Sabasports Match Preview
UEFA Champions League: Aston Villa vs Paris Saint-Germain
Kickoff Time: 2025-04-16 03:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Ian Walton
In last weekend’s English Premier League, Aston Villa easily won 3-0 against Southampton away, recording nine wins and one loss in their last 10 matches, showing a very hot form. In the Champions League, Aston Villa was defeated 1-3 by Paris Saint-Germain away in the first leg of the quarter-finals. Unai Emery’s meticulously constructed defense can be said to have been overwhelmed by the tidal offensive of Paris Saint-Germain. However, Aston Villa’s tenacious resistance also shocked the fans. Morgan Rogers scored in the 35th minute by intercepting a cross, which was actually Aston Villa’s first shot in this match. This shows that Aston Villa’s tactics have achieved certain effects. It is worth mentioning that Aston Villa’s home performance is very strong, with the team recording four wins and one draw in their five Champions League home games this season without tasting defeat. With this match returning to their home ground, Aston Villa is not without the possibility of turning the tide.
Paris Saint-Germain did not have a league match last weekend, so the team’s physical condition was well rested. In the Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain can be said to have started low and ended high this season. The team previously defeated the Premier League powerhouse Liverpool in a penalty shootout in the previous round, successfully advancing. Luis Enrique’s ball possession philosophy became the key to Paris Saint-Germain’s victory in the previous series, as he clarified the team’s core tactical direction—to use ball possession to suppress Liverpool’s speed advantage. Facing an opponent’s forward line known for its fast counterattacks, the Spaniard chose to firmly control the pace of the match, which is also the tactical tone of Paris Saint-Germain this season. However, Enrique’s team tends to struggle against opponents with tight pressing, especially young players who are not physically aggressive enough, and they often suffer in head-to-head confrontations.
Although Paris Saint-Germain took the lead in the first leg, Aston Villa was not without the ability to fight back. Considering Aston Villa’s strong home momentum, they are expected to increase the intensity of the confrontation when they return home for the second leg. Therefore, the second leg could be a good opportunity to bet on Aston Villa to defend their home ground.
Aston Villa’s Last 5 Games: WLWWW
25-04-12 Southampton 0-3 Aston Villa
25-04-10 Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Aston Villa
25-04-06 Aston Villa 2-1 Nottingham Forest
25-04-03 Brighton 0-3 Aston Villa
25-03-30 Preston North End 0-3 Aston Villa
Paris Saint-Germain’s Last 5 Games: WWWWW
25-04-10 Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Aston Villa
25-04-05 Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Angers
25-04-02 Dunkerque 2-4 Paris Saint-Germain
25-03-30 Saint-Etienne 1-6 Paris Saint-Germain
25-03-17 Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Marseille
Head To Head Record:
25-04-10 Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Aston Villa
Prediction: Aston Villa to win or Draw