"But this is the Champions League — the games are always going to be difficult."

Donnarumma ended up being PSG's savior, diving full length to claw away a powerful shot by Marcus Rashford and a header by Tielemans, and then standing tall to keep out Marco Asensio — a player on loan from PSG — when the playmaker was clean through.

Then, with virtually the last kick of the game, Villa substitute Ian Maatsen sent in a volley that might have been swerving into the corner, only for PSG defender Willian Pacho to block the shot near the line.

There was as much relief as there was joy in the celebrations of PSG's players, who are bidding to win the club's first Champions League title. It lost in the final to Bayern Munich in 2020, and was eliminated in the semifinals last season by eventual runner-up Dortmund.

For Villa, it's the end of the road in the club's first European Cup campaign since the 1982-83 season — when it was the reigning champion.

Now, it's all about qualifying again, with Villa sitting in seventh place in the Premier League, and a point off the Champions League qualification spots.

"We showed tonight we can compete at the highest level," Konsa said.

"And we want to do it again next season."

Agencies