Paris Saint-Germain made a significant comeback against Aston Villa in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Parc des Princes.
Aston Villa appeared poised to head back home needing to overcome just a one-goal deficit until Mendes delivered a devastating blow to Unai Emery’s side in the dying seconds of the match.
The visitors stunned the newly crowned French champions when Morgan Rogers scored at the far post, converting Youri Tielemans’ cross from the left after 35 minutes. This breakaway goal thrilled the away supporters, which included the Prince of Wales, a long-time Villa fan.
However, PSG equalized just four minutes later, with Desire Doue leaving Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez helpless with a magnificent curling drive from 20 yards.
PSG’s brilliant Georgian winger, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, troubled Villa throughout the match, putting his team ahead just four minutes after the break. He turned substitute Axel Disasi before drilling a powerful shot past Martinez at his near post.
Although Martinez, who was not particularly popular in France following his antics during the 2022 World Cup final when Argentina defeated Les Bleus, made several impressive saves, he was ultimately powerless to stop Mendes in the closing moments of the game.
This late goal marked a bitterly disappointing end for former PSG manager Emery and his Villa squad, who left the pitch despondent while the home fans celebrated jubilantly.
