Luis Enrique’s PSG keeps making history, now claiming dominance not just in France but across Europe, overtaking their long-time rivals Olympique de Marseille by snatching a historic record in European competitions.

A new French leader in Europe

The record broken by the Parisians puts them at the top, reaching their ninth semifinal in European tournaments: five in the Champions League, three in other European cups, and one in the UEFA Cup. With that, they move past the eight appearances held by Marseille, officially becoming the French club with the most continental semifinal appearances. They pulled it off by knocking out Aston Villa in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. But how did that match play out?

Tough battle at Villa Park

Paris Saint-Germain booked their spot in the semis despite losing 3-2 at Villa Park, thanks to the lead they built in the first leg. Luis Enrique’s squad, who already had a tough time against Liverpool in the round of 16, once again leaned on their defensive strength and a clutch performance from Gianluigi Donnarumma, who kept them in it during the toughest moments.

PSG struck first with two goals in the first half hour from Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, capitalizing on some shaky defending by the English side. Aston Villa fought back and got dangerously close on the scoreboard, but the Parisians held firm, with their keeper coming up huge on two big chances that could’ve flipped the script. Now, PSG awaits the winner between Real Madrid and Arsenal in the semifinals, still dreaming of finally lifting that elusive Champions League trophy.