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      Aston Villa vs Olympiacos: Villans host Greek giants in Europa Conference League semi-final first-leg – team news

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      The Villains currently sit fourth in the Premier League and look set to qualify for the Champions League next season.Unai Emery’s men have surprised everyone with their performances and winning a European trophy for the first time since 1981 would be the cherry on top.Aston Villa went through to the semi-finals after beating Lille on penaltiesCredit: GETTYEmery has an excellent record in Europe, winning the Europa League a record-setting four times.But before they think about the final, they will have to overcome Olympiacos, who also sit in fourth place in their respective league.A regular in European competition, the Greek giants have been responsible for many cup upsets – including knocking out Arsenal in February 2020.However, Villa are unbeaten in their last six home games and will be looking to continue that record on Thursday night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen is Aston Villa vs Olympiacos?
      Aston Villa against Olympiacos will take place on Thursday, May 2.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm BST.
      Villa Park is the chosen venue for this thrilling match with a capacity of 42,640.
      Both sides finished their quarter final games with a penalty shootout.
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      Aston Villa vs Olympiacos will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 7pm BST – 60 minutes before kick-off.
      Fans can stream the entire action through the discovery+ app/website.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the whole match through our live blog.
      What is the team news?Unai Emery will be without the hero who took his side to the semi-finals.Emiliano Martinez was booked twice in the previous game but was not dismissed from the pitch because the second yellow card came during the penalty shootout.Most read in FootballDespite the World Cup winner staying on the pitch, he will be suspended for the semi-final first leg after he tallied up three yellow cards in the competition before the last-4 stage.Alex Moreno (calf) and Jacob Ramsey (foot) are both unlikely to feature, along with Boubacar Kamara (knee), Emiliano Buendia (cruciate ligament), and Tyrone Mings (cruciate ligament) suffering longer-term injuries.Olympiacos centre-back David Carmo could be a doubt after not appearing on the weekend along with former Manchester City striker Stefan Jovetic.Georgios Masouras, who has contributed to 15 goals this season, will also be absent through suspension.What are the odds?Match result
      Aston Villa – 2/5
      Draw – 17/5
      Olympiacos – 19/4
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Aston Villa vs Olympiacos: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses with BetMGM

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      ASTON VILLA’S Europa Conference League semi final is this week when they welcome Olympiacos for the first leg.New customers with BetMGM can claim an incredible £40 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on Thursday’s huge game!Get £40 in free bets and bonuses when you stake £10 with BetMGM
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      Unai Emery’s side are the favourites to win the entire competition, so of course go into this game as favourites.With the top four battle still on too, it’ll be a tough job to balance both and they’ll be hoping for a big win on Thursday to set up a tough second leg in Greece.Not yet got a BetMGM account? You’re in luck – they have an excellent sign-up offer you can claim right now!Simply register a new account HERE*, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater.You must do this within seven days of opening your account.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets to spend on the following;
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      BetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**18+ BeGambleAware.org New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:
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      European clash descends into chaos with police forced to intervene in huge brawl and manager facing hefty ban

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      AEK ATHENS manager Matias Almeyda had a heated brawl after a dramatic derby against PAOK desceded into chaos.AEK lost 3-2 to Razvan Lucescu’s men in Salonika in an entertaining encounter that has set the Superleague title race on fire with both rivals as well as Olympiacos and Panathinaikos gunning for the top.A heated brawl erupted after AEK Athens’ loss to PAOK in SalonikaCredit: X@Tsarumon1AEK boss Matias Almeyda got into a furious altercation in the dugoutCredit: X@Tsarumon1The angry confrontation saw the police get involvedCredit: X@Tsarumon1Almeyda appeared to grab a person by the neck during the brawlAlmeyda is facing a three-match touchline ban after the incidentCredit: X@Tsarumon1Once the referee’s final whistle blew, Almeyda, 50, was suddenly infuriated and got into a heated altercation with a small crowd around the dugout.The ex-Inter Milan ace first pushed his own player Sergio Araujo as well as a sub away before confronting a number of different people.PAOK star Taison and a number of AEK coaches tried to hold the former Argentina international back while police also got involved.Almeyda then appeared to grab another person by the neck before he was pulled away.Read More on FootballAccording to Sportal, the man in question was an official working for the Sub-Directorate of Sports Violence Prevention (DEAV).Thankfully cooler heads prevailed and the Argentinean tactician was led away with the help of some of his players, including AEK captain Petros Mantalos, Mijat Gacinovic, Ehsan Hajsafi and Cican Stankovic.The ex-Lazio star addressed the incident during his post-match press conference and revealed he apologised to the man he appeared to hold by the neck.Almeyda said: “Did you see how many people were in the stadium? What I always say is that if we want to change the situation in Greek football, there cannot be so many people. There is no one at AEK matches. So who protects us on the field? Most read in Football”I really don’t care if it was PAOK people or others, I just think that people should be more respectful. I respect the world and I want the same. When I see an injustice being done, I react. I am a man, blood flows in my veins. I’m not going to change the way I am as a person.”I respect everyone whether I’m playing inside or outside and I want to be treated as a human being. I hope we don’t all have to be upset about something that has happened on the field. There can’t be 200 people on the field, we’re talking about football not American football. Olympiacos receive FIERY heroes’ welcome after Europa Conference League triumph”You can lose, you can win, but these things cannot exist in football. You who are in football, do you consider all this normal?”How many were inside the playing field? Win or lose, we’re here to talk and help. Today the referee was German, at one point he told me he couldn’t believe how many people were in the stadium.”I don’t think this is a matter for the police. We didn’t lose for this game. I’m just answering the question. This is not good.”The truth is, this picture doesn’t help, at all. This holds football back. My own reaction was one that I don’t advise anyone to do. I had the opportunity before to apologise to the gentleman that this happened to. “Before I had received some pushes. If you push me, I’ll do the same. Because I don’t push, I talk. I accept defeats and criticism, but don’t let anyone challenge me. It’s very simple. If what I did is bad, yes it is.”There were people who shouldn’t have been there. I take responsibility for my bad reaction. Then look at the picture, so that there is no problem. If we zoom in a little, more can be seen.”Almeyda is now facing a touchline ban of up to three matches, which would see him missing AEK’s last two crunch clashes against rivals Olympiacos away and Lamia at home. More

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      Olympiacos receive FIERY heroes’ welcome after Europa Conference League triumph sets semi-final clash with Aston Villa

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      OLYMPIACOS received a stunning heroes’ welcome from fans back home after sealing a historic qualification to the Europa Conference League semi-finals.The Greek giants lost 1-0 to Fenerbahce in Turkey on Thursday but took the game to a dramatic penalty shootout thanks to a 3-2 victory in the first leg at Georgios Karaiskakis last week.Olympiacos received a fiery heroes’ welcome at Eleftherios Venizelos AirportCredit: Olympiacos FCOlympiacos made it to the Europa Conference League semi-finals and will face Aston VillaCredit: Olympiacos FCOlympiacos defeated Fenerbahce on penalties in TurkeyCredit: Olympiacos FCOlympiacos made it to the semi-finals of a European competition for the first time everCredit: Olympiacos FCAbout two thousand Olympiacos fans welcomed the team with flaresCredit: Olympiacos FCOlympiacos goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis received special praise after his penalty heroicsCredit: Olympiacos FCThe visitors won 3-2 thanks to an incredible performance by 21-year-old goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis who caught three spot-kicks by Dusan Tadic, Cengiz Under and finally Leonardo Bonucci.Olympiacos are now set to compete in the semi-finals of a major European campaign for the first time in their near 100-year history.Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side flew back to Athens during the early hours and landed at 3am.The Piraeus outfit was then met by incredible scenes as about two thousand fans were out in force and set up a fiery welcome at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport.Read More on FootballThe team walked through a sea of supporters who called for the club’s first ever European title.A number of Olympiacos enthusiasts lit up flares, which set up an amazing atmosphere.Tzolakis received special praise after his penalty heroics and even held one of the flares before boarding the team bus.Club icon Youssef El Arabi, on the other hand, was spotted dancing with the fans.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMendilibar, who only took over as Olympiacos’ third manager of the season two months ago and immediately turned a torrid campaign on its head, also enjoyed immense recognition.The Spaniard’s side is now set to lock horns with Aston Villa in the semi-finals with the first leg taking place on May 2 at Villa Park before they meet again a week later in Greece for a place in the final.Emiliano Martinez receives second yellow card during Aston Villa penalty shoot out – but DOESN’T get sent off Villa punched their ticket to the final four after beating Lille 4-3 on penalties to become the only Premier League club left standing in Europe. More

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      Fans stunned as Fiorentina boss ‘kisses’ female Sky Sports journalist in Conference League tie as husband breaks silence

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      FOOTBALL fans were left stunned after Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Italiano allegedly kissed Sky Sports journalist Vanessa Leonardi.The Italian watched his side beat Viktoria Plzen 2-0 after extra time on Thursday night as the Serie A side booked their spot in the Europa Conference League semi-finals.Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Italiano went up to journalist Vanessa Leonardi after his side’s second goalHe allegedly kissed her although it is unclear what happened as his face moved out of shotLeonardi’s husband has denied Italiano kissed his wifeCredit: AlamyBut the big story from the match came moments after Cristiano Biraghi scored Fiorentina’s second goal.The camera cut to ex-Spezia boss Italiano, 46, who was seen walking towards Leonardi – who was sat down with her hood up.The Fiorentina head coach was gesturing with his hands right in front of her face, before he appeared to kiss her.He then wiped his hand over his lips while walking away.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport cannot confirm whether or not Italiano actually kissed her.According to Fanpage, Italiano has a wife named Raffaella who he has two children with – born in 2002 and 2007.Meanwhile, Leonardi is married to sports commentator Maurizio Compagnoni.Responding to the incident, Compagnoni insisted the pair did not kiss.Most read in FootballWhen asked about the moment, he replied: “But he didn’t kiss her.”But do you think Italiano does it in front of a thousand cameras and with his wife in the stands?Most dramatic Premier League’s final days”Someone, poor thing, just doesn’t get there.”Italiano’s wife was reportedly in the stands for the gameCredit: Rex More

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      Emi Martinez slated by former Arsenal team-mate as he reveals Aston Villa star used to be completely different person

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      EMILIANO MARTINEZ has come in for a scathing attack from his one-time Arsenal clubmate Samir Nasri.The keeper earned legend status at Aston Villa with two penalty saves during Thursday’s Europa Conference League triumph at Lille.Aston Villa ace Emi Martinez was slammed by a former Arsenal team-mate for his anticsCredit: GettyEx-Arsenal star Samir Nasri is not impressed with Martinez’s anticsCredit: Getty Images – GettyMartinez wound up home fans with a series of shushing gestures during the shoot-out as Villa clinched their place in the semi-finals.The Argentine was already unpopular in France following his antics in the 2022 World Cup final.He first denied Randal Kolo Muani a certain late winner before using mind games to help his side win on penalties.Martinez, 31, has now incurred the wrath of former France midfielder Nasri.Read More on ArsenalThe 36-year-old spent the 2010-11 season at Arsenal alongside the keeper, who had arrived from home-country club Independiente.Future Manchester City ace Nasri told Canal Plus: “Martinez’s behaviour annoys me, all the more because he didn’t used to be like that before.”I knew him at Arsenal, when he was very young, and then he used to be very low-key.”But now that kind of behaviour has become his stock in trade.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”When you save a penalty you have no need to wind up the opposing fans by telling them ‘shush.'”I think that is very borderline conduct, especially as he doesn’t need to do it to show he exists.Watch Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez demand a minute’s silence for Mbappe in wild World Cup celebrations”He made that key save from Kolo Muani, there was that penalty shootout against France, and now once more against Lille.”He doesn’t need to say ‘shush’ to get people talking about him.”Martinez has stood out for Aston Villa between the sticks More

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      Germany World Cup winner sticks the boot into Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool and Co with brutal seven-word tweet

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND star Mats Hummels took a brutal swipe at Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham after their European eliminations.Aston Villa are now the only Prem club left in Europe after beating Lille 4-3 on penalties to punch their ticket to the Europa Conference League semi-finals where they will face Olympiacos.Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels trolled Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and West HamCredit: GettyMan City were eliminated from the Champions League after losing to Real MadridCredit: GettyArsenal were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern MunichCredit: GettyCity surrendered their Champions League crown and failed in their bid to win their second consecutive Treble as they lost to Real Madrid 4-3 on penalties in their quarter-final clash at the Etihad.And Arsenal’s dreams of a first ever Champions League title went up in flames after a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.Liverpool’s hopes of a Treble in Jurgen Klopp’s last ever season as manager also faded away as they were eliminated from the Europa League quarter-finals by Atalanta, even though they beat them 1-0.And West Ham’s European campaign came to an end by Xabi Alonso’s newly-crowned German champions Bayer Leverkusen, who extended their undefeated streak with a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium.Read More on FootballHummels, 35, couldn’t help himself as he took to social media to poke fun at all the fallen English clubs.The centre-back issued a tongue-in-cheek post referencing the derogatory term “farmer’s league”, which has been used to describe inferior leagues.This term has also been used against competitive divisions, such as Ligue 1, and there were also occasions when it was addressed to the Bundesliga.Hummels tweeted: “Good harvesting this week my fellow farmers.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Germany international and 2014 World Cup winner is now gearing up for the Champions League semi-finals.The defender helped Dortmund eliminate Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals on Tuesday with a 4-2 victory at the Signal Iduna Park.Real Madrid fan says ‘silent’ Man City supporters ‘don’t deserve this team’ and it should be ‘given to Man Utd’Julian Brandt and Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen gave Edin Terzic’s side a comfortable lead early on.But an own goal by Hummels and a strike by Angel Correa levelled things up and put Atletico in the driver’s seat on aggregate.However, two quick goals from Niclas Fullkrug and Marcel Sabitzer turned the game on its head and capped off a stunning triumph for the Bundesliga giants.Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
      With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
      The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
      And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
      One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
      “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches…”
      Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
      Read more on Tuchel’s genius here. More

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      Fans ask ‘how can you not love this?’ as Martinez shares clip of penalty shootout s***housery from Villa win over Lille

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      EMILIANO MARTINEZ has shared footage of his penalty shootout antics on social media.The Aston Villa goalkeeper was the hero as they beat Lille on spot-kicks to reach the Europa Conference League semi-finals.Emiliano Martinez has shared a video of his penalty shootout anticsCredit: GettyMartinez saved from Nabil Bentaleb and Benjamin Andre after the clash had ended 3-3 on aggregate following extra-time.The Argentina international, who bizarrely escaped being shown a red card during the shootout, has now posted a video of his antics to X.In the clip, his taunts to the crowd after each penalty save can be seen.Martinez followed his first stop by turning and putting his finger to his lips in the direction of the Lille fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then danced in front of them after securing the victory with his second save.The home supporters had jeered and booed Martinez throughout the match and into the shootout.Reacting to the clip, one fan wrote: “How can you not love this?”Another added: “I don’t care what anyone says, he has that unfiltered AURA. The GOAT.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third supporter also commented: “The best in the world.”Meanwhile, one more said: “This guy is actually enjoying all of this, France must hate him so much.”Emiliano Martinez receives second yellow card during Aston Villa penalty shoot out – but DOESN’T get sent off Martinez had been a target for the French crowd on Thursday after his antics in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup final victory.He was even booked during the shootout but avoided a red card despite also being carded in normal time.Instead, a little known rule meant he was not dismissed as yellow cards do not carry over into the penalty shootout.As a result, he was able to stay on the pitch and complete his heroics to send Villa through.Unai Emery’s side will now face Olympiacos in the semi-finals as the final English club remaining in Europe this season.The first leg will take place at Villa Park on May 2 before travelling to Greece a week later.Victory over Olympiacos would set up a final against either Fiorentina or Club Brugge in Athens on May 29.The Aston Villa goalkeeper was booked for taunting the Lille fansCredit: Getty More