Pacho’s Performance: A Mixed Bag Against Aston Villa

Paris Saint-Germain’s recent Champions League encounter with Aston Villa witnessed a rollercoaster of moments for Ecuadorian defender Willian Pacho. while his overall performance drew considerable praise, a notable own goal and a dominant showing against Marcus Rashford created a narrative of contrasting fortunes.

Own Goal Controversy

The match saw a flurry of goals within the first 30 minutes, including an unfortunate deflection off Pacho’s chest that resulted in an own goal. The ESPN broadcast team wryly noted that Unai Emery “got a goal with the help of Pacho against.” Despite this setback, PSG maintained a agreeable lead, with the aggregate score standing at 5-2 in their favor.

Unai Emery got a goal with the help of Pacho against.

Dominating Rashford: A Defensive Masterclass

Amidst the own goal incident, Pacho’s performance against Aston Villa’s Marcus Rashford stood out as a critically important positive. Despite Rashford’s reputation as one of the world’s most valuable and perilous players,Pacho showcased remarkable solidity and effectiveness in their individual battles.

Neutralizing the Threat

Reports from the match indicate that Pacho consistently won his direct duels with Rashford in the first half. His ability to anticipate movements, coupled with his physical strength and tactical awareness, effectively neutralized the Aston Villa attacker’s incursions. This defensive prowess prevented Rashford from creating dangerous opportunities, highlighting Pacho’s growth as a top-tier defender in European football. as of today, Rashford’s market value is estimated around €70 million, according to Transfermarkt, underscoring the significance of Pacho’s defensive feat.

French Press acclaim Pacho’s Adaptation to PSG

Prior to the Aston Villa match, the French media had already recognized Pacho’s seamless integration into the PSG squad. Publications like L’Equipe and other leading French sports newspapers lauded his rapid and prosperous adaptation to the Parisian club.

“The PSG Shirt Has Not Been Too Big”

A recurring theme in the French press coverage was the sentiment that The PSG shirt has not been too big for Willian Pacho. This comment underscores the positive impression the young defender has made as joining the club. His personality, defensive solidity, and ability to thrive in a high-pressure habitat have quickly earned him the confidence of the coaching staff and the respect of PSG fans. His consistent performances have quelled any doubts about his ability to handle the challenges of playing for a top European club.

Pacho’s Own Goal history: A Look Back

While the own goal against Aston Villa was a talking point, it wasn’t the first of Pacho’s career.On January 29, 2025, he also scored an own goal in a UEFA Champions League group stage match against Stuttgart.

Past Incidents and Career Overview

ecuadorian media outlets acknowledged the incident, noting that it slightly overshadowed his or else strong performance.While specific details about previous own goals in his career are scarce, a comprehensive review of his matches with Independiente del Valle and Royal Antwerp has not revealed any direct mentions of such incidents. A definitive confirmation woudl require a thorough examination of every match he has played throughout his professional career.

Video Highlights

Watch highlights of Willian Pacho’s performance, including key defensive plays and the unfortunate own goal.