Paris Saint-Germain retained the European Super Cup after defeating Aston Villa 2-1 on Wednesday night in an entertaining final in Salzburg, with Désiré Doué scoring the decisive goal after Ousmane Dembélé came off the bench to inspire the French champions.

PSG, the reigning two-time Champions League winners, were made to work for the trophy by an Aston Villa side that secured its place in the final after winning last season’s Europa League. The English club pushed their more fancied opponents throughout the contest but ultimately lacked the cutting edge needed to force extra time. Blueprint reports

Kvaratskhelia gives PSG early lead

PSG started brightly and took the lead through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who produced a stunning finish to put Luis Enrique’s side ahead.

Villa, however, refused to be overwhelmed by the early setback. Unai Emery’s team continued to compete aggressively and eventually found a way back into the contest before the interval.

Seventeen-year-old Brian Madja became the youngest scorer in Super Cup history when he headed in from a John McGinn delivery towards the end of the first half.

The goal lifted Villa and ensured the two teams went into the break level, setting up an intriguing second half in Salzburg.

Dembélé changes the game

With the match finely balanced, PSG manager Luis Enrique introduced Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé for the second half.

The France international immediately provided an additional attacking threat and eventually produced the moment that decided the contest.

Just after the hour mark, Dembélé delivered a perfectly weighted through ball for Désiré Doué, who finished with composure to restore PSG’s lead.

The goal proved decisive as Villa struggled to find another equaliser despite creating several opportunities.

Villa push for equaliser

Aston Villa continued to threaten as the second half progressed, with Emery making changes in an attempt to inject fresh energy into his attack.

One of their best opportunities came late in the match when Villa launched a counterattack. Tammy Abraham played Alysson into space, with the substitute sending a dangerous cross across the face of goal, but there was no Villa player available to apply the finishing touch.

Earlier, Alysson had also created another major opening after cutting the ball back from the right. PSG goalkeeper Safonov clawed the effort away before the ball fell to Emiliano Buendía with the goal seemingly open.

However, PSG midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery threw himself across the shot to make a crucial block and preserve his side’s advantage.

PSG hold on for another trophy

Villa continued searching for an equaliser until the final moments, but PSG managed the closing stages effectively.

Five minutes of additional time were announced, giving Emery’s side one final opportunity to force extra time. Their late efforts ultimately came to nothing as PSG held on for a 2-1 victory.

Doué, who scored the decisive goal, was eventually substituted with several minutes remaining, while Enrique also made changes to protect the advantage.

The victory extends PSG’s remarkable run under Enrique. The French side have now added the Super Cup to successive Ligue 1 titles and Champions League success, underlining their growing dominance both domestically and in Europe.

Villa leave Salzburg with heads held high

Despite the defeat, Aston Villa can take considerable encouragement from their performance against one of Europe’s strongest teams.

Villa matched PSG tactically for long periods and created enough chances to make the French champions uncomfortable. Their young players, including Madja and George Hemmings, also impressed in a demanding European final.

However, PSG’s superior quality in attack eventually proved decisive, particularly after Dembélé entered the game.

For Villa, the defeat will serve as another reminder of the fine margins at the highest level of European football.

For PSG, meanwhile, the Super Cup represents another piece of silverware and further evidence of the success of Enrique’s project.

Doué’s winning goal ensured that the Parisian club once again left the European stage with a trophy, while Villa were left to reflect on what might have been after pushing the champions all the way.