But the taste of the biggest European competition will surely be as addictive for the players as it clearly is for their coach, and the strongest possible motivation. Perhaps they proved something to themselves, as well as everyone else: that they are good enough not just to reach the Champions League, but to flourish in it.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has challenged his side to return to the Champions League next season after their dream ended against Paris St Germain.

Unai Emery has been slammed for getting a key decision wrong during Aston Villa’s heartbreaking Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Trailing 3-1 after the opening leg, Villa needed to mount an impressive comeback at home to keep their slim Champions League semi-final hopes alive.