Unai Emery dedicated Aston Villa’s impressive win over Young Boys on their Champions League debut to club legend Gary Shaw, whose death was announced the day before the start of their European campaign.
Striker Shaw, who died aged 63, was part of the last Villa side to take part in the competition, triumphing in 1981/82, when it was known as the European Cup.
“First of all, this victory is for Gary Shaw,” Emery said after the 3-0 victory in Bern. “We can follow in the Champions League, winning like they [did]. We want to celebrate this victory and dedicate it to Gary Shaw and the Aston Villa family.”
“This victory is for Gary Shaw.” 💜
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 17, 2024
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Young Boys vs Aston Villa
Villa dispelled concerns over the Swiss side’s synthetic pitch in commanding fashion, Youri Tielemans drilling them ahead in the 27th minute before Jacob Ramsey capitalised on calamitous defending to make it 2-0 seven minutes before the break.
The Villans looked comfortable during the second half, the pick of the goals coming when Amadou Onana struck from distance with four minutes remaining.
Emery said Villa’s experiences during their run to the Conference League semi-finals last season had shown them how “difficult” away games in Europe are.
🗣️ Youri Tielemans’ reaction after last night’s win in Bern 👇 pic.twitter.com/EW7NP2Sm4V
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 18, 2024
“We focused very well over 90 minutes, being consistent and respecting [Young Boys],” said the three-time Europa League winner.
“They started pushing in the first 15 minutes. We defended well and were progressively adapting to the pitch. We imposed our capacity to beat them, always respecting them.
“The most important thing is the process we are doing here. Some players don’t have experiences at the level of the Champions League and others do.”
I use to pray for times like this. My @ChampionsLeague debut♥️ pic.twitter.com/wna4FbpNJo
— Morgan Rogers (@morgz_10) September 17, 2024
Aston Villa fixtures
“We have to build and create a new way,” added Emery. “The way we created last year in the Conference League was fantastic, even if we didn’t get to the final.
“Our supporters are following us here and helping us. We have to be strong and be together even when we are playing away from Villa Park.”
Villa host six-time European champions Bayern Munich in their next Champions League match on October 2 (8pm BST). The fifth-placed side in the Premier League are at home to Wolves on Saturday (3pm).
