---
title: "Aston Villa news: Aston Villa v Barcelona Champions League."
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/11/03/aston-villa-news-emery-barcelona-champions-league/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lucie Turner"
section: "Aston Villa Injury News"
published: "2026-11-03T09:29:30Z"
modified: "2026-11-03T09:29:30Z"
---

# Aston Villa news: Aston Villa v Barcelona Champions League.

Aston Villa v Barcelona Champions League: Aston Villa have already enjoyed a remarkable transformation under Unai Emery. Now the manager wants his side to demonstrate they can compete with Europe’s biggest clubs.

Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Barcelona is the perfect opportunity for Villa to go to the Nou Camp with nine points from the league phase.

It will also mark four years since Emery took over from Steven Gerrard at Villa Park. The Spaniard spoke about his desire to win silverware and bring the club into European competition back in November 2022 when he was unveiled.

He has certainly done that. Villa won the Europa League in May, ending a 30-year wait for a major trophy, and have become regular European contenders.

But Emery feels there is more to come. They will be able to test themselves against one of the top teams in the competition with Barcelona on their schedule.

## **Villa want to close the gap on Europe’s biggest clubs**

Villa now have bigger ambitions than just qualifying for Europe, with recent performances giving them confidence they can compete with the big boys.

Since Emery arrived in 2022, he has helped change Villa’s position in English football. He has had an impact on the whole club, including the team, style of play and overall direction.

He has also given the manager great decision-making power. The meticulous nature of his management requires a large amount of dedication from the players. Tactical sessions and training styles are set to help prepare the team against different opposition.

His attention to detail has made Villa a tough side to play against. Barcelona are well aware of the threat, especially knowing how good Emery is at picking out the opposition’s weaknesses and creating a game plan around it.

The fact that Villa have added Johan Manzambi from Freiburg shows how ambitious they are as a club.

As Emery has a contract until 2029, Villa can feel a bit of security around him. However, after winning the Europa League, there may be talks over his future.

## **Emery faces familiar Barcelona challenge**

But it is also a personal challenge for Emery, who turns 55 on Tuesday, and he has much to make up for at the Nou Camp.

The Spaniard has lost 14 of his 15 games at the ground and has only beaten Barcelona on three occasions in 30 games.

Emery has bitter memories of his last appearance in the Champions League. As Paris St-Germain’s coach, he saw the team fall from a 4-0 lead to lose in spectacular fashion 6-1.

He has also spoken about how he has learned from past European campaigns and how it is vital to learn and improve with each challenge.

Hansi Flick, manager of Barcelona, has acknowledged the standards of Villa’s play. He praised their organisation, attacking play and ability to bounce back from tough periods.

This respect means that Barcelona have a challenge on their hands with Villa, knowing they have a clear structure and will pose a threat to the Spanish side.

Emery knows they will need to be at their best. Although Barcelona are still firmly in contention for the Champions League title, Villa have earned their place in the competition.

A positive result will be a further statement of intent. But more importantly, it will help Emery’s vision of moving Villa beyond their recent successes and establishing them as one of Europe’s elite sides.