Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 12, 2024 3:03 pm GMT
Aston Villa is stepping back into the limelight of European football as they prepare to make their debut in the UEFA Champions League. The team, managed by Unai Emery, faces Swiss side BSC Young Boys in a match that marks the club’s first appearance in Europe’s most prestigious tournament in 41 years. Villa fans will be looking to cheer their team as they aim to honor club legend Gary Shaw, who passed away earlier this week.
The Road to the Champions League
Aston Villa’s journey to the Champions League has been a long and challenging one. After years away from European competition, the club returned to prominence by securing a spot in this year’s Champions League following a strong performance in the domestic league last season.
Unai Emery emphasized the significance of this moment for the club and its supporters. “It’s really a challenge, last year our challenge was to get Europe and now it is to keep it,” Emery stated. “But we have to enjoy each match, each moment in this competition.”
The Significance of Gary Shaw
The match comes with a somber backdrop as the club mourns the loss of Gary Shaw. The former Aston Villa player was instrumental in the team’s historic victory in the 1982 European Cup final against Bayern Munich. Emery expressed his condolences to Shaw’s family and suggested that his legacy would motivate the players.
“We have a memory always, in our training ground, a picture of 1982 and the European Cup; he was a protagonist of that,” he said.
The Teams and Their Lineups
As both clubs gear up for the match, here are the expected lineups:
Young Boys
- Goalkeeper: Von Ballmoos
- Defenders: Athekame, Camara, Zoukrou, Hadjam
- Midfielders: Niasse, Lauper, Monteiro, Ugrinic
- Forwards: Colley, Ganvoula
Substitutes: Keller, Marzino, Lakomy, Itten, Imeri, Chaiwa, Elia, Virginius, Abdu Conte, Benito, Blum, Males
Aston Villa
- Goalkeeper: Martinez
- Defenders: Bogarde, Konsa, Torres, Digne
- Midfielders: Onana, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Ramsey
- Forward: Watkins
Substitutes: Gauci, Zych, Diego Carlos, Barkley, Duran, Buendia, Nedeljkovic, Maatsen, Bailey, Swinkels, Young
This match will not only be significant for the players but also for the coaching staff. They are keen to use their experiences from other European competitions and blend them into a competitive mindset.
Understanding the Swiss Model
This year’s Champions League features a new format known as the “Swiss model,” where 36 teams will compete. Each team will play eight games against different opponents—four at home and four away. Here are the key features of the format:
- Total Teams: 36
- Matches Per Team: 8
- Points Needed to Qualify: At least 15 points are estimated to qualify for the last 16 teams.
- Home/Away Matches: Each team plays four home and four away matches.
Teams will need to adjust quickly to the demands of this new format. Villa’s opener against Young Boys is crucial as they look to secure important points early in the tournament.
The Venue: Wankdorf Stadium
The match will take place at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern, Switzerland. Known for its artificial pitch, the venue poses a unique challenge for teams not accustomed to playing on such surfaces.
Emery and his squad traveled early to Switzerland to adapt to these playing conditions. Leon Bailey, despite missing the recent win against Everton due to injury, made the trip, while Matty Cash remains sidelined.
<h3.Young Boys' Recent Performance
Young Boys, the reigning champions of the Swiss Super League, made headlines by advancing past Galatasaray in the qualification round. They are not to be underestimated, having previously taken points off Manchester United in the Champions League group stage just a few seasons ago.
Key Players to Watch
Both teams boast players who can turn the game:
- Aston Villa: Look out for Ollie Watkins, whose attacking prowess is vital for Villa’s offense.
- Young Boys: In the attacking department, Ganvoula will be essential for breaking through Villa’s defense.
The Fan Experience
As the Champions League anthem reverberates through the stadium, the atmosphere will be electric. Traveling Villa fans reportedly cheered when the anthem was played in the stadium, highlighting the excitement surrounding this prestigious competition.
Peter Crouch of TNT remarked on the mixed reception of the anthem but acknowledged the enthusiasm from the Villa fans in attendance. The club is poised to make the most of this opportunity, and supporters are eager to see how the team adapts to the Champions League level.
Looking Forward
Aston Villa’s mission in this Champions League campaign is clear: embrace the challenge, stay competitive, and make a mark in Europe. They have an ambitious schedule ahead, which includes high-profile matches against teams like Bayern Munich and Juventus.
Emery’s squad is determined to honor the memory of Gary Shaw and create new memories of their own. As they embark on this exciting adventure, fans are hopeful that Villa can establish themselves as serious contenders in this revamped tournament format.
Conclusion
Aston Villa is back in European soccer, and everyone is really excited! The team has a long history and a strong purpose this time around. Their first match against Young Boys is a big deal, filled with emotions and tough competition. Both fans and players are thrilled about this new beginning and can’t wait to see what happens in the Champions League!
