Paris Saint-Germain won the UEFA Super Cup for a second successive season on Wednesday night, beating Europa League holders Aston Villa 2-1 in Salzburg. The Champions League winners had to withstand a stunning first-half display from a teenager making his competitive debut for Villa, before a moment of individual brilliance settled the contest after the break.

Kvaratskhelia delivers a reminder the World Cup missed

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a blasted strike past Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot, and in doing so offered a sensational reminder of just what the summer's World Cup was missing. Georgia have never qualified for a World Cup, leaving the forward with a far tougher route to the biggest stage than the likes of Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

The Athletic described him as arguably the game's most talented star. "The rolled-down socks, the beautifully balanced dribbling, the whistling ball-striking; when it comes to aesthetics, few players are more thrilling to watch in full flow," a report read. "Behind that elegant exterior lies a cold ruthlessness, laid bare by his devastating opening goal."

Kvaratskhelia's opening goal showcased his trademark blend of speed and control. "He possesses a remarkable knack for dribbling at breathtaking pace while simultaneously keeping the ball almost tethered to his feet. It's a trait that gives him that crucial split-second advantage," the report added, noting how his sharp infield dart left Bizot shuffling across his goal before the Georgian snapped a rasping effort inside the near post.

Far from a luxury player, Kvaratskhelia worked tirelessly off the ball, hunting down Villa defenders as a crucial cog in PSG's intense counterpress. While his league form — just eight goals in Ligue 1 last season — probably excludes him from genuine Ballon d'Or contention, he transforms into a creative monster in European competition. With the benefit of a summer off compared with the game's other superstars, observers expect another spectacular season from him.

Madjo shakes the world's best centre-back pairing

It was the night Brian Madjo announced himself to the world. The 17-year-old, one of the most sought-after young strikers in Europe, levelled the scores just before the half-time break on his competitive debut for Aston Villa. At 17 years and 212 days old, he became the youngest player ever to appear in a Super Cup final.

Madjo, described as a "physical monster" by club sources, roughed up arguably the best centre-back duo in world football in Marquinhos and Willian Pacho. He could have scored four or five goals in the first half alone: two John McGinn crosses were headed wide while unmarked, a curling effort went just off target, and he famously bustled into the box, shrugged Pacho aside and threw him to the floor before hitting the wrong side of the post.

"It is not hyperbole to say Brian Madjo could have scored four or five goals in the first half alone," The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell wrote. "Nothing fazed him — not the occasion or the missed chances." At the fifth time of asking, that inevitability arrived: an exquisite McGinn cross found Madjo at the back post, and despite Pacho holding onto him, he got round the back and volleyed into the roof of the net to equalise.

Doue's brilliance wins the trophy

Just after the hour mark, Desire Doue cut inside on his left foot and scored PSG's second — a goal that ultimately won the match. Villa had dominated much of the first half but were punished for their profligacy as the French champions' quality told.

Artan makes history as first non-European referee

There was another historic storyline away from the goals. Two months after being denied a United States visa and thereby missing the opportunity to officiate at the World Cup, Omar Artan became the first non-European to referee the UEFA Super Cup. The Somalian had already made history as the first of his nationality to take charge of an Africa Cup of Nations game and as CAF's referee of the year in 2025.

"It's an official of considerable standing, and this was a stage he had earned on merit," The Athletic's Seb Stafford-Bloor wrote. "It was a popular decision by UEFA and has proven a big public relations win." Both sets of fans cheered Artan onto the pitch, with Somali flags waved as he collected his medal. He had a good match, allowing a flowing game with plenty of physical contact and getting the few major decisions right.

Artan also enforced a new law at the end of the first half when PSG dallied over a throw-in. From this season, when referees suspect a player of unnecessarily delaying a throw-in, they will institute five-second "countdowns"; if the ball is not in play once the count elapses, the throw-in is reversed. "It was with light irony that Omar Artan, the referee who was not allowed to be there, became one of the first officials to enforce it in club football," Stafford-Bloor noted.

What next for Aston Villa?

Villa's attention now turns to a friendly away to Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday, August 15 (2.30pm UK, 9.30am ET), as they continue their preparations for the new season after a memorable night in Salzburg.