Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has called on his team to get maximum points against Celtic in order to get direct qualification to the UEFA Champions League last 16, Afrosport reports.
Villa could earn a top-eight spot in the league phase if they win the Bhoys at Villa Park on Wednesday night and other results go their way.
This would mean they avoid a two-legged play-off round next month to determine the other eight teams that will make it into the round of 16.
Emery’s men had the chance to seal the automatic berth last week but lost 1-0 at Monaco.
“Overall we are doing fantastic. And we are now with 13 points. It’s not in our hands, but a lot of other teams as well have to win again tomorrow in case we are winning,” the Spaniard said.
“I want to play the match and enjoy it at Villa Park with our supporters. Day eight in the Champions League this year. We are excited and motivated.
“The players as well, they are showing us that they are enjoying the Champions League and competing and creating the possibility of a strong atmosphere with our supporters here.”
A huge night at Villa Park in the Champions League is up next…🤩 pic.twitter.com/vkW7rqWwcL
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 27, 2025
Villa currently sit in ninth place, tied on the same number of points (13) with Bayer Leverkusen.
