Unai Emery urges Aston Villa to continue to ‘break barriers’ in the Champions League as the Spaniard’s side look to build on perfect start in return to competition

Unai Emery has challenged Aston Villa to become genuine Champions League contenders and continue to ‘break barriers’ as they battle European football’s elite.

Villa have two wins from two in their return to Europe’s top club competition for the first time in 41 years, and will be favourites against Serie A club Bologna at Villa Park on Tuesday.

Emery is approaching his two-year anniversary as Villa boss, having replaced Steven Gerrard on October 24, 2022. When he took charge they were at risk of relegation but have since established themselves as one of the best teams in England.

‘I don’t know how far we are going to get but in this moment we are here, in a good position in the Premier League and Champions League,’ said Emery.

‘I don’t want to waste my time here and that’s the message for everyone. We have shown our ability to adapt quickly to European competition, both this season and last year in the Europa Conference League.

Villa are in fine form and will host Serie A side Bologna at Villa Park in a bid to maintain their perfect start

They beat Bayern Munich last time out and could make it three wins from three on Tuesday

‘We want to keep the level we have now, doing well in the Premier League and qualifying for the Champions League, and add something more like being a contender for a trophy.

‘Is the sky the limit? This is the message. We love football, we love our work and we want to be successful. One of our objectives is playing in the Champions League.

‘I want to keep playing in this competition for a long time, and it is difficult. Sometimes we can have some problems, but we need a strong mentality to break barriers.’

Villa began their campaign with a 3-0 win over Young Boys in Switzerland but the 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich at Villa Park was one of the club’s most significant results for many years.

Emery said he wants to let his team know that ‘the sky is the limit’ as they bid to keep up their form in Europe’s elite competition

It proved beyond doubt that Villa are a force to be reckoned with at the top level and that scoreline means they will be viewed with renewed respect across the continent.

Defender Matty Cash said: ‘In the four years since I joined, the club has gone through roof. The quality in every department has gone up and the club doesn’t have a ceiling. It can go all the way to the top.