FLARES, FINALS AND OLYMPIACOS - UNAI EMERY AND MATTY CASH'S ASTON VILLA PRESS CONFERENCE

There was a palpable buzz around Bodymoor Heath this afternoon ahead of Aston Villa’s first European semi-final for 42 years on Thursday night.

Like Villa, Olympiacos also progressed to the final four via penalties away from home as they dumped out Fenerbahce hours after Emi Martinez was the hero for Unai Emery’s side, saving two penalties in front of the baying Lille ultras.

If Villa go all the away and claim their first piece of silverware since 1996 at the end of this month, then Matty Cash’s late goal at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy will prove to be a defining moment in the club’s recent history.

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Villa took a one-goal lead to France after winning the first leg 2-1 at Villa Park, but after goals from Yusuf Yazıcı and Benjamin Andre, Villa were about to crash out of Europe before Cash’s deflected strike beat Lucas Chevalier.

"It was a big moment, when I hit it and it went in I just thought let’s go again," Cash admitted. "It didn’t sink in. It was a key moment or we wouldn’t be sat here.

"I know that was a key moment, there’s been many in the league when we’ve scored late or someone has done something key. It probably was a key moment."

Villa have won all six of their Europa Conference League games at Villa Park this season, including qualifying. They also have the experience of a proven winner at this stage of a continental competition in Emery. He has won five of his last seven semi-finals in Europe and claimed victory in four of the five finals.

"I don’t want to remember my past in Europe," Emery said. "Of course I know it is successful, but I want to focus on each moment because the past is important for my experiences, but not for the future.

"It is about creating and building a future. It is only practising with the players with the club I am at. It is creating a new way and trying to enjoy a new way. Of course, I know football is only to win.

"I am here because I was more successful than less. Now, with the players we have the club as well, I feel that we are wishing and are willing to play focusing 100 per cent because we appreciate a lot Europe."

Villa have managed to balance their European commitments alongside their outstanding Premier League form. With only three games remaining, Villa occupy fourth place ahead of Tottenham. But Emery doesn't want to look back, only forward.

"To increase to get more and more having good moments," he said when asked what his side can achieve. "To be in Europe is one step ahead of last year, we’re still in Europe for next year and one step ahead we will be in Europa league minimum. The level is increasing, changing in each competition.

"When you get to the final the level is big level and even before we played against Ajax and Lille and Olympiacos those teams have big experiences in Europe. They’re usually playing Europa League and they have a lot of players in the national team. We respect them and Europe is really amazing to be in."

Villa have played a total of 51 games across all competitions so far, so to give the players an extra boost before kick-off, the club have encouraged fans to congregate near the William McGregor statue outside the Trinity Road Stand to welcome in the team coach.

"We’ve had Ajax come and Lille and the atmosphere was really good, we go into a different entrance and it gives you a proper boost," Cash said. "When you turn up and there’s flares and singing it gives you a massive boost. Tomorrow will be the same.

"My character is to try and do my best, we’re in Europe and doing well, it’s a dream. If you can get in the Champions League it’s what any boy dreams of. We come to work, do the best we can and you haven’t got time to sit back and look at things. It still hasn’t sunk in that I’ve played in a World Cup, you’re only as good as your last game."

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2024-05-01T14:42:57Z dg43tfdfdgfd