.svg.png){kind=logo}
Aston Villa captain John McGinn has voiced his excitement ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League showdown against Barcelona at Camp Nou, insisting his side is determined to claim all three points in the high-profile fixture.
Unai Emery’s side arrives in Spain boasting a perfect Champions League record, having secured victories over Club Brugge, Fenerbahçe, and Viking in their opening three fixtures. Sitting second in the league phase table, behind only Paris Saint-Germain, Villa travel to Catalonia brimming with confidence.
Read Also:AFCON 2027Q: Tanzania To Storm Uyo Sunday For Super Eagles Showdown
In contrast, Barcelona currently occupy eighth position in the European standings following a recent 4–2 defeat to holders PSG. Hansi Flick’s side has suffered two losses in their last three matches across all competitions, including a painful El Clásico defeat to rivals Real Madrid.
Reflecting on the opportunity to feature on one of football’s biggest stages, the 32-year-old midfielder admitted the club’s remarkable rise under Emery has revived his childhood ambitions.
“I’m 32 years old, but the trajectory of this club is allowing me to dream the same way I dreamed when I was nine, ten or eleven to play in front of the biggest crowds,” McGinn stated.
“This is a very historic stadium, but what the club is trying to do now is make this normal… and make Aston Villa compete with the best in England and the best in Europe. Us, as professionals, we’ll only enjoy the experience if we have three points.”
Read Also:UCL: Stuttgart Star Wary Of ‘Dangerous’ Osimhen Ahead Galatasaray Showdown
Despite Villa’s strong form, McGinn remains wary of Barcelona’s quality, singling out their work rate alongside their individual talent. “They have world-class players,” McGinn noted.
“Not only do they possess amazing ability, the thing that impresses me most about them is their humility to work for the team.”
