Marcus Rashford, the dynamic forward for Aston Villa, has already made a substantial impact with his recent performances, finding the back of the net in both the FA Cup and Premier League. However, as the club gears up for a high-stakes encounter in the UEFA Champions League, specifically against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Rashford is still in search of his first goal in European competition this season. This all-important match, the first leg of the quarter-final tie, will take place on Wednesday night and can be followed live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Rashford’s recent form has been impressive; he has scored three goals in his last three matches across various competitions. Notably, he has a reputation for stepping up when it matters most, especially against formidable teams like PSG. The 27-year-old has accrued 35 appearances in the Champions League to date and has produced several memorable moments that not only highlight his skill but also his ability to perform under pressure.
In light of his resurgence and impactful history in the competition, we take a closer look at Rashford’s most pivotal moments in the UEFA Champions League. Fans and pundits alike can weigh in on which of these instances holds the most significance.
### Dramatic Penalty Against PSG (2018/19)
One of Rashford’s most iconic moments came during the 2018/19 season while playing for Manchester United. In a crucial second leg of the Round of 16 against PSG, United found themselves in a precarious position, trailing 2-0 and on the verge of elimination from the tournament. However, the tide began to turn when Romelu Lukaku scored twice, leveling the aggregate score to 3-2 in favor of PSG, making it necessary for the Premier League side to score once more to advance on away goals.
In the dying minutes of the match, a controversial penalty was awarded to United when Pascal Kimpembe was deemed to have handled the ball in the box. It was Rashford who bravely stepped up to take the penalty, and with the seasoned Gianluigi Buffon an imposing presence in goal, he expertly converted the spot-kick, sending United into the quarter-finals and creating an unforgettable moment in Champions League history.
### Late Winner Stuns PSG (2020/21)
Another significant contribution came during the group stages of the 2020/21 season, in which Rashford once again showcased his knack for scoring against the Parisians. In a match at Parc des Princes, United initially took the lead with a penalty from Bruno Fernandes. However, an own goal from Anthony Martial leveled the score for PSG. With time running out and the game seemingly headed for a draw, Rashford struck again in the 87th minute, receiving a pass from Paul Pogba. With a powerful shot that clattered in off the post, he secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over PSG, reinforcing his reputation as a big-game player.
### 16-Minute Hat-Trick Against Leipzig (2020/21)
Rashford’s third notable Champions League moment came just a week after his brilliant performance against PSG. In a group stage clash at Old Trafford against RB Leipzig, he was brought on as a substitute and displayed sheer dominance. Within just 16 minutes on the pitch, he netted three goals, completing a remarkable hat-trick and contributing to a resounding 5-0 victory for United. The only bittersweet aspect of this achievement was the absence of fans under the Covid-19 restrictions, as a raucous Old Trafford crowd would have undoubtedly honored him with a standing ovation for this extraordinary personal milestone.
### Which Moment Was the Best One?
As we reflect on Rashford’s Champions League highlights, fans are invited to vote on which moment they believe stands out the most, emphasizing the importance of these achievements in the context of European football.
### How to Watch PSG vs. Aston Villa?
For those interested in tuning in for Rashford’s next potential standout moment, Aston Villa’s clash against PSG promises to be thrilling. TNT Sports provides extensive coverage across major TV platforms, featuring multiple channels for fans to experience the action. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, with kick-off set for 20:00 UK time. Live coverage will begin an hour earlier, at 19:00, ensuring fans won’t miss any of the pre-match excitement.
Subscriptions to TNT Sports can be made via various platforms, including discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media. If you’re looking to enjoy the match in a community setting, using the Pub Finder tool will help locate local establishments that will be broadcasting the game. As Rashford faces off against one of his most significant rivals in European football once again, it remains to be seen if he can add yet another unforgettable moment to his already stellar Champions League resume.