Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has urged his players to secure their place in the last 16 of the Champions League by defeating Club Brugge on Wednesday night. Villa currently top their group after winning their first three matches, and a victory in Belgium would significantly boost their chances of finishing in the top eight of the newly structured league phase of the competition in their debut season. Achieving this milestone would allow them to qualify directly for the last 16, bypassing the play-off round scheduled for February.
Emery emphasised the importance of the match, stating, “Tomorrow we have the possibility to get one step ahead in this competition, to be a contender in the top eight. This is a really amazing objective we can achieve and can face tomorrow. But if we are not playing with the 100 per cent focus we did in other Champions League matches it is going to be difficult." He acknowledged the significance of their potential fourth victory and how it could set them apart from other teams, noting, “We are a surprise, we are not contenders or favourites to be in the top eight.”
In related news, Villa's Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana is looking forward to a special occasion as he gears up to make his first club appearance in his home country. Onana expressed his commitment to social causes, stating, "It's my way of giving back, God has given me the chance to be in the position I'm in." He highlighted his charity work with Solidarite Grands Froids, which assists homeless individuals in Belgium, and mentioned his efforts to provide aid back in Senegal, where he was born.
The anticipation surrounding the match is significant, especially following Club Brugge’s struggles in their group, having lost to AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund. Emery's side are keen to take full advantage of the situation, indicating that the opportunity to secure their place in the knockout stages is within reach. According to Yahoo! Sport, achieving such success in their debut Champions League campaign would represent a historic achievement for Aston Villa FC and its ambitious squad.