Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa 3 PSG 2 (agg 4-5): Unai Emery’s side fall agonisingly short after epic second-half turnaround

      by

      DEFEAT has rarely been so glorious, elimination rarely soundtracked with such fervour and miracles rarely so tantalisingly close. Aston Villa’s great European adventure is over, but it ended in appropriate fashion with a ferocious fightback and a cacophony of Brummie noise. Aston Villa welcomed PSG to Villa Park with faint hopes of making the Champions League semi-finalsCredit: GETTYAchraf Hakimi appeared to dash Villa’s hopes of a grand comeback in the 11th minute to fire PSG into a 4-1 aggregate leadCredit: GETTYNuno Mendes struck in the 28th minute to seemingly put the final nail into the coffin of Villa’s semi-final hopesCredit: ALAMYWith 34 minutes of this second leg played, Unai Emery’s men were 5-1 down on aggregate and staring down the barrel at a thorough gubbing.Yet after 57 minutes, following goals from Youri Tielemans, John McGinn and Ezri Konsa, they were ahead on the night, just one goal adrift overall and reaching for the heavens. That Luis Enrique’s men should have clung on to book a semi-final date against Arsenal or Real Madrid said much for their prospects of winning a first Champions League title in Munich next month.   Because they will rarely encounter an atmosphere as hostile or an opponent as ravenously hungry as Villa. READ MORE ON VILLA VS PSGWhen Emery was in charge of PSG in 2017, he saw his side surrender a 4-0 first-leg lead to be knocked out by Enrique’s Barcelona and for a while during the white heat of a hectic second half, it looked for all the world as though the Villa boss would exact an extraordinary revenge. Villa had started the night by playing the wrong music – the Europa League theme instead of the Champions League anthem.And when PSG’s full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes fired them into a four-goal aggregate victory, that looked a taste of things to come. But Villa are only a point outside the top-five qualification places for next season’s Champions League and after this thrilling run to the last eight, they would be very welcome back at the top table. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYouri Tielemans put Villa back on the comeback trail in the 34th minuteCredit: GETTYWhile Emery denied its significance, there was no doubt that Nuno Mendes’ late third goal at the Parc des Princes had seriously altered the scale of the task facing his side. The Spaniard, with four Europa League triumphs on his CV, stuck with Marcus Rashford up front, with Ollie Watkins starting on the bench alongside Paris loanee Marco Asensio. It wasn’t a hell-for-leather attacking starting line-up. Emery was prepared to play it patient against the perennial French champions, who have been arguably the best team in Europe over recent months. It was a filthy old Birmingham night, but the piddling rain didn’t dampen the atmosphere; the home supporters were full-throated while many of the Parisian ultras were as topless as Geordies in the rain.  Weirdly, they played the Europa League before a belated blast of the Champions League anthem.But straight from kick-off, it was an assault on the senses. A couple of early Villa corners were greeted with insane decibel levels, the Holte End waiting to erupt like some great Brummie Vesuvius. From one, Amadou Onana flicked a near-post header but Joao Neves deflected it wide. Even Prince William and Prince George were getting involved, but the French, with very different ideas about hereditary monarchy, set about putting Villa to the guillotine.And on 11 minutes, the early Paris they had all been dreading duly arrived. Mendes released Bradley Barcola, who outpaced Matty Cash down the left and centred low.Emi Martinez, public enemy No.1 with the PSG fans, delighted the travelling Frenchmen by allowing the ball to squirm out of his grasp, with Hakimi on hand to spank it past him.   Villa continued to attack, but Rashford was struggling to make an impact, squandering several moments of promise. John McGinn levelled the scores with a deflected strike from rangeCredit: REXEzri Konsa struck just moments later to fire Villa into a 3-2 leadCredit: GETTYPau Torres lashed a shot goalwards but Gianluigi Donnarumma repelled him. Morgan Rogers cut inside William Pacho but placed his shot wide of the far post. And when Paris attacked, there was greater control and purpose, with Cash being targeted mercilessly. Soon, Enrique’s side broke and Villa were caught with their pants down – two defenders against four marauding attackers – and Ousmane Dembele squared for Mendes to ping a low shot in off the post. Paris had scored five unanswered goals in less than 80 minutes of football across the two legs – a start which scarcely overplayed their dominance.  At most stadiums, that would have been the moment the pin pricked the balloon.Here, they just kept on howling – especially when Tielemans tumbled in the box and the ref was unmoved. Ezri missed a golden opportunity to level the scores when he fluffed a free headerCredit: PAUnai Emery dropped to his knees after Konsa fluffed his linesCredit: GettyStill, no matter, within a minute the Belgian had pulled one back – reducing the overall deficit to three – receiving a McGinn pass and rattling off a shot which took a massive deflection off Pacho, giving Donnarumma no chance. Surprisingly, there were no half-time changes from Emery, but perhaps he knows what he’s doing because within 12 minutes of the restart, Villa were ahead on the night and back to within a goal of parity. First, McGinn rumbled forward from the halfway line and let rip with a 25-yard shot which deflected off Pacho’s knee and made it level on the night.  Then, Rashford cut in from the left and Donnarumma tipped over at full stretch.The corner was initially cleared, but Rashford skinned two defenders on a weaving run and cut back for Konsa to ram home. Forty thousand throats created a sonic boom. PSG were deafened and punch-drunk. Donnarumma needed all of his 6ft 7in frame to claw away a Tielemans header.Emery sent on Asensio and Jacob Ramsey for Onana and McGinn. And soon, Asensio was clean through on goal from a gorgeous Torres through-ball, with Donnarumma advancing to save with a foot.Watkins was sent on for Rashford 15 minutes from time, but Martinez was soon needed to thwart Dembele, Paris retaining their attacking threat amid the bedlam. Read More on The SunFinally, Emery’s men ran out of puff – an Ian Maatsen shot blocked in injury time. But Villa’s supporters never lost their voices and PSG’s players will need some time to regain their composure and their hearing after this. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Can’t say anything’ – Thierry Henry leaves Kate Abdo in stitches as Micah Richards butchers pronunciation of legend

      by

      THIERRY HENRY has been left baffled by Micah Richards’ pronunciation of his former teammate. The CBS pundit was in stitches after hearing Richard’s bizarre way of saying ‘Franck Ribery’ during Tuesday’s broadcast.Micah Richards has been mocked for his French pronunciation live on airCredit: CBSThierry Henry and Kate Abdo burst out laughing at Richards’ effortsCredit: CBSRichards referenced Franck Ribery, a former teammate of Henry’s for FranceCredit: ReutersRichards was joined by host Kate Abdo, as well as fellow pundits Henry and Jamie Carragher to preview Tuesday’s European games. Ribery played alongside French legend Henry at the 2006 World Cup. The former Bayern Munich winger came up in conversation as the CBS gang looked ahead to Paris Saint Germain’s trip to Aston Villa. Richards was profiling PSG’s star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, comparing him to wizard wingmen of the past 20 years.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “Back in the day when you used to play against Robben, and Ribery, and Gareth Bale.”The touch, go, the cross. Honest to God, the game has changed. “But I love seeing this guy doing what he is now, because it reminds me of the old school.”During Micah’s segment, both Henry and Abdo had begun to giggle. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKRather than putting a French flair to Ribery’s name, he’d pronounced it “Rubery”.The camera panned to Henry, who was pointing to a laughing Abdo.’That should have been me’ – Micah Richards reveals Kate Abdo is up for prestigious award as Thierry Henry is impressedHenry hit back: “It’s Ribery. Rib-ery.”Abdo added: “I made the mistake of looking at Thierry.”You know that the Thierry is the pronunciation police.”Richards tried again, only for the effort to come out “Rubbery.”He spluttered: “I can’t say anything on this show!”Kate move us on please, before I get cancelled.”One fan laughed in response to the viral clip: “Rubbery is crazyyyy.”Another said: “I love this show man.”And a third giggled: “Micah is a mess.”Aston Villa came close but could not quite complete a dramatic Champions League comeback against PSG.Unai Emery’s side conceded two early goals to find themselves 5-1 down on aggregate against the Ligue 1 champions and staring at an exit.But then Youri Tielemans scored to give the hosts hope before John McGinn and Ezri Konsa scored to leave Villa needing just a goal and PSG seriously wobbling.Read More on The SunVilla piled on the pressure but PSG managed to hold on. Villa won 3-2 on the night but went out 5-4 on aggregate.PSG progress to the semi-final, where they play the winner of Real Madrid and Arsenal. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Eleven-cap England star Tammy Abraham set to complete £20m transfer that could see him link up with ex-Chelsea boss

      by

      TAMMY ABRAHAM is set to complete a permanent move to Milan from Roma in the summer.The English striker has been on loan at the San Siro this season and has struck 10 times, although only three of those goals have come in Serie A.Tammy Abraham is set for a permanent move to AC MilanCredit: GettySergio Conceicao is facing the sack at the San SiroCredit: GettyAbraham impressed most in the Coppa Italia as his four goals across three rounds has helped Milan to the semi-finals.His most recent goal in the competition came in the first leg against archrivals Inter.Even though Milan are likely to sack current boss Sergio Conceicao in the summer, Abraham, 27, looks set to complete a move for about £20million.Abraham, 27, scored 37 times in three years at Roma after leaving Chelsea for £34m although 27 of those came in the first season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKyle Walker could also make a summer permanent move from Manchester City to Milan, who are in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.But they are ninth in Serie A, which is why Conceicao could get the boot.Former Spurs and Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, currently at Napoli, is one manager who Milan could turn to.Ex-Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille, is also in the frame.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Italian has guided the French giants to third in Ligue 1, but a turn in form has seen them drop away in the title race.He was recently slammed by former Marseille star player Christophe Dugarry following the 3-0 defeat to AS Monaco.Former England boss Sam Allardyce ready to make stunning return to football He said: “The coach has never found the right combination.”No player plays in the right place and none are in their favourite position.”Antonio Conte is one option to replace ConceicaoCredit: GettyRoberto De Zerbi could also be in the running for the jobCredit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He wasn’t happy’ – Micah Richards reveals England star told him to ‘liven up’ after damning Match of the Day analysis

      by

      MICAH RICHARDS has revealed that Aaron Ramsdale messaged him after he failed to acknowledge the goalkeeper’s two penalty saves on Match of the Day.Ramsdale stopped two spot-kicks from Aston Villa midfielder Marco Asensio on Saturday.Micah Richards revealed that Aaron Ramsdale messaged him after watching Match of the DayCredit: X / RestIsFootballRamsdale saved two penalties against Aston Villa – but did not get a mention on the highlights showCredit: GettyIt wasn’t enough to earn Southampton anything from the match, however, as the Saints went on to lose 3-0 at St Mary’s.Villa substitutes Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen and John McGinn fired the visitors to the win.It was the first time in Premier League history that three different substitutes on the same team scored after coming on.And that was the main focus for Richards, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer when they were discussing the result on Match of the Day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey failed to mention the two penalty saves – much to the annoyance of Ramsdale.Richards even revealed that he received a message from the goalkeeper after the show.Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast this week, Richards explained: “I don’t normally bring people’s names into it because I don’t think it’s right.”But I think he’s got a point on this particular occasion… Villa win 3-0 and he saved two pens.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But my analysis was Villa’s substitutions, their squad really could impact the game.”So Watkins comes on and scores, Malen comes on and scores and McGinn comes on and scores.About to get sacked on air’ – Micah Richards stuns Kate Abdo into eight-second silence with crude innuendo”That is the bigger story. And because Southampton have had a bad time it was almost like, Villa have won, let’s leave Southampton alone.”However, he (Ramsdale) texts me. I won’t tell you what he texted me on.”Let’s just say he wasn’t happy. And he told us to basically liven up.”Lineker concluded by saying: “But well done, Aaron Ramsdale.”To save two penalties in one game is pretty rare.”SunSport revealed earlier this week that Manchester United are monitoring Ramsdale ahead of the summer transfer window.The England goalkeeper has also been linked with Bournemouth and West Ham. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta admits it’s ‘impossible’ to block out overpowering Real Madrid message ahead of Champions League tie

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA has urged his Arsenal stars to ignore Real Madrid’s ‘comeback’ narrative and do their talking on the pitch.The Gunners will step out onto the Bernabeu turf with the Champions League odds firmly stacked in their favour – bringing with them a 3-0 quarter-final first-leg advantage.Mikel Arteta is wary of Real Madrid’s talk of a comebackCredit: GettyThe Gunners lead 3-0 going into the second leg of their CL quarter final at the BernabeuCredit: GettyIf statistics and pub quiz-style factoids won football matches, Arteta’s side would already be in the semi-finals. The numbers are overwhelmingly positive.On the previous 13 occasions Arsenal have headed into a second leg European tie with a three-goal cushion, they have progressed on every occasion.Of the 11 previous English teams to have won a Champions League first-leg knock-out tie by three goals or more, all of them have advanced.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt has been 79 games since Arsenal last conceded three goals in a single match in all competitions – a 4-3 Prem win away at Luton in December 2023 – and the last time they lost a game 3-0 was nearly two years ago, at home to Brighton in the Prem in May 2023.Of the 47 teams to go into the second leg of a Champions League knock-out match with a lead of three or more goals, only four of them have not advanced. That is just 8.5 per cent.This second leg should be a mere exhibition, a formality, Arsenal’s procession into the competition’s final four for the first time since 2009.And yet, there remains an air of doubt because they are playing Real Madrid – the 15-time European champions who have also earned the title of Champions League comeback kings.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTheir reputation of never knowing when they are beat is stuff of legend, making them one of the most feared beasts on the continent, no matter the context nor the scoreline. Rumour has it the footballing gods bow down to Real Madrid.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking forward to match against Real Madrid The Spanish press know this, hence their intense propaganda machine over the past few days in an attempt to convince Arsenal that a comeback is not just possible but inevitable.On the back page of every major outlet has been the phrase “Remontada”, meaning “comeback” in Spanish.Arteta laughed: “It’s impossible [to block that out], but outside we can do it on the pitch. “Now I understand that it’s the narrative that is going to give the fuel to them.”We have tried to repeat the opposite message. So in the brain of the players, what they have here in the last 72 hours is something completely different.”We are very close to them and hopefully that’s more powerful than anything else.Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice’s free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners…”But you have to be out there, you have to experience it, you have to feel it and you have to go through it. That’s what we have to do.”I understand [comebacks] are a part of their history and they have the right to be talking about these kinds of scenarios.”Ours is very different and our mindset, preparation, our thoughts and how we’re going to have the best chance to be better than them in the aspects that are crucial.”To prepare for a semi-final like this and be convinced that we can handle any situation and we’re going to enjoy actually playing any kind of game that we have to be thrown in.”But we’re going to try to take the game to places very different to their intentions and if we do that we’re going to have a good chance to win the game.”The first leg, that’s in the past. We have to prove it now in this context. And that’s the beauty of it. That’s the challenge and that’s the great thing about sports.”We’ve shown that we are capable of doing it. Now, let’s talk on the pitch and do it on the pitch. It’s the only thing that matters.”It would be natural for this Arsenal squad – one that is young and inexperienced – to perhaps fear the wave of noise and pressure coming their way in the Bernabeu.This group have only experienced one other Champions League journey – last year’s progression to the quarters only to be knocked out by Bayern Munich in a gut-wrenching second leg in Germany.Arteta argued: “I wouldn’t use that word [fear]. Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan DaviesARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him.”Respect, admiration for what they’ve done in the competition as a club over the years, the history they have, the values that they defend.”Unbelievable. Amazing. And inspiration for any coach, any manager, any team. But after that is the competition.”It’s what we are going to face tomorrow, an opposition that we know very well and that we are determined to go out there and try to win the game.”When you have to create a story, when you have to build a story, first of all you have to be excited about it. Then you have to be really convinced about what you want to achieve.Read More on The Sun”A lot of clubs have built their history by doing it many times, trying many times, sometimes failing, sometimes being successful.”Last year we had an experience and we want to be better this season.” More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League closes PSR loophole that saw former champions escape points deduction

      by

      PREM chiefs have moved to close the rules loophole that saw Leicester escape a PSR sanction.League bosses were left furious and embarrassed in September when an appeal board ruled the Prem did not have the right to charge them for losses in excess of the permitted limit of £105m in the three seasons up to 2022-23.Prem bosses have closed a loophole used by Leicester to escape a PSR chargeCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy’s men are on the cusp of an instant return to the ChampionshipCredit: GettyThe Foxes had been facing a six-point deduction this term after returning to the Prem as Championship winners last season.But the panel upheld Leicester’s claim that the Prem could not sanction them when the club had become a member of the EFL following their relegation that season.The appeal board accepted that Leicester were not subject to Prem rules because the club’s accounting period ended on 30 June 2023, “after the point the club had ceased to be a member of the League”.Prem bosses promised to rewrite the rulebook to prevent other relegated clubs taking advantage of similar situations in future.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd in a series of changes introduced into the rulebook only on Friday, but which will take immediate effect, League chiefs have now tightened the regulations.That includes ending the flaw that meant new clubs were able to claim the full £35m allowance for their promotion season, rather than have losses for that campaign in the EFL capped at £13m.Crucially, the new Rule E.49 states that relegated clubs “remain bound” by Prem regulations, effectively aligning the top flight with the EFL in enforcing financial rules.Leicester were able to successfully argue their two successive seasons of changed membership meant they were not subject to the regulations of either league.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, the new rules, agreed by the clubs and enacted last week, state that any punishments recommended by an EFL disciplinary panel can now be imposed by the Prem board in the top flight.Leicester are destined for an immediate return to the Championship next season.Leicester fans spotted streaming out just 35 minutes into Newcastle clash as hopeless Foxes hurtle towards relegationRuud van Nistelrooy’s appointment in November has failed to spark the Foxes’ season into life.The ex-Manchester United striker has won just 3 out of 21 games at the King Power. Leicester have earned only four points in total from their last 17 games. After Wolves’ 4-2 win over Tottenham last weekend, the Foxes’ fate could be sealed as early as next week. If they fail to win their next match, at home to leaders Liverpool on April 20, their relegation will be confirmed. More

    • 125 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa awkwardly play wrong anthem before Champions League quarter-final

      by

      ASTON VILLA’s DJ dropped an absolute clanger moments before their Champions League clash with PSG – by playing the EUROPA LEAGUE anthem.Both teams lined up to hear the traditional and world-famous anthem moments before the second leg of their quarter-final tie got underway.Aston Villa welcomed Paris Saint-Germain to Villa Park for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-finalCredit: PABut Villa’s DJ played the EUROPA ANTHEM seconds before kick-offCredit: AMZON PRIMEVilla players were left gobsmacked by the errorCredit: AMZON PRIMEBut they and the thousands of fans in attendance at Villa Park were instead treated to the Europa League anthem.Unai Emery’s troops were visibly stunned by the gaffe as the camera went past the starting XI.The Villa Park faithful were equally as flabbergasted and started to boo the error.The astonishing mistake, unsurprisingly, went viral.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne footie fan said on X: “Why did they play the Europa League anthem?”Another said: “EUROPA LEAGUE ANTHEM ON UCL NIGHT.”And another said: “The players’ faces say it all.”One remarked: “Someone’s getting sacked in the morning.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAchraf Hakimi fired the visitors into a 4-1 aggregate lead in the 11th minuteCredit: GETTYAnother chimed in: “How do you f*** up this bad?”Amazon commentator Adrian Clarke said of the gaffe: “The first misstep of the night, someone’s miscued the Champions League anthem. Unai Emery bizarrely claims there’s ‘not a lot of difference’ between losing 2-1 or 3-1 as Aston Villa face uphill battle “Stirring music but not quite what we’ve come to expect to a prelude to games like this.”Villa’s DJ tried to atone for their error by belatedly playing the Champions League anthem. But the damage, however, had already well and truly been done.The anthem mixup was not the start Emery and his charges would’ve liked to the match.It was seemingly a bad omen as Achraf Hakimi struck in the 11th minute to fire the visitors into a 4-1 lead on aggregate.And Nuno Mendes killed off the Villans’ slim hopes of making the final in the 28th minute to send the French side into a 5-1 aggregate lead. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Heartbreak for Prince William & George as Villa lose nail-biting Champions League clash by a goal after valiant battle

      by

      PRINCE William and George have been left heartbroken after they watched Aston Villa narrowly drop out of the Champions League.The royal pair watched through 90 minutes of ecstasy and turmoil as they saw PSG score twice early on before Unai Emery’s side pulled back three goals.William and George watched a roller coaster of a game between Aston Villa and PSGCredit: .Wills watched on from behind his fingers as PSG took an early leadCredit: RexAn excitable William was up on his feet after Ezri Konsa scored Villa’s third goal on the nightCredit: PAGeorge roared from the stands as Villa managed to take the lead the game in the second halfCredit: .The Prince of Wales cheering on the English side from the stands next to his nervous sonCredit: PAGeorge and Wills were also joined by the Duke and Duchess of Westminster up in the standsCredit: GettyYoung Prince George, 11, donned a half-and-half scarf as he played with his hands nervously pre-game.The Prince of Wales, 42, was also seen with a drink in his hand as he stood in the hospitality box at the packed out stadium. Fans soon took to their seats as the match kicked off but the stadium was quickly left frustrated when PSG scored twice in the first 27 minutes.William held his head in his hands as PSG defender Achraf Hakimi slotted home the first.read more in Aston VillaA second left the hopeful crowd stunned.PSG were leading the tie by four goals at this point and cruising into the semi finals – leaving Unai Emery’s side with a mountain to climb.Despite the daunting scoreline, a big comeback was still on the cards as Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans pulled one back in the 34th minute.A valiant Villa came out for the second half raring to make history.Most read in Champions LeagueThey were inspired by Scottish skipper John McGinn who scored within 10 minutes of the restart.Before towering English centre back Ezri Konsa gave Aston Villa the lead on the night.George donned a half-and-half scarf as Wills held a drink in hand pre-matchCredit: ReutersPrince William and Prince George in the stands at Villa ParkCredit: .PSG’s Achraf Hakimi scored an early goal to leave Aston Villa with a huge scoreline to overcomeCredit: APUnai Emery was left furious after the first two goals went in for PSGCredit: GettyWilliam was seen jumping for joy as the Villa players celebrated with a passionate George roaring on the team.The pair were also joined in the VIP box by the Duke and Duchess of Westminster.Billionaire aristocrat Hugh Grosvenor, 34, and his wife Olivia, 32, were seen cheering on the Villans after recently announcing they are expecting a baby. Aston Villa pushed for an equaliser in the tie for the final 30 minutes but couldn’t find a fourth goal on the night.Despite winning the game 3-2 at Villa Park, they narrowly missed out on the semi-final due to a 5-4 aggregate scoreline for PSG.The Premier League outfit were let down by their first leg performance where they were outclassed in Paris.A Morgan Rogers’ opener was ruled out by three good PSG goals which saw them take firm control of the tie.Proud Villa fans tried their best to play a part in what turned out to be a European classic but they couldn’t push McGinn’s men across the line.The future King of England joined over 40,000 fans in Villa Park this evening – including over 2,000 French supporters. Hopes were still high for a win with Villa on a 17-match unbeaten run at home in all competitions which stretches back to November 2024.William and George also went to the first leg in Paris as they went through a roller coaster of emotions in the game.The Prince of Wales was seen wildly celebrating and hugging his son after Villa’s first-half goal.But later on, the Prince was seen with his head in his hands as the full-time whistle blew at 3-1.William was in the crowd for Villa’s victory over Bayern Munich earlier in the competition and away to Monaco in January.He first fell in love with Aston Villa after being taken to a match by friends as a boy.Read More on The SunThe heir said he was gripped by the “sense of belonging” and the passion of his fellow football fans.Wills also revealed he visits fan forums anonymously online — and moves his kids around when watching at home to bring the team luck.Aston Villa captain John McGinn walking past fans earlier tonightCredit: RexWills was left with his head in his hands after the first leg ended 3-1Prince William also impressed fans with his pre-game punditry in the first leg More