Ikhtisar Darmstadt II

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has set his sights on winning the Champions League after outlining his long-term vision ahead of Tuesday's opener against Club Brugge. Despite a major summer squad transition and a slow domestic start, the Spanish tactician remains determined to compete for the biggest prize in world football at Villa Park.

The road to Madrid begins this week as the league phase gets under way - but which teams are currently looking in the best shape to go on and lift the European Cup?

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is facing a significant selection headache as his side prepares for a vital Champions League fixture against Club Brugge. The Premier League outfit must navigate this European hurdle without the services of Leon Goretzka, whose ongoing injury struggles have dealt a major blow to the club's midfield options.

Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has left new £25 million signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis out of his 25-man Champions League squad. The 24-year-old defender, who is the son-in-law of Manchester United legend Roy Keane, joined from Southampton on deadline day but faces a waiting game for top-tier European action despite expressing his eagerness to perform on the continent's biggest stage.