'Majestic' 'Splendid' - French media single Aston Villa trio out for praise after narrow aggregate loss to PSG

Aston Villa’s remarkable Champions League journey came to an end in dramatic circumstances as they were beaten 5-4 on aggregate by French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

The Villans entered the second leg with a 3-1 deficit after a tough evening at the Parc Des Princes and found they had a mountain to climb at Villa Park when they went 5-1 down on aggregate after goals from Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes in the opening half hour.

However, cheered on by the vociferous Villa Park faithful, Unai Emery’s men showcased their European credentials with a valiant effort to turn the game on its head after goals from Youri Tielemans, John McGinn and Ezri Konsa.

It set up an action-packed and nervy ending to the contest as Villa despite their best efforts failed to secure the all-important fifth goal. But the manner of their performance certainly won them plaudits, including those from the notoriously difficult to please L’Equipe newspaper.

Aston Villa trio singled out for praise

French outlet L’Equipe was left immensely impressed by the manner of Aston Villa’s performance as they became just the fifth team to beat the runaway Ligue 1 winners across all competitions. Midfield trio John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans in particular were credited for their performances in a thrilling last eight encounter.

On Kamara they said: “Author of a majestic tackle on Nuno Mendes (23rd), he was one of the few Villans to stay afloat before the break, thanks to his commitment and technical quality, even if he came very close to offering a goal for PSG by passing to the feet of Fabian Ruiz. The former Marseille player was also the Villan who won the most balls.”

Goalscorer McGinnn meanwhile won plaudits for his immense commitment and desire to run proceedings in the middle: “The captain scored a splendid goal with a blocked shot, the 2-2, which completely revived his team. Previously, he had already distinguished himself with his assist for Youri Tielemans (1-2, 34th), with a header that grazed the target, but also with his excessive commitment (rightly punished with a yellow card in the 42nd). The Scot made way for Marco Asensio, who came very close to scoring.”

Meanwhile, Belgian international Tielemans won credit for reviving the team’s hope after a difficult start: ”He started well with a dangerous header and good intentions, and his activity supported Villa's response. It was his shot, deflected by Pacho, that revived hope (1-2, 34th), and he continued his momentum by being involved in several dangerous moves. His beautiful header was saved by Donnarumma (59th), and he was replaced by Barkley (88th).”

Aston Villa belong at this level

Over the course of their first Champions League campaign since 1983, Villa have proven they can mix it with the world’s best. They beat the likes of BSC Young Boys, Bayern Munich, Bologna, RB Leipzig, Celtic and drew with Juventus to comfortably reach the last eight before dispatching of Club Brugge and taking one of the tournament favourites PSG right down to the wire.

Emery said after the game: “Our squad showed it can respond at this level. We competed. They deserve to be here. We are ambitious. It is a big challenge and we want the club to push for this level."

Attention now turns to a busy league campaign with potential Champions League qualification six-pointers against Newcastle and Manchester City before a trip to Wembley to face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final.

The challenge we have for the last six matches in the Premier League is to try and get Europe and the Champions League. To get this level is the next step forward that I want to try to build with Aston Villa."

Overall, the general consensus from fans is that this season the team put in a mighty effort, while balancing the Champions League duties with a strong run in the FA Cup and the ever-relentless Premier League.

Read more - Aston Villa's mighty Champions League prize money haul so far