Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has defended his team's approach to their Europa Conference League match against Maccabi Tel Aviv, which took place amid significant controversy and heightened security. The match at Villa Park was played without away fans after police intelligence raised concerns about extremist Maccabi supporters. Emery focused on the football, stating, 'We conceded more chances than we planned and we made some mistakes, but over the 90 minutes we dominated.'
The game was preceded by large pro-Palestine demonstrations outside the stadium, with around 700 police personnel deployed. Six arrests were made before kick-off, and minor skirmishes occurred between fans and protesters. A counter-protest in support of Israel was also present but was led away without escalation. Maccabi Tel Aviv manager Zarko Lazetic revealed his team arrived at the stadium five hours early to avoid potential unrest, describing their wait as 'sitting.'
On the pitch, Villa secured a 2-0 victory with goals from Ian Maatsen and Donyell Malen. Maatsen scored a dramatic opener just before half-time, smashing the ball in from a tight angle. Malen added a second-half penalty after a VAR review judged that Ezri Konsa had been fouled. Maccabi had chances, with Dor Peretz twice denied by Emiliano Martínez, but failed to capitalise.
The match was played in an unusual atmosphere, with the away section empty and home fans directing chants at the vacant seats. The loudest cheer of the night came when John McGinn made his 300th appearance for the club. Emery declined to comment on Maccabi's unusual preparation, instead praising his team's performance in a challenging environment.
