The European Super Cup got off to a lively start in Salzburg, where PSG and Aston Villa went into half-time level at 1-1. The French side struck first, but the English team responded late in the half and found the equaliser through 17-year-old Madjo.
Level after 45 minutes
PSG and Aston Villa are facing off for the European Super Cup trophy, in a duel between the Champions League winners and the Europa League winners.
The first half ended 1-1 after a game that changed tempo, especially in the closing minutes, when Aston Villa increased the pressure and found the net.
Kvaratskhelia broke the deadlock for PSG
The French side took the lead in the 20th minute. Kvaratskhelia moved into the box and, with a right-footed strike, beat the opposing goalkeeper for 1-0.
Earlier, in the 13th minute, Joao Gomes tried his luck with a shot from outside the area, but the ball went wide of the target. In the 25th minute, Mendes made a good run into the box and picked out his teammates, but the finish was missing.
Villa responded strongly before the break
Aston Villa began to threaten more toward the end of the first half. In the 41st minute, Madjo headed toward goal after a cross from McGinn, but the ball went over the bar.
Just three minutes later, the same player burst into the box and struck with his left foot, hitting the post. The warning turned into a goal in the 45th minute, when McGinn delivered a cross into the area and Madjo sent the ball into the net for 1-1.
A major final for both clubs
PSG came into this match as champions of Europe after winning the Champions League final against Arsenal. The French side is aiming to defend the Super Cup trophy, which it also won last season against Tottenham on penalties.
On the other side, Aston Villa arrived as Europa League winners after a 3-0 success against Freiburg in the final. For the English club, this is a significant return to this stage, while it previously won the trophy in 1982 against Barcelona.
The match remains open after the first 45 minutes, with PSG having its moments early on and Aston Villa showing clear signs of a response before the break.
Madjo’s goal has completely changed the balance of the final, leaving everything to play for in the second half.