Unai Emery has challenged his Aston Villa squad to translate their imperious European form into domestic results after sweeping aside Norwegian visitors Viking FK on Wednesday night. A comfortable 3-1 triumph at Villa Park maintained the Midlands outfit's flawless continental record and lifted them to second place in the standings.
Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery guided his side to a third consecutive Champions League victory with a 3-1 triumph over Norwegian visitors Viking on Wednesday. The hosts built a two-goal interval lead en route to securing two home wins alongside an opening away victory at Club Brugge, climbing to second in the standings.
The road to Madrid has begun with the league phase well under way - but which teams are currently looking in the best shape to go on and lift the European Cup?
Bayern Munich director Max Eberl did not hold back in his assessment of Zlatko Tripic after the Norwegian side secured a historic Champions League point against the German giants. The veteran forward was at the heart of the drama as Viking FK fought back to claim a stunning 3-3 draw, leaving the Bundesliga heavyweights reeling.
Vincent Kompany has launched a scathing assessment of Michael Olise's conduct after the winger was sent off during Bayern Munich's dramatic 3-3 draw with Viking Stavanger. The French international left his side thin on the ground after reacting to provocation, a lapse in judgement that the Belgian coach described as "incredibly stupid" in the aftermath of the Champions League stalemate.
Viking skipper Zlatko Tripic left Bayern Munich's stars seething after orchestrating Michael Olise's dismissal during Tuesday's pulsating Champions League stalemate in Norway. The 33-year-old winger revelled in getting under the visitors' skin while supplying two vital assists as the hosts snatched a historic point in Stavanger.