It’s conceivable to think that Aston Villa fans travelled here via cloud nine.
After all, they’ve been on it ever since Saturday lunchtime’s thrilling victory over Premier League leaders Arenal, but now it’s from euphoria to Europa as Unai Emery’s side focus their attention on a competition that the Spaniard has won a record four times in his career, including in the 2016 final against Liverpool at Basel’s St. Jakob Park.
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The Villa boss returns there knowing a win would move them a step closer to the knockout stage, although they did lose their last away match. They suffered a surprise defeat to Go Ahead Eagles on a rainy night in the Netherlands, in which the head coach made seven changes to his starting line-up. However, ‘In Unai We Trust’ has been the resounding message from the fans I’ve spoken to in Switzerland. Their high spirits are being helped not only by that dramatic victory in the Premier League but also Basel’s delightful Christmas market on Munsterplatz. Oh, and probably a beer or two in one of the many bars in the tri-border city, where three points will be an early festive gift for the 1,800 supporters who’ve travelled here for another European away day experience to savour.
I caught up with some as you’ll see below at the Dreiländereck monument, where the borders of Switzerland, Germany and France meet by the Rheine River.
Tonight on BBC Radio WM: West Midlands Football Phone-in (1800) and Pre-match discussion (1900)
Get it all live here
And get match commentary on your digital radio – not online – from 2000.
[BBC]
