Aston Villa proved to be PSG’s toughest challenge on their path to lifting the Champions League trophy. Villa supporters may not have realized it in the moment, but their heartbreak in the quarter-finals gains perspective after witnessing PSG’s commanding run to the title—particularly their emphatic victory in Munich against Inter Milan. It wasn’t a win for Villa, but it was a statement of just how close they came.

The goal scored around the 62nd minute of the final was a masterpiece. The interplay between Désiré Doué, Vitinha, and Ousmane Dembélé in the final third showcased Europe’s most dangerous front line—one that Villa had already faced and pushed to the limit.

Not long ago, Villa won at home and nearly forced extra time in that thrilling second leg. While PSG ultimately advanced, no other team asked as many questions of Luis Enrique’s side as AVFC did. Villa managed to shake PSG’s composure more than any other opponent.

One important detail from that match was how Villa had to chase the game after falling behind. Still, even while committing forward, they disrupted PSG’s rhythm and claimed a deserved home victory that nearly reversed the tie.

In contrast, Inter crumbled late in the final—Khvicha Kvaratskhelia broke through for a fourth, and PSG added a fifth to seal it, keeping a clean sheet and making it look easy.