Aston Villa on brink of Europa League Conference exit as Ayoub El Kaabi blasts hat-trick for Olympiacos in six-goal thriller

Villa’s first appearance in the final four of a continental competition since 1982 could not have got off to a worse start as they fell 2-0 behind in the opening half hour.

El Kaabi’s three-goal showing was that of a top-quality frontman, with Villa’s back-line simply unable to contain his shrewd movement and calmness in the final third. It is no surprise he boasts 18 goals in the Greek Super League this season, with his Villa Park brace taking him to eight from 11 in the Conference League. A very underrated striker in the grand scheme of things.

Villa’s defence was sub-par throughout but it was Luiz who endured the most torrid evening in claret and blue. The usually dependable midfielder was below his best in the middle and was guilty of the handball that gifted El Kaabi the chance to score from the spot. To make matters worse, the Brazilian failed to hit the target with a penalty of his own, the effort crashing off the post and leaving the Villans with a mountain to climb in Greece.

Before next week’s second leg in Piraeus, Villa will aim to keep their Premier League top-four finish firmly on track as they travel to Brighton on Sunday. A potentially tough fixture against Roberto De Zerbi’s side is made all the more difficult by the fact Olympiacos have a full week of rest with no domestic fixture scheduled. As such, rotation will surely be at the forefront of Emery’s mind.