Match story
- Brazil fired more attempts (13 vs 6 shots).
- Brazil was more accurate in front of goal (38% on target vs 0%).
- Brazil held more of the ball (54% possession).
Brazil defeated Switzerland 1-0 in the World Cup. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 2 stage in the 2022 season. The match was played at Stadium 974 in Doha. Ivan Cisneros officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Brazil vs Switzerland meeting in World Cup with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Brazil and Switzerland. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
World CupRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Brazil defeated Switzerland 1-0 in the World Cup. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 2 stage in the 2022 season. The match was played at Stadium 974 in Doha. Ivan Cisneros officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Brazil vs Switzerland meeting in World Cup with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Brazil and Switzerland. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
World CupRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Inter Miami face Club Leon in Matchday 3 of the 2026 Leagues Cup on Wednesday, August 12, with the primary question surrounding the availability of captain Lionel Messi. Inter Miami and Club Leon clash in Matchday 3 of the 2026 Leagues Cup, with the availability of captain Lionel Messi remaining the primary question for Herons fans. Last Saturday, the soccer world was saddened by news of the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi. The star forward traveled to Rosario, Argentina, to bid farewell to his father and spend time with his family. On Tuesday, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos revealed that there was no exact timeline for Messi’s return. His comments indicate the captain may not be available to face Club Leon, though he will be, but as a substitute. Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup to face Club Leon With Lionel Messi starting from the bench, Inter Miami repeated a similar starting lineup from the match against CF Monterrey, where the Argentine superstar was unavailable. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF against the Columbus Crew. Inter Miami confirmed XI (4-3-3): Rios Novo; Fray, Lujan, Silva, Allen; Bright, Casemiro, De Paul; Delinois, Pinter, Segovia. Club Leon’s confirmed lineup to face Inter Miami Club Leon secured a key victory against Orlando City on Matchday 2. That win keeps their hopes of advancing alive, with a victory against Inter Miami virtually securing a spot in the knockout stage without needing other results. Club Leon confirmed XI (4-3-3): Garcia; Vegas, Guevara, Romana, Moreno; Rodriguez, Beltran, Echeverria; Santos, Arcila, Cortizo.
PSG were crowned champions of the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, and Luis Enrique matched an impressive record held by legendary manager Alex Ferguson. PSG lifted the 2026 UEFA Super Cup after beating Aston Villa 2-1 in Salzburg to open the new European season with silverware. The result marked another milestone night for manager Luis Enrique, who continues to build one of the most decorated résumés in the history of European club soccer. With the win, Luis Enrique now has six European club titles to his name, moving him level with Alex Ferguson and Giovanni Trapattoni for third on the all-time list of most European titles won by a manager. Only Carlo Ancelotti, with 10, and Pep Guardiola, with seven, stand above that trio in the historic ranking, which also includes Bob Paisley, José Mourinho, Zinédine Zidane and Unai Emery with five apiece. Between his time at Barcelona and now PSG, Luis Enrique has built a legacy defined not just by the volume of trophies, but by his consistency on the biggest stage — a distinction that places him firmly among the most successful managers the European game has ever produced. Luis Enrique celebrates as he lifts the UEFA Super Cup trophy. (Getty Images) Luis Enrique’s perfect record in European finals What makes Luis Enrique’s case stand out even further is his perfect record in continental finals. The Spanish coach has now reached six European finals across his career and won every single one of them, a run that surpasses Zinédine Zidane’s own flawless mark of five finals and five titles. Between two different clubs and more than a decade apart, Enrique has never once lost on the biggest stage Europe has to offer. His six European finals, all won: Champions League 2015 (Barcelona) — beat Juventus 3-1UEFA Super Cup 2015 (Barcelona) — beat Sevilla 5-4 (after extra time)Champions League 2025 (PSG) — beat Inter Milan 5-0UEFA Super Cup 2025 (PSG) — beat Tottenham 2-2 (won on penalties)Champions League 2026 (PSG) — beat Arsenal 1-1 (won 4-3 on penalties)UEFA Super Cup 2026 (PSG) — beat Aston Villa 2-1
Lionel Messi said he has "serious doubts" about continuing to play soccer for "much longer" after the death of his father Jorge, in an emotional tribute posted on social media Wednesday. "I don't know what I'll do without you, I don't know how to go on. I just played soccer, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer," the Argentinian, 39, wrote. The post Grieving Argentine icon Messi unsure about playing on ‘much longer’ appeared first on Soccer America.
Galatasaray have submitted an official €45 million (£38.5m) bid for Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli as the Turkish giants look to pull off a major signing before the summer transfer window closes. The Istanbul-based club have identified the 25-year-old Brazilian international as their top target as they look to strengthen their attack ahead of another domestic […] The post Sky Sports man confirms European heavyweights have submitted an official bid for Arsenal star appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Inter Miami take on Club Leon in a pivotal 2026 Leagues Cup match, where only a win would keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. Inter Miami face a win-or-go-home 2026 Leagues Cup scenario against Club Leon, and the math isn’t as simple as just picking up three points. A straightforward victory alone won’t guarantee Miami’s spot in the knockout stage — the margin of the win, combined with results from three other matches being played across the group, will determine whether they advance. Adding to the difficulty, Lionel Messi remains unlikely to be available for the match. The Argentine has not rejoined the squad since the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, last week, and Inter Miami have yet to give a firm timeline for when he might return to action. Miami currently sit on three points after splitting their first two matches, having lost 1-2 to Monterrey in their last outing. Leon, meanwhile, arrive unbeaten through Phase One, having won both of their matches so far and looking like one of the group’s stronger sides heading into Matchday 3. What happens if Inter Miami beat Club Leon A regulation win would put Miami on six points, but it needs to come by at least two goals to meaningfully help their goal-difference tiebreaker in a crowded standings picture. Rodrigo De Paul of Inter Miami celebrates with teammates after scoring vs Monterrey. (Getty Images) Beyond the scoreline itself, Miami would then need at least three of the following four results to fall their way: San Luis avoiding a blowout loss to Orlando City if they lose at all; Monterrey winning or drawing away at Nashville; Toluca beating FC Dallas; and Querétaro either beating LAFC outright or winning on penalties after a draw. Even then, Miami wouldn’t be fully safe. Qualification would likely come down to Thursday’s remaining fixtures, where goal-difference swings from those late results could still decide who claims the final spots among MLS clubs. What happens if Inter Miami draw with Club Leon Leagues Cup group matches don’t end in draws — any game tied after 90 minutes goes straight to penalties, with the shootout winner earning two points and the loser earning one. Only a full three points from a regulation win checks the box Miami need. A shootout result of either kind would leave Miami short of the points and goal-difference cushion required, effectively ending their hopes regardless of how the other results around the group fall. What happens if Inter Miami lose to Club Leon A loss in regulation would eliminate Miami from Leagues Cup contention outright, regardless of what happens in the other matches across the group. With León already unbeaten through two matches, anything short of a win Wednesday brings Messi’s side to the brink of an early exit from the tournament.
Julian Alvarez and his entourage's discomfort with Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has reportedly grown as the coach is considered the "only person who could unblock" his potential move to FC Barcelona. Julian Alvarez‘s transfer saga has developed into one of the marquee storylines of 2026, with the player repeatedly expressing his intention to join FC Barcelona, even as Atletico Madrid maintain an unyielding stance against a departure. Having reunited with his teammates and coaching staff in Madrid, Alvarez’s frustration toward Diego “Cholo” Simeone has reportedly intensified, as the manager is viewed as the “only person to unblock” the striker’s situation. On Monday, Alvarez reported to Atletico Madrid alongside several teammates to undergo routine pre-campaign medical evaluations. By Wednesday, it was time for the striker to return to training, roughly two months after publicly declaring during the World Cup that “the best decision was to seek an exit” from the club. With Alvarez remaining fixated on joining FC Barcelona, the Colchoneros have refused to budge, as board members and CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin reiterate that the forward will remain an Atletico Madrid player for the 2026–27 campaign under a contract that runs through June 2030. On Monday, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported that Alvarez informed the club “not to count on him” moving forward, as his sole priority is finalizing a transfer to Barcelona. He was initially unable to speak directly with executive leadership or Simeone while the manager was away in Ibiza, but a eventual sit-down took place Wednesday, leaving the player dissatisfied with the outcome. Diego Simeone, Head Coach of Atletico de Madrid, interacts with Julian Alvarez after being subbed off. (Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) Alvarez and Simeone hold tense, unresolved sit-down Upon returning to team facilities on Wednesday, Alvarez and Simeone held a meeting prior to the scheduled training session. According to Argentina transfer insider Cesar Luis Merlo, the forward reiterated his desire to sign with Barcelona during the 2026 summer transfer window. Frame-by-frame, Alvarez explained to his manager that joining Barcelona would allow him to “fulfill a dream,” emphasizing that the Catalan club’s tactical style aligns best with his skill set. However, Simeone echoed his previous stance, stating that any transfer decision rests entirely with executive leadership, while reaffirming his own commitment to helping the striker develop at Atletico. Last week during a press conference in Seoul, Simeone was asked about Alvarez’s future and offered a firm response: “The situation is very clear, the club made a decision that Miguel Angel explained very well. We’re very happy with Julian, and from a sporting standpoint we’ll help him keep growing.“ Alvarez’s inner circle, including agents Fernando Hidalgo and Sergio Diaz, who are actively seeking transfer avenues, were reportedly left deeply frustrated by the conversation. According to Merlo, Alvarez’s camp view Simeone as an influential figure who possesses the leverage to push front-office executives into approving a deal, rather than serving merely as a tactical advisor.
Aston Villa face PSG in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup final, where they'll be without Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa for the season's first final. Aston Villa will be without both Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG, with manager Unai Emery confirming the pair — along with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez — are out of the starting lineup. Speaking at Villa’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Emery explained the decision directly: “They are not here – Konsa, Watkins and Martínez because they finished their season on 19th July and I gave them four weeks to rest, it’s completely necessary. They are not here tomorrow”. The trio are missing not because of injury, but because they were given time off after extending their seasons deep into the 2026 World Cup. Both Watkins and Konsa went as far as the third-place match with England, while Martínez played all the way to the final, where Argentina fell to Spain. The Villa boss acknowledged the absences will be felt on the pitch, but pointed out that PSG face a similar situation with their own World Cup contingent. “Of course, if they were here, maybe we could have more chances. But, at the same time, I think PSG are going to be in the same situation like us,” Emery said. Paris Saint-Germain vs Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup — IT’S MATCHDAY 🏆 pic.twitter.com/KX4DtXjlaf— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 12, 2026 Emery turns to the group that trained through preseason Beyond the rest-related absences, Aston Villa also has a handful of players sidelined through actual injury. Leon Bailey is out with a muscular issue, while Chrislain Manzambi and André Onana are both dealing with knee problems. With so many absences, the Spaniard coach plans to rely on the group that’s been training together over the past month, including several younger players who have featured throughout preseason. “Tomorrow we are preparing this game with the players we started, even some young players, four weeks ago. And tomorrow I expect to compete and try to face them with our capacity and our possibilities as well to beat them,” he added.
PSG and Aston Villa are clashing for the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, the first major trophy of the 2026-27 season at stake. The 2026 UEFA Super Cup final has arrived, with Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa clashing on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria. Competing for the first European trophy of the 2026–27 season, PSG are looking to win in back-to-back editions. PSG earned their place in the final after winning the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League over Arsenal. Following a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes, the Parisian club secured a 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout to capture back-to-back Champions League titles, the second in franchise history. Meanwhile, Aston Villa secured their spot in the Super Cup by defeating SC Freiburg to win the UEFA Europa League. The Villans posted a dominant 3-0 victory at Tupras Stadium, allowing manager Unai Emery to lift his fifth Europa League trophy across six final appearances. PSG and Aston Villa have met twice before, making the Super Cup their third all-time clash. Their initial encounters came during the 2024-25 Champions League quarterfinals, where PSG took the first leg 3-1 before Villa won the second leg 3-2, allowing the French champions to advance 5-4 on aggregate. Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates after scoring against Aston Villa. (Dan Istitene/Getty Images) What happens if PSG win against Aston Villa? A victory for PSG against Aston Villa on Wednesday would crown the French club as UEFA Super Cup champions for the second consecutive year. Because the competition is a single-leg match since the 1998 edition, the Villans would not have an opportunity to overturn the result in a second leg. Additionally, Paris Saint-Germain would become only the third club in history to capture back-to-back UEFA Super Cup titles. AC Milan became the first team to accomplish the feat by winning in 1989 and 1990, while Real Madrid joined the list by sweeping the 2016 and 2017 editions. A win would also elevate Luis Enrique into a tie for the third-most UEFA Super Cup titles among managers, adding to his 2015 triumph with Barcelona and last year’s victory with PSG. Reaching three Super Cup titles would put the Spanish manager one behind Pep Guardiola for second place and two behind all-time leader Carlo Ancelotti, who holds five. What happens if PSG draw against Aston Villa? If PSG and Aston Villa remain tied at the end of 90 minutes of regulation, the winner will be decided directly via a penalty shootout. Under current UEFA Super Cup regulations, extra time will not be played. As a result, the match will consist of two 45-minute halves plus stoppage time, with a penalty shootout serving as the immediate tiebreaker if neither club holds an advantage at the final whistle. What happens if PSG lose against Aston Villa? If PSG fall to Aston Villa, the English side will lift the UEFA Super Cup for the second time in franchise history, joining their 1982 triumph. Meanwhile, it would mark PSG’s first loss in a Super Cup final, bringing their all-time record in the event to 1-1. Furthermore, a victory would deliver Unai Emery his first career UEFA Super Cup trophy. Although his five Europa League titles previously earned him five Super Cup appearances, four ended in defeats to reigning Champions League winners, leaving the Spanish manager searching for his breakthrough against PSG.
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Inter Miami face Club Leon in Matchday 3 of the 2026 Leagues Cup on Wednesday, August 12, with the primary question surrounding the availability of captain Lionel Messi. Inter Miami and Club Leon clash in Matchday 3 of the 2026 Leagues Cup, with the availability of captain Lionel Messi remaining the primary question for Herons fans. Last Saturday, the soccer world was saddened by news of the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi. The star forward traveled to Rosario, Argentina, to bid farewell to his father and spend time with his family. On Tuesday, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos revealed that there was no exact timeline for Messi’s return. His comments indicate the captain may not be available to face Club Leon, though he will be, but as a substitute. Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup to face Club Leon With Lionel Messi starting from the bench, Inter Miami repeated a similar starting lineup from the match against CF Monterrey, where the Argentine superstar was unavailable. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF against the Columbus Crew. Inter Miami confirmed XI (4-3-3): Rios Novo; Fray, Lujan, Silva, Allen; Bright, Casemiro, De Paul; Delinois, Pinter, Segovia. Club Leon’s confirmed lineup to face Inter Miami Club Leon secured a key victory against Orlando City on Matchday 2. That win keeps their hopes of advancing alive, with a victory against Inter Miami virtually securing a spot in the knockout stage without needing other results. Club Leon confirmed XI (4-3-3): Garcia; Vegas, Guevara, Romana, Moreno; Rodriguez, Beltran, Echeverria; Santos, Arcila, Cortizo.
PSG were crowned champions of the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, and Luis Enrique matched an impressive record held by legendary manager Alex Ferguson. PSG lifted the 2026 UEFA Super Cup after beating Aston Villa 2-1 in Salzburg to open the new European season with silverware. The result marked another milestone night for manager Luis Enrique, who continues to build one of the most decorated résumés in the history of European club soccer. With the win, Luis Enrique now has six European club titles to his name, moving him level with Alex Ferguson and Giovanni Trapattoni for third on the all-time list of most European titles won by a manager. Only Carlo Ancelotti, with 10, and Pep Guardiola, with seven, stand above that trio in the historic ranking, which also includes Bob Paisley, José Mourinho, Zinédine Zidane and Unai Emery with five apiece. Between his time at Barcelona and now PSG, Luis Enrique has built a legacy defined not just by the volume of trophies, but by his consistency on the biggest stage — a distinction that places him firmly among the most successful managers the European game has ever produced. Luis Enrique celebrates as he lifts the UEFA Super Cup trophy. (Getty Images) Luis Enrique’s perfect record in European finals What makes Luis Enrique’s case stand out even further is his perfect record in continental finals. The Spanish coach has now reached six European finals across his career and won every single one of them, a run that surpasses Zinédine Zidane’s own flawless mark of five finals and five titles. Between two different clubs and more than a decade apart, Enrique has never once lost on the biggest stage Europe has to offer. His six European finals, all won: Champions League 2015 (Barcelona) — beat Juventus 3-1UEFA Super Cup 2015 (Barcelona) — beat Sevilla 5-4 (after extra time)Champions League 2025 (PSG) — beat Inter Milan 5-0UEFA Super Cup 2025 (PSG) — beat Tottenham 2-2 (won on penalties)Champions League 2026 (PSG) — beat Arsenal 1-1 (won 4-3 on penalties)UEFA Super Cup 2026 (PSG) — beat Aston Villa 2-1
Lionel Messi said he has "serious doubts" about continuing to play soccer for "much longer" after the death of his father Jorge, in an emotional tribute posted on social media Wednesday. "I don't know what I'll do without you, I don't know how to go on. I just played soccer, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer," the Argentinian, 39, wrote. The post Grieving Argentine icon Messi unsure about playing on ‘much longer’ appeared first on Soccer America.
Galatasaray have submitted an official €45 million (£38.5m) bid for Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli as the Turkish giants look to pull off a major signing before the summer transfer window closes. The Istanbul-based club have identified the 25-year-old Brazilian international as their top target as they look to strengthen their attack ahead of another domestic […] The post Sky Sports man confirms European heavyweights have submitted an official bid for Arsenal star appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Inter Miami take on Club Leon in a pivotal 2026 Leagues Cup match, where only a win would keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. Inter Miami face a win-or-go-home 2026 Leagues Cup scenario against Club Leon, and the math isn’t as simple as just picking up three points. A straightforward victory alone won’t guarantee Miami’s spot in the knockout stage — the margin of the win, combined with results from three other matches being played across the group, will determine whether they advance. Adding to the difficulty, Lionel Messi remains unlikely to be available for the match. The Argentine has not rejoined the squad since the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, last week, and Inter Miami have yet to give a firm timeline for when he might return to action. Miami currently sit on three points after splitting their first two matches, having lost 1-2 to Monterrey in their last outing. Leon, meanwhile, arrive unbeaten through Phase One, having won both of their matches so far and looking like one of the group’s stronger sides heading into Matchday 3. What happens if Inter Miami beat Club Leon A regulation win would put Miami on six points, but it needs to come by at least two goals to meaningfully help their goal-difference tiebreaker in a crowded standings picture. Rodrigo De Paul of Inter Miami celebrates with teammates after scoring vs Monterrey. (Getty Images) Beyond the scoreline itself, Miami would then need at least three of the following four results to fall their way: San Luis avoiding a blowout loss to Orlando City if they lose at all; Monterrey winning or drawing away at Nashville; Toluca beating FC Dallas; and Querétaro either beating LAFC outright or winning on penalties after a draw. Even then, Miami wouldn’t be fully safe. Qualification would likely come down to Thursday’s remaining fixtures, where goal-difference swings from those late results could still decide who claims the final spots among MLS clubs. What happens if Inter Miami draw with Club Leon Leagues Cup group matches don’t end in draws — any game tied after 90 minutes goes straight to penalties, with the shootout winner earning two points and the loser earning one. Only a full three points from a regulation win checks the box Miami need. A shootout result of either kind would leave Miami short of the points and goal-difference cushion required, effectively ending their hopes regardless of how the other results around the group fall. What happens if Inter Miami lose to Club Leon A loss in regulation would eliminate Miami from Leagues Cup contention outright, regardless of what happens in the other matches across the group. With León already unbeaten through two matches, anything short of a win Wednesday brings Messi’s side to the brink of an early exit from the tournament.
Julian Alvarez and his entourage's discomfort with Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has reportedly grown as the coach is considered the "only person who could unblock" his potential move to FC Barcelona. Julian Alvarez‘s transfer saga has developed into one of the marquee storylines of 2026, with the player repeatedly expressing his intention to join FC Barcelona, even as Atletico Madrid maintain an unyielding stance against a departure. Having reunited with his teammates and coaching staff in Madrid, Alvarez’s frustration toward Diego “Cholo” Simeone has reportedly intensified, as the manager is viewed as the “only person to unblock” the striker’s situation. On Monday, Alvarez reported to Atletico Madrid alongside several teammates to undergo routine pre-campaign medical evaluations. By Wednesday, it was time for the striker to return to training, roughly two months after publicly declaring during the World Cup that “the best decision was to seek an exit” from the club. With Alvarez remaining fixated on joining FC Barcelona, the Colchoneros have refused to budge, as board members and CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin reiterate that the forward will remain an Atletico Madrid player for the 2026–27 campaign under a contract that runs through June 2030. On Monday, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported that Alvarez informed the club “not to count on him” moving forward, as his sole priority is finalizing a transfer to Barcelona. He was initially unable to speak directly with executive leadership or Simeone while the manager was away in Ibiza, but a eventual sit-down took place Wednesday, leaving the player dissatisfied with the outcome. Diego Simeone, Head Coach of Atletico de Madrid, interacts with Julian Alvarez after being subbed off. (Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) Alvarez and Simeone hold tense, unresolved sit-down Upon returning to team facilities on Wednesday, Alvarez and Simeone held a meeting prior to the scheduled training session. According to Argentina transfer insider Cesar Luis Merlo, the forward reiterated his desire to sign with Barcelona during the 2026 summer transfer window. Frame-by-frame, Alvarez explained to his manager that joining Barcelona would allow him to “fulfill a dream,” emphasizing that the Catalan club’s tactical style aligns best with his skill set. However, Simeone echoed his previous stance, stating that any transfer decision rests entirely with executive leadership, while reaffirming his own commitment to helping the striker develop at Atletico. Last week during a press conference in Seoul, Simeone was asked about Alvarez’s future and offered a firm response: “The situation is very clear, the club made a decision that Miguel Angel explained very well. We’re very happy with Julian, and from a sporting standpoint we’ll help him keep growing.“ Alvarez’s inner circle, including agents Fernando Hidalgo and Sergio Diaz, who are actively seeking transfer avenues, were reportedly left deeply frustrated by the conversation. According to Merlo, Alvarez’s camp view Simeone as an influential figure who possesses the leverage to push front-office executives into approving a deal, rather than serving merely as a tactical advisor.
Aston Villa face PSG in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup final, where they'll be without Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa for the season's first final. Aston Villa will be without both Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG, with manager Unai Emery confirming the pair — along with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez — are out of the starting lineup. Speaking at Villa’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Emery explained the decision directly: “They are not here – Konsa, Watkins and Martínez because they finished their season on 19th July and I gave them four weeks to rest, it’s completely necessary. They are not here tomorrow”. The trio are missing not because of injury, but because they were given time off after extending their seasons deep into the 2026 World Cup. Both Watkins and Konsa went as far as the third-place match with England, while Martínez played all the way to the final, where Argentina fell to Spain. The Villa boss acknowledged the absences will be felt on the pitch, but pointed out that PSG face a similar situation with their own World Cup contingent. “Of course, if they were here, maybe we could have more chances. But, at the same time, I think PSG are going to be in the same situation like us,” Emery said. Paris Saint-Germain vs Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup — IT’S MATCHDAY 🏆 pic.twitter.com/KX4DtXjlaf— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 12, 2026 Emery turns to the group that trained through preseason Beyond the rest-related absences, Aston Villa also has a handful of players sidelined through actual injury. Leon Bailey is out with a muscular issue, while Chrislain Manzambi and André Onana are both dealing with knee problems. With so many absences, the Spaniard coach plans to rely on the group that’s been training together over the past month, including several younger players who have featured throughout preseason. “Tomorrow we are preparing this game with the players we started, even some young players, four weeks ago. And tomorrow I expect to compete and try to face them with our capacity and our possibilities as well to beat them,” he added.
PSG and Aston Villa are clashing for the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, the first major trophy of the 2026-27 season at stake. The 2026 UEFA Super Cup final has arrived, with Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa clashing on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria. Competing for the first European trophy of the 2026–27 season, PSG are looking to win in back-to-back editions. PSG earned their place in the final after winning the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League over Arsenal. Following a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes, the Parisian club secured a 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout to capture back-to-back Champions League titles, the second in franchise history. Meanwhile, Aston Villa secured their spot in the Super Cup by defeating SC Freiburg to win the UEFA Europa League. The Villans posted a dominant 3-0 victory at Tupras Stadium, allowing manager Unai Emery to lift his fifth Europa League trophy across six final appearances. PSG and Aston Villa have met twice before, making the Super Cup their third all-time clash. Their initial encounters came during the 2024-25 Champions League quarterfinals, where PSG took the first leg 3-1 before Villa won the second leg 3-2, allowing the French champions to advance 5-4 on aggregate. Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates after scoring against Aston Villa. (Dan Istitene/Getty Images) What happens if PSG win against Aston Villa? A victory for PSG against Aston Villa on Wednesday would crown the French club as UEFA Super Cup champions for the second consecutive year. Because the competition is a single-leg match since the 1998 edition, the Villans would not have an opportunity to overturn the result in a second leg. Additionally, Paris Saint-Germain would become only the third club in history to capture back-to-back UEFA Super Cup titles. AC Milan became the first team to accomplish the feat by winning in 1989 and 1990, while Real Madrid joined the list by sweeping the 2016 and 2017 editions. A win would also elevate Luis Enrique into a tie for the third-most UEFA Super Cup titles among managers, adding to his 2015 triumph with Barcelona and last year’s victory with PSG. Reaching three Super Cup titles would put the Spanish manager one behind Pep Guardiola for second place and two behind all-time leader Carlo Ancelotti, who holds five. What happens if PSG draw against Aston Villa? If PSG and Aston Villa remain tied at the end of 90 minutes of regulation, the winner will be decided directly via a penalty shootout. Under current UEFA Super Cup regulations, extra time will not be played. As a result, the match will consist of two 45-minute halves plus stoppage time, with a penalty shootout serving as the immediate tiebreaker if neither club holds an advantage at the final whistle. What happens if PSG lose against Aston Villa? If PSG fall to Aston Villa, the English side will lift the UEFA Super Cup for the second time in franchise history, joining their 1982 triumph. Meanwhile, it would mark PSG’s first loss in a Super Cup final, bringing their all-time record in the event to 1-1. Furthermore, a victory would deliver Unai Emery his first career UEFA Super Cup trophy. Although his five Europa League titles previously earned him five Super Cup appearances, four ended in defeats to reigning Champions League winners, leaving the Spanish manager searching for his breakthrough against PSG.
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