The boss of Aston Villa Unai Emery aims to return to the Champions League after their aged exhibition against Paris Saint-Germain last night.
By dragging 3-1 from the first stage of their quarter-final, equality seemed to be finished when the goals of Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes put PSG 2-0 in the night.
But Villa rugged with the efforts of Youri Tielemans, John McGinn and Ezri Konsa putting them before and with the aim of forcing extensions.
They had their chances but could not find a way to pass the PSG goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma.
A heroic fight of Aston Villa, but it was not to be against PSG … 😔
🎥 All key moments here! pic.twitter.com/6oldvefick
– Football on TNT SPORTS (@footballontnt) April 15, 2025
The accent turns to the Premier League
This ended a remarkable race in the Villa competition, which must now recycle their concentration on domestic issues. They are seventh in the Premier League, but just a point at Manchester City in fifth.
Emery said, “It is now the most important to get Europe again. The most important competition is the Champions League. The challenge we have for the last six games is to try to get Europe and the Champions League.
“The players have shown their ability to compete at this level. I hope we can come back quickly to play in the Champions League. This is our goal and also play in the FA Cup for a trophy.”
Two big games to come for villa
They face the colleagues contender European Newcastle and Manchester City in their next two games and Emery recognized the importance of quickly forgetting the disappointment of PSG.
He added: “I ask how we can get better and better in the level we have faced today and at the level that we had to face in the Champions League. Now, in the Premier League, we are going to face the same level in Newcastle.
“Newcastle and Manchester City next week, it’s really fantastic because our best test is against these teams and how we react, and how supporters appreciate.
“I think that’s the process. We build the team, a new structure and increase our requests and standards. I want to get there with all Aston Villa supporters, workers, owners, players and coaches. ”
