Five talking points from PSG first leg

Aston Villa will need to overturn a two-goal deficit in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie with Paris Saint-Germain, after a 3-1 defeat at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday evening. 

Unai Emery's side were in dreamland after 35 minutes, taking the lead through Morgan Rogers, only for PSG to draw level courtesy of Désiré Doué just minutes later, before second-half goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Nuno Mendes ensured the Parisians would take an advantage to Villa Park. 

It was an intriguing contest from the off, across the Channel, as the travelling Villans helped build a carnival atmosphere leading into the game from the very beginning of the week. 

Here are five talking points from our first leg encounter in the French capital...

Into the cauldron

As far as intimidating away atmospheres go, some would argue the Parc des Princes had it all.

Loud and imposing from the word ‘go’, the Parisians let their feelings be known towards the Villans, who battled admirably through the home side’s 12th player.

From a Peaky Blinders-inspired tifo display as the players took to the field, to every touch and spell of possession from Unai Emery’s side being jeered, the PSG faithful did their very best to get behind their side, making for a quite unique scene in the French capital.

Villa boys are taking over

Despite being heavily outnumbered inside the Parc des Princes, the 2,000 Villa supporters in the away end – and the thousands more who travelled to Paris to get behind their team – made themselves heard all evening.

In fact, they made themselves heard over the course of the first half of the week. With many having made the trip across the English Channel on Tuesday and even Monday, the excitement and anticipation built up to an impressive crescendo come Wednesday evening.

From the first minute, the Villans did their best to repel the constant wall of noise from the locals, and come the 35th minute, they would have an unforgettable moment to savour, which triggered pure pandemonium in the away end…

Morgan's moment

Temperatures soared as high as 20 degrees Celsius in Paris over Tuesday and Wednesday, but Morgan Rogers soon brought them back down at the Parc des Princes, as only he can.

Having helped his team-mates soak up PSG’s possession and aggressive press in the opening half-hour, the England international pounced at the back post to bury Youri Tielemans’ teasing ball across and send the travelling Villans into raptures 10 minutes before the break. 

It was a fourth Champions League goal for the 22-year-old, and the latest unforgettable moment in a season littered with vital contributions from a man who continues to take the plaudits.

Nights like these

While the first leg result was not one we might have hoped for, Wednesday night marked a hugely significant occasion, whatever the score may have ended.

Aston Villa were playing in the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite competition for the first time in 42 years, and just six years after winning promotion back to the Premier League from the Championship.

With Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens in attendance in Paris – and The Prince of Wales again supporting his beloved team – Wednesday, in many ways, was a night of celebration and reflection, while appreciating the journey the club continues to embark on. 

Half-time in the tie

With 90 minutes of football still to play, the final whistle at the Parc des Princes signified the halfway stage of our quarter-final tie.

Next week, it will be Villa’s turn to host affairs in B6, as Villa Park once again comes together for what promises to be another night of exiting Champions League knockout football.

It’s still all to play for. Tuesday, April 15. Do you want to bet against us?