ASTON VILLA will look to the support of Villa Park to host another European classic as they seek to overturn a two-goal deficit against Paris Saint-Germain.
Unai Emery’s side were outclassed in the first leg in Paris, as Morgan Rogers’ opener wasn’t enough as PSG went on to win 3-1 and take firm control of the time.
The Villans’ European campaign has been littered with glorious moments so far, and will have to pull another if there dream run is to continue.
As for their French visitors, the star-studded squad showed their blossoming talent in full and with the league wrapped up, the quest for Champions League success is firmly in sight.
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“I’m really enjoying myself in this team” – Ousmane Dembélé
As for challenges, they don’t come more fierce than this version of Ousmane Dembélé.
32 goals, 10 assists places him amongst Europe’s premier players firmly casting away failed wonderkid discourse.
Ahead of the match, he spoke to the media about his and team’s surge in form:
“I believe I’m one of the key players in the team, but I’ve stayed the same, as always. I just try to do what I know how to do and set an example for the younger players.”
“Being decisive is an objective: whether that’s scoring or getting an assist. What drives me the most is winning team trophies. I’m really enjoying myself in this team.
“The team has a lot of character, it doesn’t give up until the last minute. No matter what happens during the match, the coach tells us to always believe. Whether it’s the young players or the older ones, we give everything until the last minute to turn things around. I think that’s one of our strengths.”
The challenges that faces Villa
- Paris Saint-Germain are currently on a four-game winning streak on the road in Europe, which equals the record set by Les Rouge et Bleu in the 1994–1995 season.
- Ousmane Dembélé has scored seven goals in the UEFA Champions League this season, with only four Paris players having netted more times in a single UCL campaign.
- Les Parisiens have scored 28 goals in the UEFA Champions League this season, thereby breaking their previous record of 27 goals from the 2017–2018 season.
- Luis Enrique has now overseen 100 competitive fixtures as Paris Saint-Germain manager. In his nearly two seasons at the club, the Spaniard has picked up 70 wins, 19 draws, 11 losses and, most importantly, five trophies. The one that eludes him… the Champions Legaue!
Under the Villa Park lights
Afternoon and welcome to a massive upcoming night of Champions League football.
For Aston Villa, this is exactly what they dreamed of when they qualified for Europe’s elite club competition. The biggest nights under the lights of Villa Park. Well, it’s exactly what they’re getting.
Albeit with a two-goal deficit to overturn, the theatre of drama still remains fresh in the minds of hopefuls.
PSG come without the bling bling nowadays but heck they’ve got some star-studded talent in the ranks, as seen in the first leg.
The big one is upon us, 8pm BST kick-off with build-up and more to come.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
