Unai Emery issues challenge to Aston Villa supporters ahead of huge Europa League clash

Unai Emery has urged Villa supporters to help roar the team into the Europa League final on Thursday night.

Villa host Nottingham Forest in a semi-final second leg targeting just the second European final in club history.

Forest hold a 1-0 lead from last week’s first leg and Emery has branded the visitors favourites, for one of the biggest matches to take place in the Midlands for decades.

But he believes home advantage could be a major factor. Thursday is Villa’s third semi-final in successive seasons but the first time they have hosted a second leg.

Emery said: “Tomorrow, this match is special. We are playing at Villa Park.

“They (Forest) have the advantage and for this reason they are the favourites. Tomorrow we have a huge opportunity to enjoy competing.

“I am so, so confident that the supporters will respond like they did in similar games in Europe, like against Olympiacos and PSG. I am expecting it.”

Villa were beaten by Olympiacos in the Conference League semi-final two seasons ago, while they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Crystal Palace at the last-four stage last season.

The majority of Thursday’s starting XI will have featured in both matches with Villa’s success under Emery having been built around the same core group.

Yet the boss dismissed the idea this might represent the final chance for the current squad to claim silverware.

Villa are seeking to end a 30-year trophy drought and Emery said: “Our players have lots of experiences, usually getting their highest level.

“We are improving, including myself, and we will have more challenges to set for the present or future.

“I don’t think tomorrow is the last opportunity for us or anyone.

“The players are enjoying the process that we are doing and they are aware about how difficult football is, and the greatest moment we are having in the last three years.

“We can smile and be proud of everything, but we are staying demanding and so, so consistent. Thursday will break nothing about how we are thinking and trying to improve.”