Aston Villa vs PSG LIVE: Result and reaction as hosts fall just short in Champions League thriller

Aston Villa 3-2 PSG (agg. 4-5): The hosts came close in a compelling comeback but could not find an equaliser

'We can win the second leg' - Unai Emery backs his side to upset PSG

A remarkable, riotous comeback from Aston Villa fell just short as Paris Saint-Germain clung on to progress to the Champions League semi-finals.

The French capital club looked to be cruising into the last four when they struck twice in the opening half-hour, through full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, to double their advantage in the tie after securing a 3-1 win in Paris last week.

But the hosts came roaring back at a raucous Villa Park. Youri Tielemans’s deflected effort before half time gave them hope before the tie appeared to turn in five second-half minutes as John McGinn and Ezri Konsa struck. It left Villa chasing an equaliser to take the encounter to extra time, and they had their chances - but Unai Emery’s side could not find a fourth, with PSG grateful to Gianluigi Donnarumma for a sprinkling of spectacular saves. They face either Arsenal or Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

Re-live all the Champions League action with our live blog below:

Aston Villa vs PSG LIVE

• PSG hold off riotous Aston Villa comeback to go through 5-4 victors on aggregate
• 11' GOAL! Hakimi fires home to deal Villa hammer blow early on [AVL 0-1 PSG]
• 27' GOAL! Mendes finishes off another lightning counter to double lead [AVL 0-2 PSG]
• 34' GOAL! Tielemans nets deflected strike to give Villa slither of hope [AVL 1-2 PSG]
• 55' GOAL! McGinn stunner levels the game and renews faith [AVL 2-2 PSG]
• 58' GOAL! Konsa tucks home to put Villa in touching distance [AVL 3-2 PSG]

[15 April 2025 17:20 · Will Castle]

What is the Aston Villa team news?

Unai Emery did not make too many changes for Saturday’s 3-0 win at Aston Villa, with Morgan Rogers and Marcus Rashford both starting, and Marco Asensio, Andre Onana and Ian Maatsen coming into the side for John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara and Lucas Digne.

Villa need goals so Emery could turn to Ollie Watkins and start Asensio against his parent club. Leon Bailey is out with a knock.

Marco Asensio could start against his parent club (Jacob King/PA Wire)

[15 April 2025 17:10 · Will Castle]

Is Aston Villa vs PSG on TV? How to watch Champions League quarter-final

The Champions League quarter-final second leg will kick off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 15 April at Villa Park.

How can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on Amazon Prime Video. If you're not an Amazon Prime Video subscriber start a free 30-day trial here.

[15 April 2025 17:00 · Will Castle]

Aston Villa vs PSG LIVE

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Aston Villa’s crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against PSG.

Unai Emery’s men have an uphill battle on their hands as they require a win by at least two to keep their European hopes alive.

Villa have proved they can stand with the French giants though, taking the lead at the Parc des Princes before Luis Enrique’s side turned up the gas. They’ll hope the 12th man can play its part as they dream of slaying another continental heavyweight.

Stay tuned for all the build-up ahead of the clash.

[15 April 2025 15:56 · Will Castle]

Ollie Watkins ‘not happy to sit on Aston Villa bench’

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is back on the bench, something he expressed his frustration at despite making a significant impact after coming on as a substitute in their 3-0 victory against Southampton.

Watkins won a penalty and scored the opening goal, which contributed to Villa’s continued push for a Champions League spot.

The England striker, who has been dealing with a knee issue, has started just one of Villa’s last five matches.