UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Preview: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Aston Villa – April 9, 2025

UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Preview: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Aston Villa – April 9, 2025



The UEFA Champions League quarter-finals present an intriguing matchup as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) host Aston Villa on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. This first-leg encounter at the Parc des Princes marks the inaugural competitive meeting between the two clubs, each aiming to secure a favorable result to bolster their semi-final aspirations.

 

Event Details

  • Fixture: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Aston Villa
  • Competition: UEFA Champions League – Quarter-final (1st Leg)
  • Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
  • Kick-off Time: 9:00 PM CET / 8:00 PM BST / 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT
  • Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris, France
  • Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)

 

How to Watch / Live Stream

  • United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+, discovery+ App
  • United States: Paramount+, ViX
  • Canada: DAZN Canada
  • Global: Check local listings or UEFA's official broadcast partners

 

Team News

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)

Under the stewardship of manager Luis Enrique, PSG have exhibited dominance this season, clinching the Ligue 1 title with six games to spare and advancing to the Coupe de France final. Their ambition for a treble remains alive as they prepare to face Aston Villa.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Marquinhos: The captain is suspended for this fixture due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
  • Lee Kang-in: The South Korean midfielder is sidelined with an ankle injury. Key Players:
  • Ousmane Dembรฉlรฉ: The French winger has been in scintillating form, netting 28 goals this season and posing a constant threat to opposition defenses. 
  • Marco Asensio: Currently on loan at Aston Villa from PSG, Asensio has scored eight goals in 11 appearances for Villa and is eligible to play against his parent club.

 




Aston Villa

Managed by Unai Emery, Aston Villa have experienced a remarkable resurgence, competing on multiple fronts, including a push for a top-five Premier League finish and an FA Cup semi-final appearance. Their European campaign has been impressive, highlighted by a 6-1 aggregate victory over Club Brugge in the Round of 16.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Andrรฉs Garcรญa and Donyell Malen: Both players are unavailable due to injuries.
  • Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey: Both are doubtful for the fixture and will undergo late fitness tests.

Key Players:

  • Marco Asensio: The Spanish forward has been pivotal since his loan move, providing goals and creativity in Villa's attack.
  • Emiliano "Dibu" Martรญnez: The Argentine goalkeeper's shot-stopping abilities and leadership from the back are crucial for Villa's defensive solidity.

 

Possible Lineups

Paris Saint-Germain (3-2-5):

  • Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
  • Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Beraldo, Lucas Hernรกndez
  • Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Vitinha
  • Forwards: Ousmane Dembรฉlรฉ, Fabiรกn Ruiz, Kylian Mbappรฉ, Randal Kolo Muani, Bradley Barcola

Note: With Marquinhos suspended, Lucas Beraldo is expected to step into the central defense role.

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1):

  • Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martรญnez
  • Defenders: Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne
  • Midfielders: Boubacar Kamara, Douglas Luiz
  • Attacking Midfielders: John McGinn, Marco Asensio, Jacob Ramsey
  • Forward: Ollie Watkins

Note: Unai Emery may opt for a disciplined midfield setup to counter PSG's attacking prowess.

 

Playing Ground: Parc des Princes

The Parc des Princes, located in Paris, France, serves as the home ground for PSG. With a seating capacity of approximately 48,000, the stadium is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during European nights. PSG boasts a formidable home record, making the venue a fortress in their domestic and continental campaigns.

 

Head-to-Head Record

This fixture marks the first competitive meeting between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. As such, both teams will be eager to establish an early advantage in their head-to-head record.

 

Match Preview

The upcoming quarter-final clash between PSG and Aston Villa presents a compelling narrative, with both teams showcasing impressive form leading into the encounter.