Unai Emery is back at the Parc des Princes, not for revenge, but to silence the echoes of a haunting night that has long lingered in his career. As Aston Villa aims to reach the Champions League semi-finals, their belief lies as much in their players as in the manager orchestrating from the touchline. For Emery, the journey to this stage is also a personal one – a chance to confront the memory of the infamous “La Remontada.”
The 53-year-old Spaniard enjoyed success during his time in charge of Paris St-Germain, collecting seven trophies between 2016 and 2018, including the Ligue 1 title in his final campaign. Yet, his tenure remains overshadowed by a catastrophic collapse in 2017, when PSG lost 6-1 to Barcelona in the second leg of a last-16 tie, despite leading 4-0 from the first match. That defeat, marked by three goals conceded in seven chaotic minutes, remains a defining blemish on his time in France.
Now, Emery stands on the verge of rewriting that narrative. Facing PSG in a high-stakes quarter-final, he once again shares the touchline with Luis Enrique – the same coach who oversaw that dramatic comeback with Barcelona. Enrique, now leading the French champions, once called that evening “a horror movie,” and he’ll be hoping for a different kind of script this time.
But for Emery, this return offers a different tone. It is not driven by bitterness but by the opportunity to show how far he and Villa have come. With the Premier League side riding a wave of confidence, much of which stems from Emery’s European pedigree, there is a quiet belief that he might once again outwit a European heavyweight.
Villa trust their strategist on the continental stage
Inside Aston Villa’s camp, there is a clear sense that their coach is built for occasions like this. An insider close to the club spoke of Emery’s unwavering focus, describing his preparations as detailed and exhaustive. “He’s a genius,” they said, confident no opponent would be more thoroughly analyzed than PSG. While the challenge is considerable, the belief is that Emery’s planning gives Villa a real edge.
The Spaniard’s achievements in European competitions bolster that view. He won three Europa League titles in succession with Sevilla between 2014 and 2016, later lifting another with Villarreal in 2021 after defeating Manchester United. He also led Arsenal to a Europa League final in 2019 and took Villarreal to the Champions League semi-finals in 2022, losing to Liverpool. It’s on this stage that Emery’s methods thrive, and Villa are counting on that.
Midfielder Youri Tielemans voiced the squad’s confidence, saying they draw strength from their manager’s experience. “He knows what this level requires,” said Tielemans. “We believe in his plan.” That belief is matched by recent results, with Villa enjoying a seven-match winning streak across all competitions, a feat not achieved at the top level since 1981.
There’s also intrigue around Marco Asensio, who joined Villa in January on loan from PSG. The Spanish forward, a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, could feature against his parent club. His recent performances, including three goals against Club Brugge in the previous round, suggest he could be a key figure.
Emery, speaking ahead of the clash, acknowledged the strength of his former team and praised Enrique’s tactical acumen. But he also emphasized the need for Villa to impose their own strategy. “We must have a plan,” he said. “We respect them, but we believe in what we can do.” If Emery succeeds in leading Villa past PSG, it will be another significant chapter in his remarkable European story – and a night that may finally cast off the weight of one painful memory.
