Credit: Imago/ TNT Sports

Keith Hackett

Wed 16 April 2025 7:42, UK

John McGinn played his part in what was almost the comeback of all comebacks for Aston Villa in their aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Trailing by two goals from the first leg, and then four goals after a slow start to the second leg, Villa scored three times to move within a goal of their heavyweight opponents.

Despite time being on their side, the Villans ultimately fell short of what would have been one of the most famous results in Champions League history as they won 3-2 on the night but lost 5-4 on aggregate.

McGinn and Achraf Hakimi involved in tussle

McGinn was unbelievable at Villa Park on Tuesday (15 April), and he was involved in a contentious moment in the first half that went under the radar given the events that followed.

Villa midfielder McGinn brought down Hakimi in the PSG box and the latter appeared to lash out.

However, in the view of former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett, the referee was right not to send off Hakimi.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Hackett said: “Correct decision by the referee. Certainly not a red card.”

In fact, Hackett said McGinn should himself be careful after dragging down his opponent.

“McGinn needs to be careful,” he added. “That holding offence by him could easily have seen the referee produce a yellow for unsporting behaviour.”

Aston Villa bravely bow out against PSG

The contest looked dead and buried at 5-1 on aggregate, only for Youri Tielemans’ goal to provide just a glimmer of hope.

There was more than just hope when McGinn added a second on the night and Ezri Konsa scored a third less than two minutes later.

It made for a thrilling final half an hour or so, in which Villa created two huge opportunities, but it was just not to be.

Still, McGinn and each of his teammates can hold their heads up high after a brave performance – even if boss Unai Emery was left majorly frustrated.