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    Aston Villa 2-4 Olympiacos LIVE RESULT: Villans have it all to do after El Kaabi’s Europa Conference League hattrick

    ASTON VILLA face an uphill battle to progress to the final of the Europa Conference League.El Kaabi’s sensational hattrick inspired Olympiacos to a 4-2 win over the Villans.And Unai Emery will be bitterly disappointed as his team have been relentless at Villa Park this season.
    RESULT: Aston Villa 2-4 Olympiacos
    Live stream: discovery+
    TV channel: TNT Sports 1
    Aston Villa XI: Olsen; Cash, Konsa, Lenglet, Digne; Bailey, McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Rogers; Diaby, Watkins
    Olympiacos XI: Tzolakis, Ortega, Chiquinho, Fortounis, Iborra, El Kaabi, David Carmo, Rodinei, Hezze, Restos, Podence
    BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollow ALL the action from Villa Park with our live blog below…Olympi-c heroes
    Well nobody saw that coming.
    All credit has to go to Olympiacos manager Jose Luis Mendilibar, who a few Premier League clubs may be after if he can set a team up like that every week.
    Like a Spanish Jurgen Klopp, he ordered his side to take risks and not give the Villa defence a second to play out.
    The former Sevilla boss also gave a ball to a Villa mascot after the match, which was a nice touch.
    For Emery, it was like a horrible throwback to one of his Arsenal team’s performances.
    Villa were completely unable to adapt when they were put under pressure and the game went against them.
    But they did have more than their share of chances, and while it’s an extremely tall order to win by two goals or more in Piraeus, they won’t feel they’re completely out of it.
    Copy linkCopiedFULL TIME: Aston Villa 2 Olympiacos 4
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    Ollie Watkins gets the ball down the left but he seems to have somewhat run out of gas.
    The England star can do nothing more than run the ball out of play when he should have easily kept it in.
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    Aston Villa attack down the left this time.
    But a poor Digne cross goes straight to Tzolakis.
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    Five minutes added on.
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    Jhon Duran goes for the spectacular, and spectacular it isn’t.
    The Colombian’s effort at an overhead scissor kick is so wayward that it doesn’t even reach the goal.
    Now it’s defender Panos Retsos’ turn to go down with a banged head.
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    John McGinn gets the ball in a promising position and beats his man on the edge of the box.
    However, his penalty goes straight at Tzolakis.
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    Douglas Luiz will have few worse evenings in his career.
    David Carmo was lucky to avoid having a penalty given against him for a handball, but then brought down Duran leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.
    Luiz, who has had a shocker so far, immediately picks up the ball.
    But Olympiacos then resort to delaying tactics Emi Martinez would be proud of and it gets to the Brazilian, who fires so high and wide that he’d have missed if there were two goals!
    Copy linkCopiedCopy linkCopiedPenalty to Aston Villa!
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    It could have been another one for the Greeks.
    But Robin Olsen manages to parry away a powerful shot from the edge of the box.
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    Aston Villa get a free kick and it finds the head of Ollie Watkins.
    However, Watkins header ends up closer to the corner flag than the goal.
    It’s been that sort of night for Villa so far.
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    Ollie Watkins is at the centre of things again as he is played through on the right.
    He cuts inside but does everything too ponderously and sees his shot comfortably held by Tzolakis.
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    Daniel Podence is subbed off for Andre Horta.
    He doesn’t look too happy with the decision.
    With the state of the Villa defence tonight, the ex-Wolves man probably fancied his chances of scoring a goal and rubbing it in the home fans’ faces.
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    Good work from Podence down the left who commits Cash then lays the ball off to Santiago Hezze.
    The Argentine fires a deflected strike past the despairing Robin Olsen.
    Copy linkCopiedGOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!
    It’s a fourth for Olympiacos! What is going on?!
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    Morgan Rogers gets the ball on the right-wing and tries a Diaby-style snapshot.
    But it’s a disappointing effort and hits the side-netting.
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    Olympiacos starting to slow things down as their winger goes down injured, with the game stopped for him to receive treatment.
    To add insult to injury for the home crowd, it’s ex-Wolves star Daniel Podence.
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    A well-placed through ball finds Watkins but Tzolakis is quick to react.
    However the Greek goalkeeper slides the ball against Watkins and it goes wide.
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    The referee, who hasn’t given Villa a thing all night, points straight to the spot.
    But this time he is spot on as the ball was clearly headed against Douglas’ Luiz’s outstretched arm.
    El Kaabi slots home and the Greek journalists go wild.
    A bit too wild for the Villa fans behind who are now pelting the media section with scrunched up paper aeroplanes.
    Copy linkCopiedGOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLL!!!!!
    It’s a hat-trick for Ayoub El Kaabi!
    Copy linkCopiedPenalty to Olympiacos!
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    It’s a bit of a howler from goalkeeper Tzolakis.
    The 21-year-old bets everything on Diaby switching onto his stronger left foot.
    However, Diaby instead beats him at his near post to poke the ball in with his right.
    Copy linkCopiedGOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLL!!!!
    It’s Moussa Diaby!
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    Olympiacos substitution.
    Francisco Ortega is replaced by Nottingham Forest loanee Omar Richards.
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    Aston Villa match hit by medical emergency as stand is EVACUATED and police rush in

    A SECTION of Villa Park was evacuated after a fan suffered a cardiac arrest at half-time during Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League defeat to Olympiacos.An announcement was made as police rushed up to attend to the incident.Part of the Holte End was cleared as police rushed to the sceneSupporters were urged to clear Lower L2 in the Holte EndCredit: Getty Images – GettyAyoub El Kaabi slotted Olympiacos into the leadCredit: GettyEl Kaabi then doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 29th minuteCredit: ReutersIt said: “Could all supporters clear Holte Lower L2 and make sure the gangways are clear.”TNT Sports confirmed a fan had suffered a cardiac arrest and was being taken out to an ambulance.The start of the second half was delayed by several minutes, before play resumed.Villa trailed 2-1 at half-time when the medical emergency occurred, before they ended up losing 4-2 in a huge blow to their Europa Conference League hopes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnai Emery’s men are bidding to reach the semi-finals, but endured the worst possible start to the first leg as Olympiacos’ Ayoub El-Kaabi scored twice before the half-hour mark.Ollie Watkins pulled one back in stoppage time at the end of the first period.Villa then levelled things up shortly after the break through Moussa Diaby, before Olympiacos regained the lead from the penalty spot as El Kaabi completed his hat-trick.And Santiago Hezze gave the Greek visitors further breathing space midway through the second half to stun Villa Park.Most read in FootballOllie Watkins pulled one back just before half-timeCredit: GettyMoussa Diaby levelled things up shortly after the breakCredit: PAEl Kaabi completed his hat-trick from the penalty spotCredit: ReutersSantiago Hezze score Olympiacos’ fourth of the eveningCredit: GettyThe winner of the tie will face Fiorentina or Club Brugge in the final on May 29.Villa scraped into the last eight after beating Lille on penalties in the previous round.Non-league clash SUSPENDED for medical emergency in crowd as air ambulance lands on pitchBut while winning the trophy would clinch Europa League football next season, Emery’s men look set to secure Champions League qualification.Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Thursday night leaves Villa seven points clear in fourth place in the Premier League having played just one game more. More

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    Aston Villa only team with two fixtures in Gameweek 34 but Dream Team bosses should look further ahead

    EVER since the English clubs were eliminated from the Champions League and Europa League, Aston Villa’s stock has risen among Dream Team managers.As the only Premier League side still active in Europe, the Villains have experienced a surge in popularity.The first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final with Olympiacos means they’re among just three teams with two fixtures to fulfil this current Gameweek, with Thursday night’s game following on from their 2-2 draw with Chelsea at the weekend.And Unai Emery’s troops are the only team facing a double header in Gameweek 34 in the form of back-to-back away days to Brighton and Olympiacos.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 IN CASH!It’s all eyes on Aston Villa in Gameweek 34Credit: Dream TeamIt’s rare that one team has an additional fixture over all their top flight rivals and so Dream Team bosses will naturally be interested in Villa assets ahead of Friday night’s deadline.For the second week in a row, Ollie Watkins (£5m) is among the most-popular recruits and with good reason.The England international has massed 295 points at an average of 6.4 per game this season via 23 goals and 17 assists.His current ownership of 37% makes him the fifth most-popular player in the game but it could be argued he deserves to be among the top three given his form and schedule.After Watkins, it’s not all that clear which Villa players are best placed to take advantage of the extra fixture in Gameweek 34 and beyond.Most read in Dream TeamEmi Martinez (£3.1m) picked up an injury last time out and the World Cup winner is expected to be miss this weekend’s game against the Seagulls at the very least – he is suspended for the first leg against the Greek giants regardless.A must-have asset for the remainder of the season?Credit: GettyLeon Bailey (£3.7m) and Moussa Diaby (£3.1m) are tempting options but both have been the subject of many substitutions this season.Douglas Luiz (£3.8m) and John McGinn (£3.9m) are guaranteed more minutes but don’t provide quite the same level of attacking threat – although the former is on penalties.Ezri Konsa (£3.5m) is seemingly the best option from the defenders as he is among the top bonus point earners in the game with 52 – the three players above him in this metric are all midfielders.The other thing for gaffers to consider is that Villa aren’t among the six clubs with two fixtures to fulfil in Gameweek 35; that sextet being Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle, Chelsea, Brighton and Spurs.Those keen on squeezing the schedule could recruit Villa players for Gameweek 34 and then replace them with busier assets ahead of Gameweek 35.It’s hard to know which Villa players will capitalise this monthCredit: ReutersHowever, others will have to choose between Gameweeks 34 and 35 when targeting the midweek fixture(s).Alternatively, some will choose to tailor this week’s transfers to Gameweek 35 as well as next week’s batch, with a view to making the most of the six double headers.Helpfully, gaffers should be able to get a read on Villa’s prospects in Greece when they face Olympiacos at Villa Park this week.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf Thursday night’s game is a favourable match-up that yields plentiful points then that will reinforce the idea that Watkins and company are smart selections for the upcoming double header, especially with Brighton’s form falling off a cliff.And of course, if Emery’s men progress to the final of the Europa Conference League then they’ll have a fixture in Gameweek 37 – which currently features just the FA Cup final between the Manchester clubs.talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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    Aston Villa vs Olympiacos: Villans host Greek giants in Europa Conference League semi-final first-leg – team news

    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

    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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    European clash descends into chaos with police forced to intervene in huge brawl and manager facing hefty ban

    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

    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

    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