Paris Saint-Germain began the new campaign with another European trophy after edging Aston Villa 2-1 to retain the UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg, Austria, on Wednesday night.
The Champions League holders overcame a spirited challenge from the Europa League winners, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué finding the net for the French champions before teenage forward Brian Madjo briefly brought Villa level.
The victory means PSG have successfully defended the trophy they claimed a year ago against Tottenham Hotspur, further underlining their dominance on the European stage.
Aston Villa initially looked the more threatening side, with Boubacar Kamara testing PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov from distance in the 13th minute.
PSG soon responded, and Kvaratskhelia provided the breakthrough seven minutes later.
After Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot had kept out an earlier effort, PSG recycled possession and worked the ball towards the Georgian winger on the left.
Kvaratskhelia cut inside before unleashing a powerful strike that flew into the near corner.
The goal appeared to settle PSG, with Kvaratskhelia continuing to cause problems for the Villa defence.
He soon released Nuno Mendes, whose dangerous cut-back narrowly escaped his advancing teammates.
Villa, however, refused to fold.
Madjo, handed his debut by manager Unai Emery, missed an opportunity to equalise when he headed John McGinn’s cross wide.
The 17-year-old went close again before finally getting his reward moments before half-time.
McGinn once again supplied the opportunity, picking out Madjo inside the box in the 45th minute.
This time, the youngster made no mistake, firing into the roof of the net to send the sides into the interval level.
PSG manager Luis Enrique introduced Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé at the start of the second half as his team sought to regain control.
Villa continued to threaten, with McGinn forcing Safonov into another important save after combining with the lively Madjo.
But PSG regained the lead in the 61st minute through Doué.
The winger raced down the right and appeared to have his effort ruled out for offside.
VAR intervened and established that Villa defender Matty Cash had played Doué onside, allowing the goal to stand.
Villa immediately searched for another equaliser, but Safonov produced a crucial save to deny 19-year-old George Hemmings.
The English side continued to push, while PSG defended their advantage with increasing determination.
Warren Zaïre-Emery also threw himself in the way of a Joao Gomes effort as Villa pressed for a second equaliser.
Enrique brought on Fabian Ruiz with 15 minutes remaining to strengthen PSG’s midfield as Villa committed more players forward.
Villa’s clearest late opportunity fell to Tammy Abraham, but he could not quite connect with Alysson’s low delivery inside the six-yard box.
PSG ultimately held firm to lift the trophy and make a winning start to the season.
The victory also strengthens the Parisian club’s ambitions of achieving an unprecedented third successive Champions League title, having already established themselves as the dominant force in European club football.
The match was officiated by Somalian referee Omar Artan, who became the first Somali to referee the UEFA Super Cup.
