Aston Villa

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Former Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock says Unai Emery's side will take "huge lessons" from their 3-0 defeat by Barcelona, which brought an abrupt end to their flawless start in the Champions League.

Villa only recorded one shot on target all night, as Lamine Yamal's early opener and Raphinha's brace saw the five-time European champions cruise to victory.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily, Warnock said: "The word you would use in this instance is naive. There were times when a lot of what Aston Villa did in the forward areas was really impressive, it was just that the final ball wasn't there.

"But you cannot try to play out from the back at the Nou Camp. Barcelona were like a pack of wolves hunting in the manner they were going after the ball. As soon as that first pass is played, they are jumping out of position to go and close it down.

"Zion Suzuki should've learned from that - and he did when he went for the long balls a few times to try to cut out their press - but then they reverted back to playing out from the back in the second half after being so positive in the first half.

"There were huge lessons for Aston Villa to learn in terms of what the level is, what the concentration levels have to be like, what you can't get away with, and how important it is to play to your strengths."

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We asked for your views after Aston Villa's Champions League defeat at Barcelona.

Here are some of your comments:

Rob D: A reality check for the Villa even though we had enough chances to win two matches twice over. It felt like had we scored one they would have scored two more. Poor performances from several players didn't help, but sometimes you just have to take it on the chin. Ten years ago we were relegated to the Championship - tonight we played Barcelona in the Champions League. Onwards. UTV.

Mike: A much anticipated game for all of us but in the event it was a routine performance by the Spanish side that exposed our lack of cohesion. A gaping gap behind their back line was never really exploited. A risky strategy of playing out from the back exposed us badly and errors were quickly pounced on. A sombre wake-up call that could prove valuable if we meet again later in the tournament.

Rob H: First half we did well and had some chances that we should have taken. Second half, Barca showed what they can do and credit where credit's due, they outclassed us. But I don't think we can be too ashamed of our performance. We're off to a good start in the Champions League and let's not forget, this is a new team. I feel the future's bright and there are positives to take from this game.

Keith: No shame in losing to Barcelona but Villa had their chances and didn't take them. That was the difference between the two teams, albeit the Villa squad is a bit light to go all the way in the Champions League. UTV.

DonBo: I thought we played OK, made loads of chances but failed to take them. They scored two from bad mistakes we made, however their third goal was pure class.

Nigel: Not an unexpected result, although would have been nice not to have gifted them the first. A couple of players below their usual standard didn't help. Have to be proud of how far we've come in a few years.

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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Barcelona were without Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia and Xavi Espart, leaving them fragile in defence, with 20-year-old midfielder Brian Farinas making his Champions League debut and just second start at right-back.

The hosts had not kept a Champions League clean sheet in 18 games, a run stretching back to April 2025, and there was real fear from seasoned Barca watchers that Aston Villa would exploit their weakness.

In the first half Matty Cash, Joao Gomes and Johan Manzambi, twice, made Barca sweat as the visitors created chances without taking them.

German Leon Goretzka hit the post in the second half but by then the game was done after Raphinha's strikes.

Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon and Joao Cancelo went close to adding to Barca's tally, but Unai Emery remained philosophical.

"The test was definitely not in the level we want to achieve but there are a lot of things to learn, a lot of experience for the players and us," the Villa boss said. "It is giving me a lot of information to analyse and compete at this level.

"Overall, we are competing fantastically in the Champions League, although playing the match we played we have work to do to get to this level [of Barcelona].

"We were sometimes achieving it and close to scoring goals but we must be ruthless in the attacking third, 3-0 is maybe more than we deserved, but we accept the defeat."

It was still a reminder of how far Villa have come under Emery, who took over when they were three points above the Premier League relegation zone.

A Champions League night against Barcelona in the Nou Camp was fanciful when the Spaniard walked in the door from Villarreal.

Since then, he has delivered the Europa League title and two Champions League campaigns, and this defeat in Spain will be another key marker in Villa's journey with him as they now prepare to visit Manchester United next on Sunday.

Read more here

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is on Manchester United's five-man shortlist to replace Michael Carrick, but the current sporting structure at the club is said to not suit the Spaniard. (Daily Mail - subscription required), external

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Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, speaking to TNT Sports: "The result is not good, a lot of things positive but it was not enough to get a good result.

"How we are building the team is clear in 90 minutes, but we have young players, talented players and experienced players. Today we conceded some mistakes. Over the process we've had here, we have made those mistakes but then overcame them.

"Today, more or less, after the mistake we made, we were creating chances, facing them with individual duels. If we could score one goal with the chances we had in the first half, maybe it would have been different, but we were not clinical.

"I can feel on one side we are comfortable doing our way because we have nine points because of the good work before. We should be realistic but at the same time feeling good how we are doing it.

"Of course, I have my opinion how we can get better, but the experience today was very important.

"This is the level we want to achieve again. Today was a good experience, bad result, but good things as well. In this level you must be more ruthless."

Aston Villa captain John McGinn, speaking to TNT Sports: "Barcelona made the right decisions at the right times and scored really good goals.

"The manager spoke about being clinical at important moments in the game. When you come here 50-50s sometimes don't go your way. They also leave players up the pitch, so if you lose the ball they can be away.

"I think we are competitive against teams at this level, we have shown that whether it is Bayern Munich or PSG. Tonight was a huge learning curve for us, and I am sure it will stand us in good stead for the future."

Did you know?

• Aston Villa suffered their joint-heaviest defeat in major European competition, having also lost by three goals to Royal Antwerp in September 1975 (1-4) and Inter Milan in November 1990 (0-3), both in the UEFA Cup.

• No Premier League side has committed more errors leading to goals in all competitions this season than Aston Villa (7, level with Sunderland).

Listen to more from Emery above or on BBC Sounds

Aston Villa starting XI:

Zion Suzuki: Had no chance with Lamine Yamal's opener but played his part in the mess which led to the crucial opening goal. Saved from Anthony Gordon but wrong-footed by Raphinha's strike and no chance with the third. 6

Matty Cash: A arrowed volley almost brought Villa level soon after Yamal's goal but his attacking instincts were restricted. 6

Pau Torres: One great last-ditch tackle denied Raphinha, but was unlucky when the former Leeds forward's shot clipped his heel and rolled in. 6

Victor Lindelof: A good early block to stop Gordon's shot but he was unable to stop Barca moving further clear in the second half. 6

Ian Maatsen: Handed an early booking for a foul on Yamal but walked the tightrope well against the young superstar. 6

Joao Gomes: Gifted the ball to Yamal with an awful mistake for the opener but was close to finding a quick leveller. 5

Boubacar Kamara: A difficult game with Barcelona's ability in the middle and he was not able to dictate as he would like. 6

John McGinn: The skipper was left trailing by Joao Cancelo for Barcelona's third goal before being replaced soon after. 6

Emi Buendia: Booked for a foul on Fermin Lopez and was eventually taken off as he ran the risk of a second caution. 5

Johan Manzambi: Scuffed an effort wide and tested Joan Garcia but his influence waned in the second half before he was replaced. 6

Nicolas Jackson: Carried a threat in the first half and maybe could have tapped in after Leon Goretzka's header hit the post. Booked for a scuffle with Pau Cubarsi. 6

Aston Villa substitutes:

Ibrahim Mbaye (on 62, Buendia) Drew a save from Joan Garcia but lacked end product. 5

Leon Goretzka (on 62, Manzambi) His header kissed the post as Villa went close in the second half. 6

Ross Barkley (on 62, Joao Gomes): Shot over late on as Villa looked for a consolation. 5

Alysson (on 77, McGinn)

Tammy Abraham (on 77, Jackson)

Subs not used: Bizot, Wright, Harwood-Bellis, Mings, Garnacho, Hemmings.

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Aston Villa's performance

There are nine games in the Champions League on Tuesday, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Galatasaray v Stuttgart (17:45)

• Shakhtar Donetsk v Sporting (17:45)

• Atletico Madrid v Bayern Munich

• Barcelona v Aston Villa - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Bodo/Glimt v Lille

• Feyenoord v Inter Milan

• LASK v Slovan Bratislava

• Manchester United v Roma

• Villarreal v Paris St-Germain

Kick-off times 20:00 GMT unless stated

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BBC Radio WM reporter Mike Taylor is in Barcelona and speaking to Aston Villa supporters ahead of tonight's Champions League match at the Spotify Camp Nou.

How do they think Unai Emery's side will get on? Take a look below and remember, you can listen to full commentary of Barcelona v Aston Villa on BBC Radio WM [95.6FM].

And don't forget to tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights.

Listen to full commentary of Barcelona v Aston Villa on BBC Radio WM [95.6FM]

And tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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John McGinn admits Aston Villa's rise to the Champions League has allowed him to fulfil his boyhood dreams.

Before Tuesday's game in Barcelona, the Scotland international has revealed his ambition for Villa to continue to face the world's best clubs.

Villa captain McGinn has only been to the Nou Camp once on holiday but is now ready to face World Cup winner Lamine Yamal on the pitch.

"I used to go on holiday in Fuerteventura and Salou and I was here on a stadium tour the day Ricardo Quaresma signed for Barcelona," said the midfielder. "I've never been since but I'm excited to represent Aston Villa on the big stage.

"I'm 32 years old and the trajectory of this club is allowing me to dream in the same way I did since I was nine, 10, 11.

"What the club is trying to do now is make this journey and make it a yearly experience to compete with the best in England and Europe.

"It's a pleasure to be on this journey with the supporters. I am sure they will enjoy today and tomorrow, but we will only enjoy the experience if we win three points."

Villa are defending their 100% Champions League record after three wins from their opening three games, results that mean they are second in the league phase.

They also travel to Galatasaray this month and host defending champions Paris St-Germain on 8 December.

Hit play below to hear more from McGinn or listen on BBC Sounds here

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Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki will be more available to Aston Villa this season after the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia was postponed because of a series of deadly attacks on the host country.

The 24-team tournament was scheduled to take place from 7 January to 5 February but has been rescheduled to run from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028.

Japan would have been one of the favourites for the tournament and Villa, who are in the Champions League, might have had to do without Suzuki - assuming he would have been selected - for at least seven games if his country had reached the final.

In October, a missile attack by Yemen's Houthi movement on Riyadh's airport killed 13 people and wounded more than 300.

A statement from the the Asian Football Confederation said the decision to reschedule had been taken "in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions".

This is the second successive Asian Cup to be postponed after the 2023 tournament was moved to 2024 and to Qatar from China because of the Covid pandemic.

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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Skipper John McGinn believes Aston Villa are proving the critics wrong following their summer rebuild.

Villa face Barcelona at the Nou Camp with a 100% record in the Champions League this season after three wins.

They are second in the league-phase table, behind defending champions Paris St-Germain on goals scored.

Villa, ninth in the Premier League, have won seven of their past 11 games after failing to win their opening four.

It comes after a summer of change following six key departures and a raft of new players, with McGinn praising the new-look squad.

"It's going slight better than what some people envisaged," he said. "I have to give credit to the new players - a lot of change and a lot of information, and they have adapted well.

"They realise the structure we've built gives players the best possible chance to show their capacity.

"The new players are taking a lot on board and we're starting to gel. It's exciting and we have a demanding manager who will not let us stop and be comfortable."

La Liga leaders Barca have scored 56 goals in 14 games this season, with former Leeds United forward Raphinha netting 15 and Lamine Yamal 10.

McGinn added: "We haven't been talking about anyone in particular. They have world-class players in the starting XI and on the bench.

"We respect the players who can hurt us, but we have our own players to cause damage to Barcelona."

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• This will be the first meeting between Barcelona and Aston Villa since the European Super Cup final (played over two legs) in January 1983, which was won 3-1 on aggregate by the Villans (lost 1-0 away, won 3-0 at home).

• Unai Emery has faced Barcelona on 30 occasions in his managerial career, winning just three of those (D6 L21). Of teams he has faced five or more times, his win percentage against Barcelona is his lowest against any opponent (10%).

• Barcelona are on the longest current run without a clean sheet of any team in this season's Champions League (18 games). However, their average of 2.97 goals per game in the competition under Hansi Flick is their highest under any manager (86 goals in 29 matches).

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Unai Emery says he wants Aston Villa to focus on their own experiences rather than draw upon his own previous struggles against Barcelona.

Emery has faced the Catalan giants 30 times as a manager, winning just three of those and losing on 21 occasions, but his time at Villa Park is more valuable to him.

"Usually in my experiences [against Barcelona] they were giving me information to learn and get better for the next matches," Emery said in his news conference on the eve of Villa's match at Spotify Camp Nou.

"With our players, we are speaking about our experiences together. We have experiences in Europe, the Champions League two years ago and this year. We have played three matches and we won three matches and done fantastic work.

"Tomorrow, we are facing one of the favourite teams so it is a huge challenge. Maybe in this Champions League [season] this is the most difficult match we are going to play.

"We have confidence in how we are building the team, how we are competing and how we are getting our experiences. How we are progressing and setting demands, this is the challenge we have. Tomorrow, the experience we are going to use collectively is our own experience and we try to get another experience here. It's a really exciting match."

Listen to full match commentary of Barcelona v Aston Villa on BBC Radio 5 Live

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

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There is now a long list of occasions since Unai Emery took charge of Aston Villa four years ago which might have had fans tapping the side of their head. Are we sure we're actually awake, folks? Are we all in the same dream?

This week will probably go to the top of that list - above the Jhon Duran blast against Bayern Munich, above April in Paris, even above the Istanbul trophy lift.

For Villans, apart from fans who remember 1982 for themselves and not as a passed-down memory - and therefore the Super Cup matches the following January - the Nou Camp has been a stadium tour on holiday or the focus of a stag weekend. Somewhere other people go, and otherworldly players play. It could never be you. But now it is.

He would never put it this way, or maybe even think of it this way, but one of Emery's most appealing characteristics is that no supporter is quite as enthusiastic a football tourist as the manager himself.

He has been to all these places before, of course. But he still often carries an air of wonderment when he turns up for his obligatory Uefa news conference the night before the game. (This was most evident in Amsterdam, when he wandered into an auditorium decorated by pictures of Johan Cruyff, head turning like an owl, and explained he had somehow never taken a team here before. "And... it's Ajax!" Suddenly, he was just like us.)

His primary task this week, however, may be to persuade his players not to feel like that. Perhaps this gets a little easier with each passing year as Villa replenish their squad with players familiar with even this exalted level.

A penny, though, for the thoughts of Alysson, of George Hemmings, of the other teenage members of the Villa playing staff on the trip.

Mind you, even though they have experienced the big time for a while, for older hands who served in the Championship mines with Villa and others - John McGinn, Matty Cash, Tyrone Mings - a Champions League night at the Nou Camp is the biggest time.

Barcelona, spraying goals everywhere this season, are as elite as opposition gets. Breathe deeply. Don't look up.

Actually, for now anyway, look at the table instead: Barcelona six points, Villa nine. Never mind who they have played so far, keep your caveats to yourself.

Until Tuesday night, at least, let others do the looking up.

Listen to full commentary of Barcelona v Aston Villa at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday on BBC Radio WM (95.6FM)

And tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights

Explore Aston Villa content on BBC Sounds

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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It always seemed a more symbolic threat than one which would ever be followed through.

Jamie Carragher, while letting himself down with language, merely expressed an opinion and not a particularly extraordinary one.

While it shows naivety towards Unai Emery's situation and the control he has at Aston Villa, it was hardly something to make headlines over.

It was one Villa should have let wash over them but, not for the first time this season - or indeed in previous years - the club chose a combative position towards the media. Although, if owner Nassef Sawiris wants to do something there is very little some can do to change his mind.

• Villa drop legal action threat against Carragher

Villa and Sawiris were defending their honour, as is their right, and they saw it as a slight on their ambition and how they could be perceived as lesser than Manchester United.

The idea of the traditional big six is one which irritates Villa, especially having won the Europa League and reached the Champions League for two of the past three seasons.

They have competed against those traditional sides - Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham - and have outperformed some of them at times.

The threat towards Carragher was a sign of their determination to be seen as equals, even if it was misguided.

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon has vowed to be more selfish ahead of facing Aston Villa.

The England forward is preparing for the Champions League clash on Tuesday following his summer move from Newcastle in a deal worth more than £69m.

Gordon has helped Barca to the top of La Liga and has scored three goals in 13 appearances in all competitions, including one in Saturday's 6-1 win over Alaves.

But the 25-year-old wants to do more to help Hansi Flick's side complete a clean sweep of trophies this season.

"The challenge of joining Barca is different to what I've had before because I was fighting relegation for two or three years (at Everton), which was tough," he said.

"At Newcastle we were fighting for the Champions League and to push up the table and now fighting for Barca for every trophy.

"To be competing on every front for every trophy is definitely the most enjoyable. I think people think it's more pressure but it's actually less pressure than fighting relegation and fighting to push up the table for the Champions League.

"I want to win every trophy. I want to be the best. This club allows me to do so.

"I think I can do it more, I can maybe be a little bit more selfish sometimes. I think sometimes I maybe pass too much. I should definitely score more goals, but like I said, the reality is goals win games and I'm here to win trophies."

Gordon has previously played Villa with Everton and Newcastle in the Premier League, scoring in the Magpies' 3-0 win on Boxing Day in 2024.

"They're one of the most physical teams in the league. They've got some great players," he said.

"Certain things can motivate me more than others but I try to remain the same. I try to remain consistent with my motivation. So the fact they're English doesn't make it more motivating.

"They have some great players, I know they all have had a great run as of late, so it's going to be a difficult game.

"They're the type of team that regardless of the game, they're always in the game, they wait for a moment. They seem to always be ready for any type of game, so we know it will be a tough challenge but we're excited for what's to come."