Unai Emery has called on his Aston Villa squad to seize the moment and write their names into the club’s storied history when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night. The Midlands club, who lifted the European Cup in 1982, trail 3-1 after the first leg in Paris but have the advantage of playing the decider at home, where they boast a formidable record.
“This is an opportunity to write history with Aston Villa,” said Emery. “Last year, we reached the semi-finals of the Conference League, and now we have the chance to take another step forward in the Champions League. These moments don’t come around often, and we must believe.”
Despite the daunting task ahead, Unai Emery, renowned for his tactical expertise in European competitions, insists belief and composure will be key. “I have experienced comebacks – both for and against me – and I know what is possible,” he said. “We have to manage the game emotionally and tactically. Our mindset must be strong, and we must believe we can do it.”
Aston Villa Home Fortress Beckons as Advantage
Villa Park has become something of a fortress under Unai Emery’s stewardship. The Spaniard has only lost one of his 13 European home games as Villa manager, winning 11 of them. Moreover, the club is currently unbeaten in their last 17 home matches in all competitions, a run that stretches back to November 2024.
This proud record provides hope and belief to the Villa faithful. “We have created a strong connection with our supporters,” Unai Emery emphasized. “Their energy transforms the players. It becomes our twelfth man. At Villa Park, we are different – stronger, more confident. We need to turn that into a weapon against PSG.”
With Villa needing to overturn a two-goal deficit, a fast start and fervent support could be decisive. Unai Emery knows the importance of establishing control early and using the momentum of the home crowd to unsettle the French champions.
Rashford-Watkins Partnership on Hold
Unai Emery also addressed growing fan curiosity around the potential of a dynamic Marcus Rashford-Ollie Watkins partnership. While he acknowledged the duo’s potential, he was quick to point out that Tuesday’s high-stakes fixture might not be the appropriate occasion for experimentation.
“The next step – if I have time – is to play them together,” Unai Emery noted. “We have done it in the FA Cup against Cardiff, and Rashford has also featured on the left. But right now, in a match of this magnitude, it’s not the moment to test. We need every decision to be right from the start.”
The Spanish tactician stressed that while the prospect of pairing two high-caliber forwards is appealing, the tactical setup against PSG demands caution, discipline, and balance above all.
Fans to Play a ‘Massive’ Role – Rogers
Villa attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers echoed Unai Emery’s sentiments about the significance of the home advantage, highlighting the crucial role the Villa Park faithful can play in the tie.
“Massive. The second leg at home gives us a huge advantage,” Rogers said. “The supporters can create an atmosphere that fuels us. We’ve seen it in league games and European nights this season – they can lift us to another level.”
The 21-year-old believes that the tie is far from over, and with the crowd behind them, anything is possible. “We know what this game means – not just for us as players but for the club and our fans. They can be the spark that pushes us over the line.”
Unai Emery:Belief, Tactics, and a Touch of Magic
The odds may not be in Villa’s favor, but under Emery, belief and meticulous planning have become trademarks. The Spanish manager, who has a decorated European résumé including four Europa League titles, is confident that the right blend of tactical discipline, mental strength, and fan energy could result in an historic night.
“We have to enjoy this moment,” Unai Emery concluded. “We are competing with the best, and now we have the chance to beat them at home. History is not written with fear – it is written with courage, conviction, and belief. That is what I ask of my players.”
As Villa prepare for a clash that could define their European legacy, one thing is certain: Villa Park will be roaring, the belief will be burning, and Unai Emery’s side has a chance to carve a new chapter in claret and blue history.
