Alex Moreno scores the first goal for Aston Villa as Unai Emery admits Jhon Duran after Legia’s win.
BirminghamLive brings you the highlights from Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League victory over Legia Warsaw.
Aston Villa qualified for the Europa Conference League knockout stages after defeating Legia Warsaw 2-1 at Villa Park on Thursday night, despite ugly scenes outside the stadium caused by traveling supporters.
So far, more than 40 people have been arrested in connection with events that occurred before the match, when Legia fans attacked West Midlands Police officers on their way to the stadium. Four officers were injured, as were two horses and two police dogs, one of which was taken to the hospital after being hit by a flare.
Legia supporters also threw bottles, tree branches, and other objects at brave officers who stood their ground and carried out their important mission. Villa issued a club statement later in the second half of the game, describing the scenes as “planned and systematic acts” of violence against police.
Here are some key takeaways from Villa’s victory over Legia…
LEGIA BOSS REACTS TO HIS FANS
Moussa Diaby scored within four minutes, with the away end completely empty after West Midlands police barred Polish fans from entering the stadium. Before halftime, Ernest Muci took advantage of Boubacar Kamara’s sloppy pass.
Alex Moreno scored on his return and first appearance of the season on the hour mark, before Leon Bailey had a chance to win the group but his effort came back off the crossbar late in the game. Legia manager Kosta Runjai was asked after the game if the lack of fans affected his team.
“I think it’s a different topic,” he explained. “First and foremost, it is not my concern. In the tunnel, I was very focused on coaching and leading the team.
“The most important thing is that I believe we represented Legia and Polish soccer well today.” I’m not going to comment on anything else outside of the stadium. That’s not my thing, and it’s also not my concern.
“We definitely have great fans,” he added. They are there for us both at home and away. They are traveling with us, and we can always count on and rely on them.
MORENO THANKS THE MEDICAL TEAM
While off-the-field issues marred the game, it was great to see Moreno back on the field doing what he does best. It was his first goal for the club, but he was instrumental in Villa’s success last season. His return is huge for Emery, who relied on the left-back to help transform Villa’s attack after signing from Real Betis in January.
He suffered a hamstring injury in Villa’s final game of last season away to Liverpool, and his recovery was hampered in September. He thanked the medical staff and everyone who helped him get back on the field after winning the game for Villa after six months on the sidelines.
“How many right-footed volleys have I scored?” Moreno asked. One. Tonight! The goal was critical for both myself and the team.
“It’s my way of thanking everyone who has helped me through my injury – the club, the staff, the team, and my family.” This is just for them.”
EMERY WAS OVERJOYED FOR MORENO
“After his long injury, it was fantastic to see him come back like he did tonight,” Emery said of Moreno. When he scored, he was obviously overjoyed, and we felt the same way because we’re like a family here.”
“This is critical. We are missing one trophy, but we are still in Europe. Then there’s trying to play or get minutes with players who are returning from injury.
“Some players are getting back into a groove. It was Alex Moreno’s return, Jacob Ramsey got minutes, and as a team, we need to get performances from everyone and use different players. It was fantastic to get a good result with them tonight.”
DURAN PERFORMANCE EMERY RATES
After picking up a minor injury in training on Wednesday, Emery decided not to include Ollie Watkins in his matchday squad. In his absence, Jhon Duran led the line, and Villa’s head coach was pleased with his performance.
