For Aston Villa, this was a thoroughly satisfying end to a difficult and yet highly memorable week. They mourned the loss of Gary Shaw, the youngest member of their 1982 European Cup-winning team, and made an impeccable return to Europe’s premier club competition. Before kick-off here there was a rousing minute’s applause for Shaw, whose family and former teammates were in attendance, and by the end a buoyant crowd celebrated a comeback victory.
It looked a long way off at half-time. With about a minute of stoppage time to run, Unai Emery had seen enough and marched down the touchline towards the tunnel with a face like thunder. He conceded Villa’s first 51 minutes was their worst showing since he took charge almost two years ago and said it was the angriest he has been as Villa manager.
