Aston Villa manager Unai Emery believes his side are capable of a stunning Champions League fightback when Paris Saint-Germain travel to Birmingham for the second leg of their quarterfinal on Tuesday defending a 3-1 lead.
Despite seizing the advantage at the Parc des Princes last week, Emery’s men were outclassed in a manner that has become customary for Luis Enrique’s all-conquering French champions.
Stunning strikes from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia put PSG in front before Nuno Mendes added what could be the killer third goal in stoppage time.
The size of the task facing Villa is considerable.
PSG have won 17 of their last 18 games in all competitions, the only exception being a 1-0 first leg home defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League last 16, which they overturned at Anfield.
They have not lost by more than one goal since October and only once in 47 matches this season.
Yet Emery’s own experience of being PSG boss has taught him what is possible in the pressure cooker of knockout Champions League nights.
Luis Enrique’s Barcelona came from 4-0 down against Emery’s PSG in 2017 to win 6-1 in one of the most remarkable fightbacks in the competition’s history.
Now the roles are reversed as Emery seeks a famous turnaround to prolong Villa’s first foray into European football’s elite competition since 1982/83.
“We are going to enjoy on Tuesday at Villa Park something very, very special for our supporters (and) for us,” said the Spaniard.
“The possibility and opportunity we have to try to face PSG and try to come back. Of course, it’s going to be difficult, but we have to feel strong at home and try to prepare as best as possible for the match.
“And try to transmit our energy, to get the supporters’ energy and then play the best football.
“When we are playing this year the best football, we can get it.”