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In the second leg 2024-25 UEFA Champions League quarter-final between Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Villa Park on April 16, the former side clinched a 3-2 win against the French club but ahead of the contest, they faced an embarrassment for playing the Europa Cup anthem instead of that of the Champions League. Villa defender Ezri Konsa looked discomfited at the incident as he was seen alluding in surprise and discussing the matter with his Belgian teammate Youri Tielemans. The blunder happened in the presence of eminent guest Prince William, who was there at the venue to spectate the game.
The iconic Champions League anthem was played almost after a minute of the blunder. Under their coach Unai Emery’s leadership, Villa have qualified for Europe’s premier football club tournament for the first time since the 1982-83 season. Following the anthem error, Villa saw themselves under immense trouble until the first half-of the game as the visitors took a 2-0 lead from the goals of Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. However, Villa didn’t lose hope and held their nerves to make a comeback in the match. In the 34th minute, Tielemans racked up the first goal for Villa which emboldened John McGinn and Konsa, who scored in the 55th and 57th minutes respectively.
PSG qualifies for semi-finals despite the loss to Aston Villa
Ligue 1 defending champions PSG have punched their tickets to the semi-final despite facing a defeat at the hands of Aston Villa. Saint-Germain’s 5-4 aggregate win over two legs helped them seal the semi-final berth. Villa on the other hand, lost the tie by a 4-5 margin. The first leg of the semi-final will now be played on April 29.
PSG will confront the winner of the match between Real Madrid and Arsenal in the semi-final. Arsenal will take on the Champions League’s most successful side on April 17 at Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.
