Youri Tielemans has his sights set on UEFA Europa Conference League progression on Thursday night and hopefully securing top spot in Group E.
Aston Villa host Legia Warszawa on matchday five with the two teams level on nine points at the summit of the standings.
Unai Emery’s side could secure their place in the knockout stages under the lights at Villa Park, as they come up against a Legia side who triumphed 3-2 when the sides met on matchday one.
Each group winner advances directly to the Round of 16 while runners-up contest the knockout round play-offs, competing against third-placed teams from the Europa League group stage.
“We are aware of that, and that’s why we want to be top of the group,” said Tielemans at Wednesday’s pre-match media conference.
“But obviously the first focus is to qualify overall and if we can be top, that’s the best thing.”
Villa host Legia having won both of their previous home matches in the group stage.
John McGinn’s last-gasp header clinched a 1-0 victory over HŠK Zrinjski before the Villans came from behind to secure another late 2-1 triumph over AZ Alkmaar last time out.
And Tielemans is hoping for another electric night in B6.
“Hopefully we can get the scoreline sorted earlier,” he said.
“The atmosphere has been really good, not only in the Conference League but also in the other competitions.
“Obviously we want to win the game and hopefully be first in the group.”
Villa fell behind after just three minutes in the reverse fixture in Warsaw before Jhon Durán immediately levelled.
Lucas Digne again responded for the visitors prior to the break after the hosts had taken the lead for a second time.
But it was Ernest Muci’s second goal of the evening after the restart that did the damage as Villa opened their Conference League campaign with their only defeat to date.
“It was our first game in the group stage,” said Tielemans, reflecting on the matchday one encounter.
“I think the intensity we put in at their place wasn’t enough and then we got hit on the counter three times.
“So, we had to manage that a lot better when we played them and we’ve got to be aware of that tomorrow.”
