Yahoo News 'Next season' point made as Aston Villa sent clear message after Euro exit
Aston Villa’s European dream is over after losing to Olympiacos in the semi-final of the Europa Conference League. Villa were eyeing a first European final since 1982, but like the ancient Acropolis in the background of the Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis, their hopes are now in ruins after a 6-2 aggregate defeat.
Villa travelled to Athens needing a Herculean effort to overturn a 4-2 deficit from the first leg, but limped to a 2-0 defeat on the night, with last week’s hat-trick hero Ayoub El Kaabi scoring the goals which sent the Greek side through to their first-ever European final.
Despite their European dreams ending with a whimper rather than a bang, Aston Villa supporters have reflected on a tough season for their team as tiredness and injuries finally take their toll.
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But with the prospect of finishing the season in the Premier League top four still likely, Villa fans were feeling proud this evening. Here is what some of them have had to say on social media...
Dale Pomeroy: As gutting as it is, no one can take away the fact we played some of the most games this season. Unlike these teams we’ve been playing, our league doesn’t give us weekends off to rest and prioritise European competitions. I’d take a semi-final loss and 4th place in the Prem any day.
Holly: I’m trying to keep my chin up. This team have bought so much joy to me over the past season. Let’s get that CL spot and I hope they all have a great summer. They deserve it.
Kieran: We can be proud, but conceding 6 goals to this side is nothing short of comical, no matter how you spin it.
Andrew Julian: Think we have finally run out of players. Think we need City to beat Spurs as can’t see us getting another point now this season. We are out on our feet.
Nick Moss: It's fair enough being (rightly) proud of our achievements this season, but it's also true that losing 6-2 to Olympiacos is embarrassing.
Luke: The best season of my life. Always was going to be a struggle with the depth and injuries we have. Looking forward to what’s to come, UTFV VTID
Jason Freeman: It’s been a great journey - well done to all involved. We can’t go through the next season with such a threadbare squad - a little more strength in depth and we’ll be unstoppable.
John Blewitt: A woeful semi final. Injuries and fatigue has played a part, plus really poor football at 2-2 at home. We need better quality in depth and better luck with injuries to compete on numerous fronts next season.
James Hale: It wasn’t to be, but what a season we have had. We will learn from this and go again next season with more depth to our squad. Proud of my team.
Stan86: Congrats to Olympiacos. Better team performance and their experience of winning titles and being in these competitions year after year showed. Onwards and upwards... still a great achievement to get to the semi. Up the Villa!
