaratskheila.
  </p>
  <p>
   Ezri Konsa dozed off, prompting Cash to move over and compensate for him, resulting in a yellow card.
  </p>
  <p>
   The freekick is taken by Hakimi, he strikes a long shot towards the goal which Martinez manages to catch.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   'Ordered by the PSG supporters'
  </h2>
  20:18
  ,
  Richard Jolly at Parc des Princes
  <p>
   The home crowd displayed an impressive tifo carrying the message 'as ordered by the PSG fans'.
  </p>
  <p>
   Was that how they responded to 'Peaky Blinders'?
  </p>
  <p>
   Regardless of how, they've been noisy, not just whistling at Emi Martinez.
  </p>
  <p>
   The goalkeeper might remain unfazed. His stop from Ousmane Dembele was spectacular and likely quite crucial.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:16
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   16 mins: A delicate touch from Vitinha sends Achraf Hakimi into the penalty area.
  </p>
  <p>
   He loses control of the ball and gets closed down by Martinez, resulting in a goal kick for Villa.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:15
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   14 mins: Villa regain possession near the edge of their own penalty area. They execute a good pass to John McGinn.
  </p>
  <p>
   He charges down the center of the field and gets fouled.
  </p>
  <p>
   The free kick is taken by Youri Tielemans who launches it forward. The ball drops into left side of the box. Gianluigi Donnarumma comes out and palms the ball off the head of Pau Torres.
  </p>
  <p>
   The ball swings back into the danger zone swiftly, but William Pacho rises to head it away safely.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:12
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   11 mins: Villa is in for a lengthy evening ahead.
  </p>
  <p>
   Matty Cash ends up face-to-face with Kvaratskhelia under duress. The wing player dances past challenges and sprints towards the box, then prods the ball to Nuno Mendes who cuts infield.
  </p>
  <p>
   He takes the shot, but Villa have organized their defense effectively enough to thwart this attempt as well.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:09
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   8 mins: Dembele goes sprinting down the right side of the pitch and brings the ball into the box before winning a corner.
  </p>
  <p>
   This marks the beginning of the game.
  </p>
  <p>
   PSG keep possession briefly before passing to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who takes the ball deep into the penalty box.
  </p>
  <p>
   He dashes in and his attempt is deflected. The sphere rolls back to Dembele who compels yet another save from Martinez!
  </p>
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CCn0u" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CCn0u.jpg"/>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:06
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   6 mins: During these initial moments, it looks like Villa might let PSG dominate possession and try to capitalize on the speed of Marcus Rashford through quick counters.
  </p>
  <p>
   PSG are patient and work the ball over to the right side of the pitch.
  </p>
  <p>
   A pass returns to Vitinha, who takes aim with a powerful but low shot towards the goal; however, this attempt is blocked by Martinez.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:05
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   3 mins: Let's get started.
  </p>
  <p>
   Desire Doue receives the ball from an inward position on the right side whilst facing away from the goal.
  </p>
  <p>
   He takes control, twists, and then makes a precise pass to Ousmane Dembélé.
  </p>
  <p>
   Dembele moves to the left and takes a shot at the goal but sends it high above the crossbar.
  </p>
  <p>
   Emiliano Martínez picks up the ball to restart play and faces a wave of jeers from the French supporters, who clearly have an aversion to Aston Villa's Argentine shot-stopper.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Go! PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  20:02
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Aston Villa initiate play and return possession to Emi Martinez.
  </p>
  <p>
   He pumps it long and over to the right side of the pitch. Marcus Rashford is hovering around but the PSG defenders manage to deal with the ball.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG 0-0 Aston Villa
  </h2>
  19:57
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   The athletes stride out onto the field at the Parc des Princes.
  </p>
  <p>
   Aston Villa hasn't found themselves in this position for more than four decades.
  </p>
  <p>
   It is a first for this group of players and they are two matches away from a Champions League semi-final. Can they get there?
  </p>
  <p>
   The game is just about to begin...
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Pregame insights from Unai Emery:
  </h2>
  19:55
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   The major hurdle we encounter presently, the largest obstacle we will confront this season. We are prepared and maintain a steady state; hence, today we must bring forth our finest performance.
  </p>
  <p>
   We plan to play smartly. Indeed, it will be fantastic – we’re relishing the Champions League, but our aim is to achieve even more.
  </p>
  <p>
   When playing away, their opponent’s fans are supporting them and pushing for them, yet we have our own supporters right here with us. Our focus will remain on the game, staying united through our bonds and motivation.
  </p>
  <p>
   Ideally, we'd like to pen our story here using the players at hand.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Why are Paris Saint-Germain supporters jeering Emiliano Martínez during the Champions League matches?
  </h2>
  19:50
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Emiliano Martinez
   has received boos from followers
   Paris Saint-Germain
   As he got into position before starting his performance, he began to warm up.
   Aston Villa
   ’s
   Champions League
   quarterfinal at the Parc des Princes.
  </p>
  <p>
   The Villa goalkeeper had
   aroused tension among French supporters
   before facing PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals, he wore a specially designed cap showcasing Argentina’s latest international victories.
  </p>
  <p>
   Martinez was labeled a "provocation specialist" by the French newspaper L'Équipe after the goalkeeper's actions during Argentina's win.
   Les Blues
   during the 2022 FIFA World Cup final.
  </p>
  <p>
   Why are Paris Saint-Germain supporters jeering Emiliano Martínez during the Champions League matches?
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Is Asensio going to find the back of the net for Villa?
  </h2>
  19:45
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Marco Asensio has found the net three times in just two Champions League outings for Aston Villa (coming off the bench both times), whereas he failed to score in his previous 10 matches for his old team, PSG, in this tournament.
  </p>
  <p>
   Should he score a net hit in this match, the 2024-25 season would mark his most successful stint in a single Champions League campaign to date (with three goals currently).
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Vitinha's massive impact
  </h2>
  19:40
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Vitinha from PSG has managed to complete 93% of his passes under intense pressure in the Champions League this season (544 out of 586 attempts).
  </p>
  <p>
   This represents the greatest completion rate among midfielders in the league (with at least 100 attempts).
  </p>
  <p>
   The player from Portugal tops the charts for line-breaking passes among all participants in the knockout rounds of this ongoing competition with 77 such passes.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Dembele in frightening form
  </h2>
  19:35
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   In his past six UEFA Champions League matches with PSG, Ousmane Dembele has scored seven goals.
  </p>
  <p>
   That is one more than he had in his preceding 36 outings in the competition altogether (6).
  </p>
  <p>
   Out of those seven goals, six were scored during away games, though.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Coming back into focus, Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio showcase an image of what PSG could have looked like.
  </h2>
  19:30
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   It was the initial penalty.
   Marcus Rashford
   had ever taken for
   Manchester United
   It was undoubtedly the most pressure-filled experience he would ever have.
   Kylian Mbappe
   Could only stand and observe. The World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon could at least attempt to dive, but Rashford sent the shot over him.
  </p>
  <p>
   The away-goals rule made it an everything-or-nothing situation, with only two outcomes: being eliminated or advancing, well into extra time.
   Parc des Princes
   Manchester United’s underdog team suffered a defeat at their home ground. With such limited resources, they were forced to bring on Tahith Chong for the away match. Facing players like Mbappe and Buffon, along with Thiago Silva, Dani Alves, Marquinhos, Edinson Cavani, and Angel Di Maria, Rashford managed to score.
  </p>
  <p>
   Reinstated Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio showcase an image of how PSG could have turned out.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Emery on Rashford
  </h2>
  19:25
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   He's an excellent person, down-to-earth, and a top-notch professional athlete. He feels content with his fellow players and holds himself to high standards regarding all the expectations we have for him within the squad.
  </p>
  <p>
   I believe he's performing freely and comfortably, which is crucial. The priority should be establishing a personal connection first, followed by building a rapport with him as an athlete.
  </p>
  <p>
   His development has been improving steadily. Initially positioned as a left winger, he is now taking up roles more akin to a striker. The focus is on how effectively he can utilize his strengths in these varied positions within our team.
  </p>
  <p>
   “We’ve got some steps left to complete, but the crucial part is his well-being. It’s heartening to see him with a smile because that means the world to us. He appears both joyful and dedicated to our efforts.”
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Midfield maestros
  </h2>
  19:20
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   In the Champions League this season, 52% of Aston Villa’s opportunities created have originated from the central area of the pitch (left/center/right), which represents the highest proportion among all teams.
  </p>
  <p>
   In the meantime, Unai Emery’s squad has allowed the smallest number of scoring opportunities originating from the central third this season (12).
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG backing youth
  </h2>
  19:15
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   PSG has the fifth-youngest starting lineup on average at 24 years and 242 days for this season’s Champions League.
  </p>
  <p>
   It is also the youngest team still competing in the 2024-25 tournament.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Bad memories for Emery
  </h2>
  19:10
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   The manager of Aston Villa, Unai Emery, has secured only two victories out of his ten matches against Luis Enrique during his tenure as a coach (with one match ending in a draw and seven resulting in losses). Both of these wins occurred when playing at their home ground.
  </p>
  <p>
   This encounter will mark their first meeting since the 2016-17 season, during which Luis Enrique’s Barcelona staged an incredible comeback from being down 0-4 in the initial match to defeat Emery’s Paris Saint-Germain team in the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen with a final score of 6-1 in the subsequent game.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   The villa are the fourth English team that PSG has faced this year.
  </h2>
  19:05
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Aston Villa will be the fourth distinct English club that PSG has encountered in the Champions League this season (others being Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool).
  </p>
  <p>
   This ties for the most opponents from a single country that a team has faced during a single European Cup/Champions League season, alongside Leeds United in 2000-01 (four Spanish teams) and Real Madrid in 2023-24 (four German clubs).
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   'PSG have performed brilliantly in matches at their home stadium.'
  </h2>
  19:05
  ,
  Richard Jolly at Parc des Princes
  <p>
   A short distance away from Parc des Princes, numerous Aston Villa fans enjoyed the sunny weather in Paris.
  </p>
  <p>
   Their first European Cup quarter-final in 42 years is an exciting match, yet the potential reward of winning could lead them back to a more accustomed opponent; they might face Arsenal instead of Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
  </p>
  <p>
   “A familiar face for PSG begins on the Villa bench, with Marco Asensio only a substitute. So is Ollie Watkins, which means Marcus Rashford leads the line in a Champions League quarter-final.
  </p>
  <p>
   Throughout their Champions League campaign, PSG has faced several English teams, achieving varied outcomes. However, they've performed exceptionally well in both matches at home, despite losing 1-0 to Liverpool during that particular game.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Aston Villa’s hope of reaching the Champions League relies on Unai Emery overcoming his biggest hurdle.
  </h2>
  19:00
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   In weeks like this,
   Unai Emery
   He dives into match preparations with such intensity that it becomes nearly impossible for him to focus on anything else. There's always another game film to analyze. Despite how thoroughly Emery breaks down these matches to their basic football components—and perhaps precisely because of his courteous nature—it remains hard not to ponder whether he'll let an offhand remark continue to drive his motivation.
   Paris Saint-Germain
   .
  </p>
  <p>
   That means he is merely considered "an UEFA Europa League manager" and "one tier beneath a premier coach." These viewpoints come from high-ranking officials at his club, influencing broader discussions about Emery’s career, as seen in various commentaries, even here.
  </p>
  <p>
   Aston Villa’s hope of reaching the Champions League hinges on Unai Emery banishing his past demons.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Villa's poor record
  </h2>
  18:55
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Aston Villa have not secured a victory when playing against a French team away from home in European competitions.
  </p>
  <p>
   They've faced off against five French teams, ended up with two draws, and suffered three losses.
  </p>
  <p>
   This is the farthest apart two teams from the same country have played each other without securing a win.
  </p>
  <p>
   Both of these losses occurred under Unai Emery, with a defeat against Lille in April 2024 (1-2) and another loss at Monaco earlier this year in January (0-1).
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Paris Saint-Germain squad set to play against Villa
  </h2>
  18:51
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   PSG Starting Lineup: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Lucas Berald, Pachu, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Dahu, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Aston Villa's team set to play against Paris Saint-Germain
  </h2>
  18:49
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Aston Villa lineup: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; McGinn, Kamara, Tielemans; Ramsey, Rogers, Rashford
  </p>
  <div>
   <span data-embed-id="436814e9d745471ea8f3e36208438595" data-embed-type="social-auto">
   </span>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Emery on Martinez
  </h2>
  18:40
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   “Martinez demonstrates maturity and responsibility; he’s improving his emotional control as well," stated Unai Emery when questioned about Emiliano Martinez and his behavior.
  </p>
  <p>
   When he joined Aston Villa five or six years ago, things were different.
  </p>
  <p>
   He has become more mature and is now a superior player and goalkeeper. Our discussions nowadays always revolve around the same advice: 'Concentrate on football and embrace your personal challenge; strive to manage the emotions this brings.'
  </p>
  <p>
   Absolutely, Emiliano Martinez is an extremely crucial player for our team; he ranks among the top players globally and stands out as the finest goalkeeper worldwide, earning recognition for this achievement at the ceremony in Paris.
  </p>
  <p>
   Football is about comprehending the fans, understanding how you're supporting your team. Each player, coach, supporter—we all must strive to grasp this and show respect.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Martinez causes friction with France
  </h2>
  18:35
  ,
  Jamie Braidwood
  <p>
   Emiliano Martinez
   stirred up tension with
   France
   ahead of
   Aston Villa
   ’s trip to
   Paris
   Saint-Germain in the
   Champions League
   semi-finals by sporting a bespoke cap showcasing
   Argentina
   ’s recent international trophies.
  </p>
  <p>
   When Aston Villa takes on PSG at the Parc des Princes, he anticipates facing a chilly welcome from the crowd. He landed in Paris sporting a baseball cap adorned with emblems of the World Cup, two Copa America titles, and the Finalissima trophy, effectively overshadowing the French national symbol.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Emiliano Martinez ramps up the rivalry with France as he sends a message to PSG supporters.
  </h2>
  18:30
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Emiliano Martinez
   stirred up tension with
   France
   ahead of
   Aston Villa
   ’s trip to
   Paris
   Saint-Germain in the
   Champions League
   semi-finals by sporting a tailored cap showcasing
   Argentina
   ’s recent international trophies.
  </p>
  <p>
   Martinez was labeled a "provocation specialist" by the French newspaper L'Équipe after the goalkeeper's behavior during Argentina's win.
   Les Blues
   during the 2022 FIFA World Cup final.
  </p>
  <p>
   Emiliano Martinez ramps up the tension with France following his message to PSG supporters.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   'The acknowledgment of Aston Villa is enormous.'
  </h2>
  18:25
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   "Aston Villa holds a significant place in global football history. They clinched the European Cup back in 1982, which remains quite remarkable in the sport — their acknowledgment is immense," stated Emery during yesterday's press briefing.
  </p>
  <p>
   He stated, "Upon my arrival two and a half years ago, I was well aware of this history. At that time, the objective was to contend for titles, return to European competitions, and ideally participate in the Champions League, which would be fantastic."
  </p>
  <p>
   “Maintaining consistency is the next hurdle. Playing in Paris during the Champions League quarter-finals is an extraordinary and fantastic achievement for everyone at Aston Villa, yet our aim is to consistently reach this level.”
  </p>
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CCeoF" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CCeoF.jpg"/>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Emery upon his return to PSG
  </h2>
  18:20
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Aston Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, who was with PSG from 2016-18 for two years, is heading back to the Parc des Princes to confront his former team tonight.
  </p>
  <p>
   "I spent two years in this place and I'm constantly grateful for all the experiences I've had," he stated.
  </p>
  <p>
   All that I did previously lies in my past and has contributed to shaping me into the coach I am today.
  </p>
  <p>
   I'm feeling great; this is my first return visit to both Paris and the Parc des Princes. This place holds a special significance for me.
  </p>
  <p>
   I'm extremely proud to be returning here and playing in the Champions League with Aston Villa, aiming to savor this quarter-final.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Paris Saint-Germain break their losing streak against English clubs.
  </h2>
  18:15
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Paris Saint-Germain knocked out Liverpool in the round of 16 of this season’s UEFA Champions League.
  </p>
  <p>
   In each of their past three encounters in the knockout stages against English teams, they have been eliminated from the competition.
  </p>
  <p>
   These losses occurred during matches against: Manchester City in the 2015-16 and 2020-21 seasons, and Manchester United in the 2018-19 season.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   We have adjusted to the competition.
  </h2>
  18:10
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Tielemans outlined how Villa have gradually adapted to the competition and learned valuable lessons from facing high-profile teams such as Bayern Munich during the group stage.
  </p>
  <p>
   He stated, "Our team includes individuals with considerable experience, which becomes evident when we face some of the largest clubs."
  </p>
  <p>
   Our outcomes have been truly impressive, coupled with how well we've adjusted to this level of competition. The key factor has been our mindset and concentration when entering matches, believing that we have what it takes to make an impact.
  </p>
  <p>
   We are always set and prepared.
  </p>
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CCnNj" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CCnNj.jpg"/>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   'We have confidence'
  </h2>
  18:05
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Youri Tielemans states that Unai Emery has injected a sense of confidence into Aston Villa’s players, and they will be prepared for tonight’s game.
  </p>
  <p>
   At yesterday's press conference, the midfielder stated: "There is plenty of belief within our team. The coach understands what it takes to reach this part of the tournament, and each one of us is prepared for what lies ahead tomorrow."
  </p>
  <p>
   Securing championships is our aim, and we're ready to finish the season on a high note.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha, and the surprising journeys of Ballon d'Or contenders
  </h2>
  18:01
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   As we near the crucial part of the season, the
   Champions League
   kicks off seriously with two leading figures hovering at the brink of excellence:
   Ousmane Dembele
   and
   Raphinha
   would not have appeared at the top of most individuals' priority lists
   Ballon d’Or
   Contestants back in August, but these two players now step into the quarter-finals as the top favorites for soccer’s most prestigious personal accolade.
  </p>
  <p>
   Moreover, what brings these unexpected partners together – who are currently emerging as key players for two of the continent’s top teams – is that they are at last fulfilling the potential shown during the early stages of their careers.
  </p>
  <p>
   Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha, and the surprising journeys of Ballon d'Or contenders
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Luck has nothing to do with it.
  </h2>
  17:55
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Paris Saint-Germain striker, Desire Doue, addressed the media before the game and asserted that fortune had nothing to do with either side reaching this phase of the tournament.
  </p>
  <p>
   He stated, "Once you arrive at this phase of the contest, luck plays no part."
  </p>
  <p>
   So if Aston Villa are present, it indicates they have earned their spot. Therefore, no discussions about favorites.
  </p>
  <p>
   Villa are a strong side with talented players. We need to stay focused from the start until the very end and also perform well in the return match.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   A second meeting
  </h2>
  17:50
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   This is only the second UEFA Champions League quarter-final featuring French and English teams within the past eight seasons.
  </p>
  <p>
   The first was between Manchester City and Lyon with City winning 1-3 in the only leg in 2019-20.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   A first meeting
  </h2>
  17:45
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa will meet for the first time in European competition.
  </p>
  <p>
   PSG will be the favourites to win with their home advantage but Villa have won the European Cup previously in their history.
  </p>
  <p>
   It should be a good contest.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   'Aston Villa seem just like us'
  </h2>
  17:40
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Luis Enrique also commented on PSG’s adversaries for today’s match and noted the resemblances between Unai Emery’s squad and his own team.
  </p>
  <p>
   He stated: "Unai Emery is an excellent coach. Aston Villa form a top-notch squad. In the past couple of years, they have made significant progress due to Unai Emery’s guidance."
  </p>
  <p>
   They resemble us, boasting many adaptable athletes. It’s challenging to predict who will take the field, particularly following their winter transfer period during which they’ve bolstered their team effectively.
  </p>
  <p>
   It will be a transparent and challenging match for both sides.
  </p>
  <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CCsCC" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CCsCC.jpg"/>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Are PSG favourites?
  </h2>
  17:35
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   "Football doesn’t have favorites," stated PSG’s head coach Luis Enrique when questioned about whether his team was considered the favorite for the quarter-final victory.
  </p>
  <p>
   He stated, "Eight teams have made it to the quarter-finals, and they all rightfully earned their spot."
  </p>
  <p>
   We'll need to take necessary actions and earn our victory on the pitch.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   The Premier League secured the fifth Champions League position following Arsenal's victory over Real Madrid.
  </h2>
  17:30
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   The
   Premier League
   will have a minimum of five teams included in the 2025/26 version of the competition
   Champions League
   after
   Arsenal’s exciting 3-0 win against Real Madrid
   on Tuesday night.
  </p>
  <p>
   Two more positions for the Champions League are up for grabs for the leagues from nations with the top UEFA coefficients. These coefficient points are awarded depending on the performance of teams within those countries.
  </p>
  <p>
   When a team wins, they get two points, whereas a tie gives them one point. These points accumulated for every club are then totaled and divided by the count of clubs competing in European leagues.
  </p>
  <p>
   The Premier League secured the fifth Champions League position following Arsenal's victory over Real Madrid.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Paris Saint-Germain versus Aston Villa Match Forecast
  </h2>
  17:25
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Aston Villa has been among the standout teams in the tournament until now, but they will encounter a significant rise in standard for this quarter-final match.
  </p>
  <p>
   Should
   Unai Emery
   If these men emerge from this test positively, they can’t be discounted from advancing deeper into the competition. However, PSG possesses ample offensive talent to cause damage, particularly with their robust performance at home.
  </p>
  <p>
   <strong>
    PSG 2-0 Aston Villa.
   </strong>
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Early updates on Aston Villa's squad news
  </h2>
  17:20
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   For Aston Villa,
   PSG
   loanee
   Marco Asensio
   is
   ready to go up against his former team
   Leon Bailey scored eight goals in his 11 outings with Villa. However, he is uncertain due to an injury but has participated in complete training sessions and might be included at some stage during the match.
  </p>
  <p>
   However, Ross Barkley won’t be available, so Emery needs to determine who should play in midfield. Both John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara are ready to take the field from the beginning.
  </p>
  <p>
   Anticipated Aston Villa Team Formation: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; McGinn, Asensio, Rogers; Rashford
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG early team news
  </h2>
  17:15
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Lee Kang-in is presently out of action due to an injury.
   PSG
   And the hosts will be missing their team leader,
   Marquinhos
   For the initial match since he has to sit out due to a ban.
  </p>
  <p>
   Luis Enrique
   He rested his key players at Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Bradley Barcala, and Ousmane Dembele for the championship-deciding game against Angers, and they should be back in the starting lineup this time.
  </p>
  <p>
   Anticipated Paris Saint-Germain Team: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Beraldo, Pacheco, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, Barthelmé
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Where can I view it?
  </h2>
  17:10
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Audiences in the United Kingdom can stream the match live through TNT Sports 1 and discovery+, starting at 7:00 PM BST. A TNT Sports subscription can be purchased for access.
   via discovery+ here
   , for AU$30.99 per month.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   What is the date for the match between PSG and Aston Villa?
  </h2>
  17:05
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   The initial match of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals is scheduled to begin at 8 PM BST on Wednesday, April 9th, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   PSG vs Aston Villa
  </h2>
  17:00
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Paris Saint-Germain
   host
   Aston Villa
   in the initial match of their
   Champions League
   The quarter-final match at Parc des Princes tonight.
  </p>
  <p>
   Following their 1-0 win against Angers on Saturday, the French club have claimed the Ligue 1 championship title, successfully securing the trophy with six games remaining in the season.
  </p>
  <p>
   They now shift their attention to the
   Champions League
   where they take on
   Aston Villa
   in the last eight
   having eliminated Liverpool
   , through a penalty shootout, in the preceding round.
  </p>
  <p>
   The Villa team has shown great form in this tournament.
   Unai Emery
   and
   eager to maintain their excellent form.
   They eliminated Club Brugge with a total score of 6-1 in the round of sixteen and have previously achieved victories against Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig in this season.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Good afternoon!
  </h2>
  15:19
  ,
  Mike Jones
  <p>
   Welcome to
   The Independent’s
   Coverage of tonight's Champions League match as Aston Villa take on Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals.
  </p>
  <p>
   PSG has already secured the Ligue 1 championship this season and is now concentrating on claiming their first UEFA Champions League title.
  </p>
  <p>
   They're up against an Aston Villa team that’s been performing well this season, but Unai Emery boasts a solid track record in European competitions and will be eager to make a statement tonight.
  </p>
  <p>
   Is Can Villa triumph over PSG at home?
  </p>
  <p>
   We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and latest updates throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
  </p>
 </div>
</div>

PSG vs Aston Villa LIVE: Hosts Surge Ahead with Two-Goal Lead After Dominant Win in Paris

Live – Last update at 10:45 PM To turn things around in the Champions League quarterfinals, Aston Villa must overcome a two-goal d...