Paris Saint-Germain began their new campaign with another European trophy after beating Aston Villa 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.

The PSG victory strengthened the French club’s growing reputation as Europe’s leading side. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring before Villa teenager Brian Madjo equalised just before half-time.

Désiré Doué restored PSG’s lead in the second half. Aston Villa pushed hard for another equaliser, but the Champions League winners defended their advantage until the final whistle.

The victory also allowed PSG to defend the trophy they won 12 months ago against Tottenham Hotspur.

The UEFA Super Cup brings together the winners of the Champions League and Europa League. Somalian referee Omar Artan officiated the match in Salzburg.

Both managers selected strong line-ups ahead of their domestic campaigns. PSG started nine players from the team that defeated Arsenal in May to win the Champions League.

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Vitinha, João Neves and captain Marquinhos all featured from the start. New signing Lucas Digne, who joined PSG from Villa on Sunday, remained on the bench against his former club.

Villa rested Ezri Konsa, Emiliano Martínez and Ollie Watkins. Manager Unai Emery gave debuts to João Gomes and 17-year-old striker Brian Madjo.

Boubacar Kamara also returned to the starting line-up after recovering from a serious knee injury suffered in January.

Kvaratskhelia breaks the deadlock

Villa created the first major opening when Kamara fired a low shot from distance in the 13th minute. PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov watched the effort pass narrowly wide of his post.

The chance appeared to wake PSG from their early sluggishness.

Marco Bizot then saved an effort before PSG recovered possession and found Kvaratskhelia on the left.

The Georgian winger cut inside in the 20th minute and fired a powerful shot into the near corner. His finish gave Bizot little chance.

Kvaratskhelia continued to trouble Villa’s defence. Moments later, he released Nuno Mendes into space, but the Portuguese defender’s cut-back escaped the PSG attackers.

Villa survived the pressure and almost equalised before the half-hour mark.

Madjo connected with a John McGinn cross but headed narrowly wide. The young striker continued to threaten and finally found his breakthrough just before the interval.

McGinn picked out Madjo inside the penalty area in the 45th minute. The teenager controlled the opportunity and smashed a left-footed strike into the roof of the PSG net.

Doué restores PSG’s advantage

Luis Enrique reacted at half-time by introducing Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé for Maghnes Akliouche.

Villa continued to attack after the restart. McGinn again played a key role when his curling effort forced Safonov into a strong save.

PSG regained control in the 61st minute.

Désiré Doué raced down the right before curling the ball into the Villa net. The assistant referee initially ruled the goal out for offside.

VAR overturned the decision after confirming that Matty Cash had kept Doué onside.

Villa immediately searched for another response. George Hemmings came close, but Safonov produced another important save to protect PSG’s lead.

Warren Zaïre-Emery also threw himself in front of a João Gomes effort as Villa continued to threaten.

PSG hold on in Salzburg

Enrique introduced Fabian Ruiz with 15 minutes remaining as PSG attempted to strengthen their midfield and protect the lead.

Villa continued to push for an equaliser during the closing stages.

Their best opportunity arrived inside the final 10 minutes. Alysson delivered a dangerous cut-back into the six-yard box, but Tammy Abraham could not reach the ball.

PSG then managed the remaining minutes effectively and secured another European trophy.

The victory gives the French champions early momentum as they begin their domestic season.

PSG will now turn their attention to another ambitious campaign. After winning the Champions League last season, the Paris club will target an unprecedented third consecutive European crown.