Aston Villa‘s aspirations for a Europa Conference League final appearance took a blow with a tumultuous semi-final first-leg defeat at home to Olympiakos.
Ayoub El Kaabi led the charge, scoring twice in the first 30 minutes to give the Greek team a 2-0 lead. Ollie Watkins managed to cut the lead for Unai Emery’s team, and Moussa Diaby tied the game shortly after halftime.
Olympiakos regained the lead through an El Kaabi penalty and a deflected goal from Santiago Hezze.
Douglas Luiz missed a crucial late penalty, leaving Villa with a tough challenge to overcome a two-goal deficit in the second leg in Piraeus on May 9, aiming for their first European final since 1982.
El Kaabi opened the scoring with a precise finish, initially ruled offside but then validated by VAR.
He added a stylish second, seizing on Daniel Podence’s clever lofted pass to tuck the ball under Robin Olsen.
Watkins narrowed the margin just before the half-time break with a sharp finish from just outside the six-yard box.
Diaby drew the match level when he beat Konstantinos Tzolakis at his near post.
Just when Villa appeared to be gaining momentum, they were caught off guard by their opponents.
Douglas Luiz conceded a penalty by handling a Panagiotis Retsos header, and El Kaabi confidently converted the penalty, bringing his tournament tally to eight goals.
Olympiakos’ fourth goal carried a touch of luck as Hezze’s ambitious shot deflected off Ezri Konsa, deceiving Olsen.
In the dying moments, Luiz had a chance to redeem himself after David Carmo brought down Jhon Duran, but he shockingly missed the goal, leaving the home supporters in disbelief.