Emery takes positives, but Villa 'have work to do' to reach Barca level

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery says his team have "work to do" to reach Barcelona's level after a 3-0 Champions League defeat at the Nou Camp. Barcelona have won 13 of their 15 games this season after beating Aston Villa Unai Emery punched the air in frustration at the Spotify Nou Camp. It came from a place of disappointment and exasperation as his Aston Villa side let slip the opportunity of a result in their Champions League tie against Barcelona. They had just fallen 2-0 behind in Spain, having tried to match the hosts blow-for-blow. Raphinha's quick second-half double put the game out of reach after Lamine Yamal's opener, when Villa pressed the self-destruct button just seven minutes in.

It could have led to a collapse but, instead, they took the game to the Spanish champions during an engrossing first half, which could – and perhaps should – have yielded a leveller. While defeat ended their 100% Champions League start after three wins, it gave Villa and boss Emery the chance to consider their progress. Villa firmly believe they belong on this stage. After four years of improvement with Emery they have another chance to prove it. They arrived in Spain with wins against Club Brugge, Fenerbahce and Viking, but this was their hardest test. Emery, who celebrated his 55th