Incredible 3-2 win isn't enough as Aston Villa exit Champions League | OneFootball

Unai Emery wanted his players to use Villa Park as a fortress. Aston Villa showed that they can win at times and outclassed an impressive PSG side on their home grounds. as their 3-2 victory, unfortunately for them, was not enough. The Champions League competition will now see the Ligue 1 champions progress through to the semi-finals, as Tuesday's visitors won 5-4 on aggregate.

It looked like a completely lost cause at the half. Trailing by two goals early on, Youri Tielemans at least scored one to keep it closer, but there wasn't too much hope for Villa. Entering from the locker room with the same starting XI, the ensuing 45 minutes told an entirely different story compared to what spectators had seen through the two legs.

The skipper of the day, John McGinn, showed why the AVFC boss trusts him. Battling in the midfield, he pushed forward and ultimately provided the spark that allowed Villa to come back within the match. His strike from distance was a beauty, and the rest of his teammates soon followed thereafter.

Then, inspired and causing a lot of issues for the visitors, the Villans found themselves on the front foot, seeking to narrow the aggregate gap. Marcus Rashford took on the defender and found Ezri Konsa for the shot that found its way to the bottom corner of the net.

Nearly happened for Aston Villa

Of course, it is disappointing to exit the European competition. For everyone who supported the players and all involved, it was a worthy effort that everyone can be proud of. On another day, Gianluigi Donnarumma maybe doesn't make a great save to prevent a third.

The PSG keeper prevented Rashford from scoring on a good strike, and Tielemans also nearly scored again off a header. Then Konsa only marginally missed a header that looked like it would have at least forced another spectacular save.

Being so close and then recapturing belief can make the loss sting that much more. Regardless, this was an effort that Emery and the fans can be proud of for the efforts and fight that the players showed on the pitch. On another evening, maybe Ian Maatsen's late strike takes the deflection and still finds a way to go in. Extra time wasn't in the cards for Aston Villa. They can build on this match and always look back to the second leg quarter-final as an example of just how great this side can play.