Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says his side can pull off a Champions League comeback when they host Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their quarter-final clash on Tuesday, trailing 3-1 from the first leg.
Despite snatching an early advantage at the Parc des Princes, Villa were ultimately outplayed by PSG, who delivered a dominant performance. Strikes from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave the French side the lead before Nuno Mendes struck in stoppage time to give them a two-goal cushion.
The odds are stacked against Villa. PSG have won 17 of their last 18 games in all competitions — their only defeat during that run came in a 1-0 loss to Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League last 16, which they overturned at Anfield. The French champions have not lost by more than one goal since October and have only suffered one defeat in 47 matches this season.
However, Emery knows all too well that dramatic turnarounds are possible in European football. As PSG boss in 2017, he saw his side throw away a 4-0 first-leg lead against Luis Enrique’s Barcelona, who went on to win 6-1 in one of the most extraordinary comebacks in Champions League history.
Now, with the roles reversed, Emery is hoping to guide Aston Villa to a famous fightback and extend their first Champions League campaign since the 1982/83 season.
“We’re going to enjoy something very special on Tuesday at Villa Park — for our supporters and for ourselves,” said Emery.
“We have the opportunity to face PSG and try to come back. It will be difficult, but we must feel strong at home and prepare as best we can for the match.
“We must channel our energy and that of the supporters, and play our very best football. When we’re at our best, we can achieve it.”
Villa head into the decisive clash in strong form. They cruised to a 3-0 win away at Southampton on Saturday, keeping them firmly in contention for a top-four Premier League finish. They are also preparing for an FA Cup semi-final later this month against Crystal Palace.
The January arrivals of Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, Donyell Malen, and Axel Disasi have added depth and quality to Emery’s squad. All three of Villa’s goals at the weekend — scored by Ollie Watkins, Malen, and John McGinn — came from the bench, highlighting the strength in reserve.
“At the start of the season, we didn’t have many options on the bench,” said Emery. “But the January signings have been hugely important, improving our competitiveness and helping us collect the points we need.”
Villa have made Villa Park a fortress this season. They are unbeaten at home in both the Premier League and Champions League since a 2-0 loss to Arsenal in August. Should they advance, a semi-final meeting with Arsenal could await.
Emery believes the Villa Park atmosphere could be the decisive factor: “We have to share our momentum with our fans. The energy at Villa Park is always so special. We must enjoy it, play our best football and push to reach our Champions League goals.”
