Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has increased its chances of reaching the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) after defeating Aston Villa.

On the 10th (Korea time), PSG defeated Aston Villa 3-1 at home in the first leg of the 2024-2025 UCL quarterfinal held at Parc des Princes in Paris, France, with a comeback goal from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Thus, PSG has secured an advantageous position in the upcoming second leg away match on the 16th, where a draw will suffice to advance to the semifinals.

Having already secured the Ligue 1 title early this season, PSG continues its challenge for the first UCL title in the club's history.

PSG saw its dream of winning the UCL collapse in the final against Bayern Munich in 2020.

Lee Kang-in (PSG) was absent from the match. He had missed four consecutive games after injuring his ankle during the March international break, but he was listed on the substitute bench this time, though he did not play.

He has scored six goals and provided five assists in the league this season, but he has struggled to find playing time due to increased competition for the starting position in the second half of the season.

Aston Villa opened the scoring. In the 35th minute, Youri Tielemans connected a low cross from the left side, which Morgan Rogers finished in front of the goal.

PSG immediately countered. In the 39th minute, Désiré Doué's curled shot from the left side of the penalty area hit the crossbar and went into the goal.

A comeback goal came shortly after. In the 49th minute, Kvaratskhelia showcased his individual skill. After receiving the ball on the left, he dribbled past a defender and scored with a powerful left-foot shot from the left side. It was a perfect turnaround.

PSG continued to dominate the match by strengthening its Chonbang press. In the 71st minute, Achraf Hakimi scored another goal from the right side, but it was nullified due to an offside call. Ultimately, in the injury time of the second half, Nuno Mendes scored a clinching goal. After evading a defender on the left side of the goal area, he succeeded with a right-footed shot.

PSG concluded the first leg with a victory by a margin of two goals.

[OSEN]