Paris Saint-Germain retained the UEFA Super Cup after overcoming Aston Villa in a closely fought contest in Salzburg, with Desire Doue scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory.
The Champions League holders moved ahead after 20 minutes when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia powered home the opening goal at the Red Bull Arena. Villa responded impressively and were rewarded just before half-time through 17-year-old Brian Madjo.
Making his competitive debut for the club, Madjo volleyed in John McGinn’s delivery at the back post to become the youngest goalscorer in UEFA Super Cup history. The striker had already threatened twice before finding the net, sending one effort wide and heading another opportunity over.
His appearance marked the end of a lengthy registration dispute. Villa signed Madjo from Metz for £10 million in January but were initially prevented by FIFA from registering him. The club successfully challenged the decision through the Court of Arbitration for Sport in early August, clearing him to feature in competitive matches.
PSG eventually restored their advantage in the 62nd minute. Doue finished the move before a VAR review confirmed the goal could stand, giving the French champions a lead they would not surrender.
Villa continued to create problems and forced goalkeeper Matvey Safonov into several important saves, but PSG held firm to win the trophy for a second consecutive season after claiming their first Super Cup against Tottenham on penalties last year.
Despite the defeat, Villa produced an encouraging performance with several senior players unavailable. Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Martinez and Ezri Konsa were given additional recovery time following the World Cup, while 19-year-old midfielder George Hemmings was also handed a start.
Boubacar Kamara provided another boost by making his first competitive appearance since suffering a serious knee injury in January.
The result extended Unai Emery’s difficult record in the competition, with the Villa manager now losing four UEFA Super Cup finals across spells with Sevilla, Villarreal and Aston Villa.
Somali referee Omar Artan also made history by becoming the first non-European official to take charge of the fixture.
Villa will now turn their attention to their Premier League opener away to Brighton on 23 August. The squad could still be strengthened before the transfer window closes, with Atletico Madrid left-back Matteo Ruggeri expected to arrive and Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha remaining a transfer target.
Although Villa left Austria without the trophy, their performance against the European champions offered further encouragement as Emery begins reshaping the team for the new season.