Aston Villa v Olympiacos - Post-Match Thread

[Bent Neilsens Screamer]

One thing I haven't seen being mentioned, but Villa Park was loud last night - particularly pre-kick off.

I might be biased but one of the best away fans too.

They were very good, might have been swayed by my position in the upper north but I was thinking, fuck me if a couple of thousand are like this, it’s going to be mayhem with 30/40k in the away leg.

I spoke to a mate who’s been to all the Euro games and he said the atmosphere in Warsaw was the best he can remember, so it’ll be interesting to hear his thoughts on Athens.

[dave.woodhall]

I actually didn't think Olsen did too badly tonight, but it does stretch coincidence somewhat that we always concede a billion goals when he's playing.

Made me laugh 😂. Slight exaggeration but absolutely get your point.

And welcome back.

[Meanwood Villa]

Still feeling really down about last night. I think I'd convinced myself we were going to win it, so deflating. I know the tie isn't over, I know it's been a great season regardless but overriding emotion now is sadness.

[LeeB]

I'm not feeling down at all, I'm with PWS, we're going to do 'em.

[Drummond]

It's half time and we're two behind. We can do this. Especially with a stronger squad for the second leg

[tomd2103]

When we got to 2-2, I thought we’d win 4 or 5 but we have really lost any kind of solidity defending for a long time. Weird really as it was a real strength in Unai’s first 12 months.

I thought they were very average, no better than Legia, and we’d have beaten them easily earlier in the season.

Lots of comments on the ref I agree with, but the one that really got me was in the first half when we were breaking down the right and he called it back to give free kick for us in our half and wagged his finger at their player without booking him.

I know it's almost treading into conspiracy theory territory and that is never good, but something still doesn't sit right with me about that officiating the other night.  I could understand if he'd been incompetent and as equally bad for both sides, but he clearly wasn't.  He just seemed to almost manage them through the game, giving them favourable decisions when they most needed them. 

That decision to not play advantage that you mention only to then not book the player was awful and it just kept happening at times when they needed something during the game.  Was it really wise to have Italian officials in a game when there is still an Italian team in the competition and Italian football benefits in general from that team doing well in that competition?  I doubt very much we would see an English referee appointed to a game in those circumstances to be totally honest.

Unfortunately, I fear that officiating in the 2nd leg is going to be even worse.

[Rory]

Are water companies releasing steroids into drinking water or something? There have been so many niggly little arguments between posters lately.

[Rory]

I'm not feeling down at all, I'm with PWS, we're going to do 'em.

I agree.

[PeterWithesShin]

Are water companies releasing steroids into drinking water or something? There have been so many niggly little arguments between posters lately.

No there fucking hasn't!!!!!

[Rory]

Are water companies releasing steroids into drinking water or something? There have been so many niggly little arguments between posters lately.

No there fucking hasn't!!!!!

You're a fucking prick, and if you don't leave me alone, I'm going to report you for bullying me and using abusive language.

[PeterWithesShin]

Reported.

[Rory]

I apologise unreservedly. Please don't tell Dave W.

[edgysatsuma89]

I don't really think heat of the moment is that much of an excuse either. You bunch of ******.

[Rory]

I don't really think heat of the moment is that much of an excuse either. You bunch of ******.

You can fuck off an' all!

[Toronto Villa]

Bozzie watching the game last night

https://x.com/iantaylor7/status/1786476531021230158?s=46

We felt the same joy and mostly anguish