UNAI EMERY was knocked off his Euro perch - by a boy from his own backyard.
The Aston Villa boss has built up a lofty reputation following his success with Sevilla 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 march in the Europa Conference League. It was, however, some game.
And if this kind of 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 - also owned by Forest's Evangelos Marinakis - who were prepared to trade blows with them.
If either side was nervous, it didn't show. There was a decent effort inside the opening 120 seconds as play swung from end to end.
Bu hikaye Daily Star dergisinin May 03, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Daily Star dergisinin May 03, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
MISSION: POSSIBLE
Walter's got the Tigers roaring again thanks to winning run
Pass the ball not the buck
UNITED STARS SHOULD KEEP RUUD OPINIONS TO THEMSELVES
MUCH BATTER
Crawley's fit and ready to let rip on return
Boffs don't know glass from elbow
SPOONS TIM BEER FURY
Rooms with a woooo!
'HAUNTED' HOUSE BACK ON MARKET
PHONE MESSAGING DOING HEADS PING
146 alerts a day getting in way of working
KEY JOBS FOR CAR THIEVES..
Crooks car firm 'insiders'
£200k owl found
31-YEAR HUNT FOR BIRD OVER
Crutches Nick: I can't quickstep
KNOWLES OUT WITH KNEE INJURY
SuperCONic
SCAMMERS SELL FAKE TICKETS TO BAND'S U.S GIGS