Aston Villa Faces PSG Without Star Marco Asensio in Champions Clash

Birmingham, England — Aston Villa will face Paris Saint-Germain in a crucial UEFA Champions League quarterfinal match today at Villa Park, but the team will be without key player Marco Asensio, who has been benched by manager Unai Emery.

Asensio, who has been a starting forward in Villa’s previous two Premier League games, will not start against PSG in this critical return leg, after Villa lost the first leg 3-1. His exclusion has surprised fans, as many expected him to play a vital role in the team’s attempt to overturn the deficit.

Emery has opted for a different lineup strategy, prioritizing players with distinct characteristics that may better suit the game against PSG. The choice to keep Asensio on the bench may reflect tactical considerations, given PSG’s playing style, which calls for a stronger defensive and midfield presence to secure vital goals.

Despite being relegated to a substitute role, Asensio remains a strong option for Villa. His ability to create scoring opportunities could come in handy during the second half of the match when his fresh legs might make a significant difference.

During the first leg in Paris, Asensio also started on the bench, and his previous performances have sometimes been inconsistent, including notable misses on penalties. Still, he has contributed significantly to the team, scoring eight goals in 13 matches.

The match is scheduled for April 15, 2025, at 3 PM ET (1 PM CDT) and will be broadcasted in Mexico on Max and in the U.S. on Paramount+ and ViX Premium. The stakes are high for Villa, as they need to secure a win by at least two goals to advance in the tournament, setting the stage for a dramatic contest.

Earlier this month, PSG’s victory over Liverpool in the Round of 16 has given them a boost, and they will be keen to retain their momentum. As the team mounts a strong challenge for the Champions League title, today’s clash will be equally significant for Villa, who are firmly focused on European competition qualification as they currently sit seventh in the Premier League.

With both sides gearing up for this pivotal matchup, fans are eager to see how Villa will respond to the challenge without their star player leading the attack.