- Unai Emery has stated he is “excited” for Aston Villa’s “special” match against Nottingham Forest in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final
- Forest currently have a one-goal lead after winning the first leg 1-0
- The match will be played at Villa Park at 20:00 UK time
Unai Emery is “excited” for Aston Villa’s second leg with Nottingham Forest tomorrow, and believes it will be a “special” match. The Villans host Vítor Pereira’s side, who currently hold a one-goal lead from the first leg at the City Ground last week.
Heading into the match, the two teams couldn’t be in more contrasting form. Villa have lost each of their last three in all competitions, whilst Forest have won five in a row, and are unbeaten in ten.
Despite this, however, Villa will be confident. There’s no better place to try and overturn a one-goal deficit than at Villa Park, with a raucous crowd.
The atmosphere at B6 is expected to be electric, with the home faithful looking to spur their team on towards the European final. For a club with Villa’s storied history, these are the nights the supporters crave – under the lights, with everything on the line.
Past experiences will help
In his pre-match press conference, Emery discussed Villa’s past performances in semi-finals, and how they will help his team with the pressure.
“Each moment is different. And, as well, different competitions. But everything we are having as experiences before should help us when they are coming again, opportunities like tomorrow.
“But tomorrow is the first time here, playing one match like that, because we played semi-finals two years ago in Conference League, but first leg at home, second leg away.
“Last year, we played quarter-final in Champions League, the second leg here at home like this year, but quarter-finals.
“And last year, we played semi-final FA Cup, playing only one match, and in London. Tomorrow, this match is special. It’s different. We are playing in Villa Park.
“They have advantage. For this reason, for me, they are favourites, and tomorrow, we have a huge opportunity to enjoy momentum, to enjoy competing, to enjoy during the match, one match like that.”
Will it be the last opportunity for the players to win a trophy?
Villa’s core group of players has remained at the club for many seasons, and some were even here before Emery arrived in November 2022. With the current age of the squad, this summer feels like it’s going to be one where a refresh occurs, and long-standing players are moved.
As this could be the case, this could be their last chance to win a trophy as a group before the next generation of players are brought in.
Emery was asked whether he thinks this could be the final time for them to lift a piece of silverware.
“I think we have players adding a lot of experiences. We are usually getting highest level with the club, with the players. We are improving, myself as well, improving here.
“And we will have, after tomorrow, our way to set more challenges for the present or future.
“I don’t think tomorrow is the last opportunity for us or for anyone. And the players, of course, they are enjoying the process we are doing, and they are aware about how difficult is football, but how the greatest moment we are having here in Aston Villa the last three years, and we can smile and we can be proud of everything.
“But, of course, we are still being so, so demanding and so, so consistent, everything we are doing.
“It’s not going to break nothing for how we are thinking is our process and our progress and our things improving.”
ReadAstonVilla FC Verdict
This clash against Forest represents more than just a tactical battle; it is a test of character for a squad standing at a crossroads. The stakes could not be higher. All eyes now turn to Villa Park to see if Villa can seize this “special” moment and march towards a European final.
Emery’s message is one of belief, perspective and opportunity. Aston Villa may trail going into the second leg, but there is no sense of surrender from the manager or the club.
Instead, there is a clear feeling that this is exactly the kind of night Villa Park was made for. If Villa can match the emotion in the stands with a calmer, sharper performance on the pitch, they have every chance of turning this tie around.
Against a Forest side arriving full of confidence, Villa now need to show that this “special” night can become a defining one in Emery’s reign.
