Unai Emery Challenges Aston Villa for Champions League Top Eight Finish

Unai Emery has urged his Aston Villa team to solidify their position as contenders for the Champions League by aiming for a top-eight finish. Currently unbeaten in the competition, Villa needs to obtain about 16 to 17 points to secure their objective. As they prepare to face Club Brugge, Emery emphasizes the importance of striving for success and avoiding potential playoff matches against teams in the top eight. Despite recent setbacks in other competitions, the players remain committed to maintaining their Champions League momentum. The manager noted that competing against Europe’s best teams is a significant milestone for the club, which returned to this prestigious stage after a time away. Emery's ambition reflects his desire to elevate the team's profile and performance on the continental level. He acknowledges that achieving this goal is an impressive feat for a team that was considered an underdog going into the tournament. Amadou Onana, a midfielder with Belgian roots, also expressed excitement regarding the match against Club Brugge. He considers it special to play in Belgium for the first time despite his previous connections to the country. He believes securing a win in the Champions League would be pivotal for both the team and its supporters. As the campaign progresses, Aston Villa aims to keep their impressive record intact and continue to defy expectations on the European stage, emphasizing teamwork and resilience as they move forward.