The mostly second string team lose 2-0 in Moscow and Villa’s European journey comes to a close with a whimper. MON had to decide on his priorities, as he said was likely several weeks ago, and this week it became clear that the UEFA Cup wasn’t foremost on his mind.
UEFA Cup Round of 32, 1st Leg – Villa 1 CSKA Moscow 1. Another fantastic European night at Villa Park, but plenty left to do in Moscow next week. The fat lady’s not singing just yet though, there’s no question that this is very doable.
European competition returns and it’s getting serious now. CSKA Moscow, the team with the best record in the group stages, comes to Villa Park tonight, but will the players and staff be more concerned with Chelsea’s visit on Saturday?
The draw for the knock out rounds of the UEFA Cup have been made. Villa will face some tough opposition in the next round and possibly English opposition after that. Did Martin O’Neill make the right choice playing the second stringers??
Craig Gardner has called for the the fringe players to get a second bite of the UEFA Cup apple and from the 20 man squad announced on avfc.co.uk it looks like he’s going to get his wish. Several top players get left behind for some much needed R&R.
Villa are one of a handful of Intertoto Cup “winners” left in the UEFA Cup and are therefore in the hunt to be the overall winners of the trophy. OK, it’s only the Intertoto I know, but it could be the first reason to unlock the silverware cabinet this season.
Finish 3rd in your group in the Champion’s League and all is not lost; you get another bite of the cherry by dropping into the UEFA Cup. Finish 2nd in your UEFA Cup group and you get the privilege of playing one of these high flying losers. We now know the 8 CL teams joining us.