Aston Villa gaffer Unai Emery remained positive his side could overturn their first leg 3-1 loss against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday and reach the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League.
Villa went in front in the first half of the tie thanks to Morgan Rogers’ goal but the Paris side turned things around thanks to stunning goals from Desire Doue and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia as Nuno Mendes wrapped the win in injury time.
The two-goal advantage for the French giants leaves Emery’s side with a major task ahead of the return leg in England.
“At 2-1 we were thinking about playing to win in the next match, and at 3-1 it is still the same,” Emery said.
“But we are here and enjoying it, and I am very proud of the players. We competed fantastically and we were close to getting a good result.
“At the end, with this goal, it is still more or less the same.
“Villa Park is our home, and hopefully there we will be stronger. But of course they are still favourites. They showed their power and individual quality.”
Villa visited the French capital on a run of seven straight wins in all competitions which has boosted their chances of qualifying for the Champions League again next season and saw them head to the FA Cup semi-finals.
However, a special performance is needed at Villa Park next Tuesday for them to carry on their good run in the Champions League.
“I am not happy but I am satisfied with the performance of the team. It is special for us to be in Paris and playing a Champions League quarter-final,” Emery continued.
“The second leg will be just as difficult at 3-1 as it was at 2-1. We have to win.”
