Aston Villa crashed out of the Europa Conference League at Olympiacos on Thursday night, with the semi-final tie ending 6-2 on aggregate to the Greek side.
A brace from Ayoub El Kaabi ensured we exit the competition in disappointing fashion, as although we lacked a clinical edge to our play in Piraeus to make it an interesting night, the tie was ultimately lost in the first leg at Villa Park after going 4-2 behind.
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It brings an end to our European journey for this season, one that has created many brilliant memories and has hopefully been an important learning experience for the players as they adapt to this level and style of football across the continent.
Nevertheless, there will be frustration and disappointment with how we performed across the two legs against Olympiacos, and although injuries and fatigue played a massive role in the outcome, we certainly had an excellent opportunity to book our spot in the final and end our wait for silverware this season.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Olympiacos:
Emiliano Martinez, 6 – An important boost to have him back in the side, and he produced some decent saves while showing more control in possession and better positioning to sweep up danger behind the backline. Could have reacted quicker in coming out for the second goal, but the tie was already over.
Ezri Konsa, 5.5 – Once again moved across to the right-back role, and he didn’t look particularly comfortable in or out of possession. It’s a tactic that worked quite well earlier in the season, but Konsa looks increasingly unsure and vulnerable.
Diego Carlos, 5.5 – Showed good physicality and reading of the game at times, but along with the rest of the backline, we continued to concede chances too easily and were punished again early on.
Pau Torres, 5 – Lost El Kaabi for his first goal and similarly to others at the back, we just didn’t defend well enough again in this game despite having a huge share of possession. Did well on the ball to help us maintain control though.
Lucas Digne, 5 – Got into advanced areas and worked hard to give us width, but lacked quality and an end product to make a telling contribution again while also looking vulnerable defensively at times.
Matty Cash, 5.5 – Industrious and full of energy to give us an attacking threat down the right flank, but like so many of his teammates, couldn’t add the cutting edge in the final third to help us find a breakthrough.
John McGinn, 6 – Another captain’s shift as he battled hard and covered so much ground to try and give us a foothold in midfield. Couldn’t inspire us into finding a way back into the tie ultimately, but a physical and tenacious presence in the heart of the side.
Douglas Luiz, 4.5 – Did well in the first half, but became progressively more sloppy and wasteful with his distribution while struggling to find holes in the Olympiacos shape and defensive third. Has struggled for form for a while now, and it’s continuing to be an issue for the team as a whole if he can’t be influential.
Moussa Diaby, 4.5 – Replaced just before the hour mark, it was another underwhelming and frustrating display from the Frenchman. Had one big chance that he couldn’t convert, but was particularly wasteful on the ball as he surrendered possession and wasted openings far too often.
Leon Bailey, 5.5 – Showed great determination and desire to try and inspire us, as he is always wanting the ball and searching to make something happen. Unfortunately, he was hampered by an early knock and couldn’t find that bit of magic to drag us back into the contest.
Ollie Watkins, 5 – Worked hard in the final third in terms of his movement and attempts to link play up, but struggled to really get involved with a lack of service and couldn’t convert chances that did come his way. Will be frustrated that he couldn’t influence the outcome.
Substitutes:
Jhon Duran, 4.5 – Added a physical presence and focal point up top in the latter stages, but couldn’t find a way to positively impact the game.
Tim Iroegbunam, 4.5 – Booked after coming on as he struggled to get up to the speed of the game. Added an anchor in midfield though as we threw numbers forward in search of a goal.
Finley Munroe, N/A
Omari Kellyman, N/A
Kaine Kesler-Hayden, N/A