Paris Saint-Germain began the new European campaign with another piece of silverware after defeating Aston Villa 2-1 to retain the UEFA Super Cup.
The Champions League holders produced a strong second-half performance to overcome the Europa League winners, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué finding the target for the French giants.
PSG made their early pressure count in the 20th minute. Kvaratskhelia received the ball inside the penalty area, worked his way past Aston Villa defender Matty Cash and unleashed a powerful finish that gave goalkeeper Marco Bizot little chance.
Villa refused to be discouraged and gradually grew into the contest.
The English side created several opportunities through debutant Brian Madjo, who twice went close with headers before seeing another effort narrowly miss the target.
Their persistence was finally rewarded just before half-time. John McGinn delivered a dangerous ball towards the six-yard area, and Madjo reacted quickly under pressure from Willian Pacho to volley the ball into the roof of the net.
The goal was particularly significant for the young forward, who was making his competitive debut for Villa.
His equaliser also made him the youngest player to score in the history of the UEFA Super Cup.
PSG manager Luis Enrique responded at the beginning of the second half by introducing Ousmane Dembélé for Maghnes Akliouche, adding further attacking quality to his side.
Villa started the second period brightly, with captain John McGinn forcing PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov into a save from a shot outside the box.
However, PSG regained control and eventually restored their advantage in the 61st minute.
Dembélé supplied a perfectly weighted through ball for Doué, who raced into space before calmly curling his effort beyond Bizot and into the far corner.
The assistant referee initially raised the flag for offside, but a VAR review overturned the decision and confirmed the goal.
Aston Villa pushed forward in search of another equaliser during the closing stages, enjoying periods of possession and putting the PSG defence under pressure.
The French champions, however, remained organised and successfully protected their lead until the final whistle.
The victory gives PSG another major European honour and places them alongside AC Milan and Real Madrid as the only clubs to have successfully retained the UEFA Super Cup.
For Enrique, the triumph represents another milestone in an increasingly successful spell in Paris.
The Spanish coach has now collected his 13th trophy since taking charge of PSG in 2023.
Villa manager Unai Emery, meanwhile, suffered another disappointment in the competition.
The defeat means he has now lost all four of his UEFA Super Cup appearances.
Aston Villa, who previously lifted the trophy in 1982, will have to wait for another opportunity to add to their European honours.
For PSG, attention now turns to domestic competition.
The French champions are scheduled to defend their French Super Cup title against Lens on Sunday as they continue their pursuit of more silverware.
