PARIS – Aston Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, is set to revisit familiar territory when his team takes on Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday. The return to Parc des Princes might open up some challenging memories for Emery.
Conversely, Villa’s on-loan striker Marcus Rashford can look back with fondness, reminiscing on one of his most thrilling soccer highlights. For Lucas Digne and Marco Asensio, both former PSG players now with Villa, the visit could evoke mixed emotions.
A Notorious Setback
Emery’s stint as PSG’s coach is marked by one of the most memorable collapses in Champions League history. Eight years ago, PSG went head-to-head with Barcelona in the Round of 16, squandering an imposing 4-0 first-leg advantage by succumbing 6-1 in the second leg.
Following this misfortune, PSG lost the Ligue 1 championship to Monaco, a side led by a young Kylian Mbappé. In a hefty investment aimed at reclaiming dominance, PSG splurged 422 million euros to acquire Neymar and Mbappé. Despite these signings, Emery’s tenure with PSG came to an end after the subsequent season, characterized by consecutive last-16 exits in the Champions League. Nonetheless, Emery left an impression as a coach who could challenge player influence.
“It was a complex period,” Emery reflected. “There was a learning curve for both myself and the team.” However, Villa appears to have embraced his coaching approach, embarking on a commendable seven-match winning streak as they book their place in the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time since 1983. Emery’s prowess in European competitions is well-noted, having clinched the Europa League title four times and steering Villarreal to the Champions League semis in 2022.
Rashford’s Memorable Penalty
Following Emery’s exit, PSG experienced another Champions League setback, this time due to Rashford. He delivered a crucial stoppage-time penalty for Manchester United that overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit, leading to PSG’s elimination on away goals. PSG’s coach at the time, Thomas Tuchel, was incensed by the loss, citing poor preparation from his players as a contributing factor.
Digne’s Brief PSG Tenure
Lucas Digne joined PSG as a promising but untested 20-year-old when Laurent Blanc was newly appointed coach. PSG’s owners, QSI, had big plans, investing 15 million euros to secure Digne’s transfer from Lille. Although he showed glimpses of talent, Digne struggled for a permanent spot in the team. Following a loan to Roma, he transferred to Barcelona in 2016. Since his move to the Premier League, initially with Everton and later with Villa, Digne has established himself as a dependable left-back. Celebrating a recent milestone, Digne reached 50 international appearances with France.
Asensio’s Redemption
Seizing an opportunity during the winter transfer window, Emery secured Marco Asensio on loan from PSG. The Spaniard had fallen out of favor with PSG’s coach Luis Enrique but has thrived since his move to Villa, relishing his role as a prolific goal-scoring substitute. Asensio’s stellar performance at Villa, including an impressive eight goals in 11 appearances, capped with a hat-trick in the Round of 16 against Club Brugge, is a testament to his skill.
Asensio had previously made a name for himself at Real Madrid with his knack for scoring long-distance goals and remarkable pace as an attacking midfielder. Having found form once more, the 29-year-old enters the upcoming clash with PSG determined to make an impact.