Emery Stays Upbeat Despite Aston Villa's 3-1 Defeat To Psg In Paris

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery remains optimistic about his team's chances of reaching the Champions League semi-finals, despite a 3-1 first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night.

Villa took a surprise lead in the French capital through Morgan Rogers, but PSG responded with two outstanding goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia either side of half-time. A late third from Nuno Mendes handed the Parisians a commanding advantage ahead of next Tuesday's return leg at Villa Park.

Yet Emery, whose side have enjoyed a stellar run of form domestically and in Europe, remains confident they can turn things around on home soil.

"At 2-1 we were thinking about winning the next match, and even at 3-1, that hasn't changed," said the Spaniard. "We're enjoying the experience, and I'm very proud of the players. We competed really well and were close to a good result.

"That goal at the end changes the scoreline, but not our mindset. Villa Park is our home, and we hope to be stronger there. Of course, they are favourites-they've shown their quality and individual brilliance."