Confusion enveloped Villa Park before the eagerly awaited Champions League quarterfinal match between Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). In a surprising blunder characteristic of inexperience, the Europa League anthem was mistakenly played before the kickoff, leaving players and fans alike bewildered.
As anticipation built, the mix-up unfolded just moments before the whistle blew. A minute later, the recognized Champions League anthem resonated throughout the stadium, although by then, players were almost ready to kick off.
Among the spectators was Prince William, the heir to the British throne and a devoted Aston Villa supporter, an unexpected witness to the embarrassing moment.
This match marked Villa’s first foray into the Champions League since the 1982-83 season when they were reigning champions of what was then known as the European Cup. The excitement surrounding the game was high, but the pre-match error set a perplexing tone.
The match turned even more challenging for Villa on the field as they quickly fell behind 2-0 to PSG within the first half hour, thanks to goals from Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. With a goal deficit of 3-1 from the first leg, Aston Villa faced a daunting uphill battle.
The pre-match mix-up serves as a stark reminder of the pressures and nuances that come with competing at the highest levels of football. As the players refocused on the match ahead, all eyes were on who could rise to the occasion despite the initial confusion.
Reporting by The Associated Press.
