Aston Villa face a huge task to overcome as they welcome Paris Saint-Germain for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie. A 3-1 defeat in Paris has left Unai Emery’s men chasing the game, but with their record at Villa Park, belief still lingers in the air.
The Villans have turned their home ground into a fortress in this year’s campaign, remaining unbeaten in five Champions League outings at Villa Park — winning four and drawing one. With their recent performances, Villa are more than capable of contributing to another fireworks-filled spectacle under the European lights.
The Parisians, meanwhile, come into this tie refreshed after a weekend of rest and with their sights firmly set on their first-ever Champions League crown. Having dispatched Premier League leaders Liverpool in dramatic fashion, Luis Enrique’s men proved once again they can rise to the occasion.
In the first leg, the French champions flexed their attacking muscles. Goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia painted a clear picture of their threat going forward.
Marquinhos returns to the fold after suspension, adding strength to the backline. But even with the 3-1 lead, PSG know Villa won’t go down without a fight. With the atmosphere sure to be electric and both sides capable of scoring freely, another goal-laden classic could be on the cards.
Can Emery script one of the Champions League’s great comebacks, or will PSG’s march to European glory continue? The stage is set, and Villa Park is ready.
