KAABI TAKES VILLA FOR A RIDE

Moroccan striker stuns Villa with a hat-trick as Emery's men now have to wipe out a two-goal deficit in Greece

- NEIL MOXLEY

UNAI EMERY was knocked off his European perch by a boy from his own backyard.

Aston Villa's boss has built up a lofty reputation following his European success with Seville and Villarreal.

But he met his match last night as Olympiakos chief Jose Luis Mendilibar - a fellow Basque-masterminded a stunning triumph over the Premier League high-fliers.

Emery's managerial rival has built up a reputation as a fire-fighter but last night he was intent on starting one as, with the help of hat-trick hero Ayoub El Kaabi, he put the brakes on Villa's Europa Conference League march.

It was, however, some game. And if this open encounter is repeated next week, it would take a brave man to rule out Emery's side.

But on this occasion they met an Olympiakos side who were prepared to trade blows with them. If either side was nervous it didn't show.

Olympiakos, in the competition after being eliminated from the Europa League, looked lively throughout.