Aston Villa is set to host Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, looking to erase a 3-1 deficit in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
The Premier League side was overwhelmed by the Parisians in last week’s first leg, despite taking an early lead at the Parc des Princes.
PSG responded with three consecutive goals, showcasing their experience at this level compared to Villa.
As the teams prepare to reconvene in Birmingham, Villa has 90 minutes to reverse the two-goal disadvantage and keep their Champions League hopes alive.
In their all-time meetings, Villa and PSG have faced each other only once, with PSG winning that encounter.
The first leg marked the inaugural competitive match between the two sides, adding to the significance of the upcoming clash.
Regarding team news, Aston Villa faces some uncertainty with the availability of Leon Bailey, who is doubtful due to injury.
There are no suspensions, but Donyell Malen will be ineligible to play. In contrast, PSG reports no injuries or suspensions ahead of the match.
Both managers have shared insights as the match approaches. Unai Emery of Aston Villa reflected on the first leg: “After the first leg, we were playing away, and of course, the result is for them.
They showed their favorite way to compete in this tournament, but we demonstrated our capacity to compete.
On Tuesday, tactically we are going to try to implement our best individual and collective strategies to face them.
We have to believe and show our determination while respecting them, just as we did in the first leg. Now we want to make Villa Park our fortress.”
Luis Enrique, manager of PSG, emphasized the challenges ahead: “The road to the Champions League is lined with favorites who have been knocked out.
So while we hold an advantage from the first leg, that’s in the past now. On Tuesday, we’ll need to prove during the match that we have the level to compete in the semi-finals of this competition.”
As for predictions, Aston Villa will benefit from the comfort of playing at home, but they may have already put themselves in a difficult position to overcome the deficit.
The atmosphere at Villa Park could provide the motivation needed, but the task remains significant.
