Aston Villa's return to the Champions League after a 41-year absence comes with a poignant undertone. Manager Unai Emery has called on his side to secure victory in their opening game against Young Boys on Tuesday in memory of the club's European Cup winner Gary Shaw, who tragically passed away on Monday at the age of 63. Shaw was a key member of the Villa team that lifted the trophy in 1982, and Emery believes a win in Bern would be the perfect tribute to the legendary striker.
Emery acknowledged the significance of the occasion, stating, "My condolences to the family and all the supporters at Villa. We have a memory always, in our training ground a picture of 1982 and the European Cup, he was a protagonist of that. My condolences to them. I think it’s sad and we can use it as motivation." This sentiment highlights the emotional weight that this match carries for both the team and the fans.
Preparing for the Challenge
The game will be played at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern, which features an artificial surface. Emery has made adjustments to Villa's training regimen to ensure they are well-prepared for the unique playing conditions. "We are going to adapt," he said. "We changed a little bit our usual way for playing in Europe. Normally we have a training session in Birmingham and travel. But we decided to come to train here, to know and to adapt for the synthetic pitch. We’re ready and we won’t use it as an excuse. I think we can play with the same personality like we do at home." Villa's preparations demonstrate their commitment to achieving success, regardless of the challenges they face.
Meeting the Swiss Champions
This encounter marks the first-ever meeting between Young Boys and Aston Villa. Historically, Swiss teams have struggled against English opposition in the Champions League, with only seven wins in 24 matches. Aston Villa will be the 11th different English club to compete in the Champions League, and the first since Leicester City in 2016-17. Their last European Cup/UEFA Champions League game was in March 1983, when they were beaten by Juventus over two legs in the 1982-83 quarter-final.
Young Boys, on the other hand, have a mixed record against English teams. They have only won one of their last six matches against English opponents in the Champions League, with their only victory coming against Manchester United in 2021. Last season, they faced Manchester City, losing both home and away. However, they did manage to win their last home game in the Champions League, defeating Crvena Zvezda 2-0. Their current form in the Swiss Super League is less impressive, with three draws and three losses in their opening six matches. They will be looking to upset Villa in Bern and gain momentum in their Champions League campaign.
A New Era for Aston Villa
Villa have made a positive start to the Premier League season, winning three of their first four games, all by a single goal. They will be looking to carry that momentum into the Champions League, but they will face a Young Boys team eager to prove themselves. The Villans' return to Europe's top tier after a 41-year absence signals a new chapter for the club. They have strengthened their squad over the summer period and will be aiming to make a strong impression in the competition. Their manager, Unai Emery, who has extensive experience in the Champions League, will be looking to guide them to success.
A Pivotal Match for Both Teams
Tuesday's game promises to be an exciting clash between two teams with different ambitions. Young Boys will be looking to cause an upset and secure their first win against an English team in the Champions League since 2021. Aston Villa, fueled by the memory of Gary Shaw and a desire to establish themselves as a force in European football, will be aiming for a winning start to their Champions League campaign. The outcome of this match will have a significant impact on both teams' aspirations for the season, making it a must-watch encounter.
The Road Ahead
With the new format, the Champions League has become even more competitive. Emery's men will be aiming to make the most of their return to the competition. The new points system adds an extra layer of intrigue, with every game crucial for both teams. Villa's ambitions extend beyond simply participating. They have their sights set on making a mark on the competition and achieving significant success. The journey begins in Bern, and the match against Young Boys presents a formidable first test. The result will have a significant impact on Villa's chances of achieving their goals. With a talented squad and an experienced manager, Aston Villa are equipped to make a lasting impact on the Champions League this season. Their return to the competition is eagerly anticipated by both fans and neutrals alike, and the stage is set for a memorable campaign.
