Emery: We’ll come back stronger

Unai Emery says Aston Villa will use their UEFA Champions League defeat against FC Barcelona to improve for future challenges.

The team’s winning start in the competition ended at Camp Nou as the La Liga leaders ran out 3-0 victors.

Despite the result, there were positives to take for Emery as he plots a path forward in Europe this season.

“We played the first half like we planned. There was an error for their goal, but it’s part of our style of play,” he said.

“We’ve made those mistakes during our time here together during the last four years. Mistakes at this level can make it a tough experience, but we overcame the goal and created chances to score.

“How we were feeling in the first half on the field was really good - only the result was not good. We should’ve felt optimistic to play the second half in the same way, but the second goal was completely punishing us.

“Even then we had chances to score and maybe we could have felt confident to get some points. The third goal ended the match.

“How we are being consistent in the Champions League with three wins before this match is giving us nine points. Today, losing, we can have our next challenge in Istanbul against Galatasaray.

“Barcelona is at the highest level in Europe, so it was a good test for us and gave us a lot of information about how we can get better, how we can build our structure stronger for the next weeks and months in this competition and in the Premier League.”

Emery also expressed his gratitude for the 3,000 Villans who travelled to the game, highlighting the importance of their contribution.

He said: “We are grateful how our supporters are helping us, travelling to be with us here.

“We are proud of our supporters and how they are sending their energy to us here and transmitting that energy to us on the field.

“Thank you, and the next challenge is Galatasaray in Istanbul. Now we have Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.”