)
)
Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in the Champions League semi-finals with a dramatic 5-4 aggregate victory over Aston Villa, despite suffering a 3-2 defeat in a pulsating second leg at Villa Park.
The visitors picked up right where they left off in the first leg, as Achraf Hakimi broke the deadlock with a composed finish.
The Moroccan full-back doubled PSG’s advantage just 16 minutes later, capitalising on a swift counter-attack to seemingly put the tie beyond doubt.
)
)
)
)
However, Villa roared back into contention before halftime, with Youri Tielemans pulling one back via a deflected effort in the 34th minute.
The hosts then turned the game on its head after the break; captain John McGinn unleashed a stunning long-range strike that caught Gianluigi Donnarumma off guard, levelling the score on the night.
MUST READ: I have goals and new things to achieve - Mohammed Kudus
The comeback was complete just two minutes later when Ezri Konsa slotted home after a dazzling run and assist from Marcus Rashford, putting Villa within one goal of overturning the aggregate deficit.
Unai Emery’s side threw everything forward in search of a historic comeback, forcing Donnarumma into a series of crucial saves.
)
Konsa came agonisingly close to connecting with another dangerous cross, while Ian Maatsen’s late volley was heroically blocked.
READ ALSO: C/R: Suspected motorcycle thief beaten, burnt by mob in Agona Asafo
Despite Villa’s relentless pressure, PSG held firm to book their place in the semi-finals, where they will meet either Arsenal or Real Madrid.
The French champions will need to improve defensively, but their resilience ensured they survived a stern test in Birmingham.
PSG would be seeking to play their hearts out in the semi-final to get onto the final and eventually win the title.