Results elsewhere and a hard-fought win over Celtic ensured Villa finished eighth in the league phase table, and with injuries stacking up – Matty Cash hobbled off on Wednesday night, adding to their defensive woes – it gives Unai Emery’s side a much-needed month away from European football.
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Read MoreEmery therefore found himself fielding several transfer questions afterwards, admitting Duran’s departure would be “good” for Villa financially before insisting he wants Watkins to stay.
“It’s something I can feel proud of, because they are improving. We have players [wanted by] other clubs, but of course our objective here is to keep our structure, because on the sport side we want to be at the level we are.
On the possibility of Watkins departing, he added: “I don’t want [to sell]. It is good news to have offers from other clubs. We want to keep our sporting objective through the players we have in the squad. Every player can be in the market if it is good for the player and the club. To get this deal we are going to be demanding. Watkins is our striker.”
Unai Emery fielded several questions about Watkins and Duran after the match (Photo: Getty)“If he is leaving it’s because he wants [to]. I told you last week I wanted him here. I want him here, but what does he want?”
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Read MoreOn the pitch, Villa were guilty of taking their foot off the gas – Adam Idah’s two goals in two minutes cancelled out Morgan Rogers’ quick-fire double inside the first five – before the spotlight fell on Watkins, who scored his first Champions League goal to restore Villa’s lead before skying a shambolic penalty.
It means Villa next play in this competition for a quarter-final place in March, making for a feat worth celebrating.
Villa’s owners, who hiked ticket prices for these tell-your-grandkids nights, will feel justified in both their outlay and demands, and bank roughly £9.2m for reaching the last 16.
Morgan Rogers scored a hat-trick for Aston Villa against Celtic (Photo: Getty)A play-off round where Manchester City could face Real Madrid or Bayern Munich while Villa sit back and wait in the wings? Uefa like this. Insert the “dollar signs for eyes” emoji right here.
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Read MoreNot only are Villa doing themselves a favour in helping the Premier League secure a fifth spot for the Champions League next season, but their rivals have seen that the last 16 is a realistic goal given the financial might of English football.
And even in defeat Celtic can revel in this new format, too. The Scottish champions have not played in the Champions League knockouts since 2013, and while the play-offs may represent a limbo round, the fact they will play at least 10 matches in this competition marks an upgrade on recent efforts.
Cheers all around, then, although Villa’s celebrations will not last long if Watkins turns around and says he wants out.
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