Emery: Barcelona favourites to win Champions League ahead of Aston Villa clash

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says Barcelona are the favourites to win the Champions League, as his side prepare to face Hansi Flick’s team at Camp Nou on Tuesday.

Barcelona host Aston Villa in the fourth round of the competition, with Emery praising the standard of Flick’s team and highlighting the challenge facing his players.

“Paris Saint-Germain’s match against Barcelona was very even and open,” Emery said at his pre-match news conference. “Paris Saint-Germain eventually won, but it was a high-level contest and either team could have come out on top.”

“In my opinion, those two teams have the best chances of reaching the final at Metropolitano.”

Barcelona’s recent defeat by Real Madrid in El Clasico was also discussed, with Emery suggesting the result was influenced by circumstances specific to that match.

“It was a different game,” he said. “Barcelona appeared to need some adjustments and they clearly had absences in defence. That may have played a part in the final result.”

Emery also identified the strength of Barcelona’s midfield and attack, naming several of the club’s key players.

“Rodri is the best midfielder in the world,” he said. “If you put him together with Pedri and Fermin Lopez, Barcelona would have a midfield that would be difficult for any team to overcome.”

“Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are excellent players, and very few teams can possess that level of attacking quality. At the moment, Lamine is the player closest to the very best in the world.”

The Aston Villa boss said Flick’s influence had been clear since the German took charge, describing the team as one built around both attacking commitment and a strong character.

“Flick’s mark is obvious,” Emery said. “He has spent a little more than two years in charge of the team and is working to build a winning side with a strong personality.

“He makes you enjoy watching football, with an attacking commitment that is non-negotiable.”

Emery acknowledged the difference between the two teams but said Aston Villa were focused on developing a way to compete with opponents of Barcelona’s quality.

“We are trying to find our own way and learn how to deal with teams such as Barcelona, given the difference between us and them,” he said. “But they are certainly the favourites to win.”

Barcelona’s status as contenders also brings additional pressure, according to Emery, although he believes their players are accustomed to operating in such circumstances.

“The pressure on them is greater because they are among four teams expected to win the trophy,” he said. “But we are talking about players who are used to playing under that kind of pressure and feel comfortable when they are the favourites.”

Asked about Barcelona’s comeback against him while he was at Paris Saint-Germain, Emery replied: “Remontada Barcelona against me with Paris? A lot of things happened on that day. You know I have been working in football for many years. At that time, the presence of video technology would have been necessary.”