PSG tops Aston Villa 2-1 in UEFA Super Cup as Doué scores VAR-assisted winner

Paris Saint-Germain added another piece of silverware to their increasingly crowded trophy cabinet on August 12, beating Aston Villa 2-1 in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria. The winning goal came from Désiré Doué in the 61st minute, set up by Ousmane Dembélé, who had entered the match as a halftime substitute.

The victory underscores PSG’s stranglehold on European football, with the club entering the match as back-to-back Champions League winners. Aston Villa, competing as Europa League champions, gave a strong account of themselves but ultimately came up short in what proved to be a contest defined by tactical adjustments and a controversial VAR intervention.

First half: Kvaratskhelia strikes, then Villa respond

PSG took control early. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Villa pulled level before halftime through 17-year-old Brian Madjo, who connected with a volley off a cross delivered by John McGinn. At the break, the scoreline read 1-1.

Dembélé’s entrance changes the equation

PSG manager Luis Enrique made his decisive move at halftime, bringing Dembélé off the bench. In the 61st minute, Dembélé found Doué with an incisive pass, and the young Frenchman finished clinically to restore PSG’s lead.

The celebrations were briefly put on hold. The linesman had flagged for offside, and the goal was initially ruled out. After a VAR review, the decision was overturned. Doué was judged to have been onside, and the goal stood.

Villa’s commendable run falls short

For Aston Villa, McGinn’s creative passing and Madjo’s fearless finishing offered glimpses of a competitive squad. The 17-year-old Madjo scored with a volley in a continental final, a result that fast-tracks a reputation. Villa’s depth, however, was outmatched by PSG’s luxury of bringing Dembélé off the bench when the match needed unlocking.

PSG’s European era rolls on

Kvaratskhelia’s opening goal and Doué’s 61st-minute winner, confirmed by VAR, secured the Super Cup for a PSG side that has now won consecutive Champions League titles. The fact that Dembélé, whose assist proved decisive, was available only as a second-half option illustrates the depth of PSG’s current squad construction.

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