Aston Villa manager Unai Emery will have an opportunity to redeem himself from the low point of his illustrious European career when he takes on his former club, Paris St-Germain, in the Champions League quarter-finals.

This skilled tactician ensured that Aston Villa effortlessly secured their spot in the last 16 with a straightforward 3-0 win over Club Brugge at Villa Park, resulting in a comfortable 6-1 aggregate victory.

This sets up an exciting encounter with PSG, who overcame Liverpool and are emerging as a formidable force in this season’s Champions League, vying for a place in the semifinals.

For Emery, this represents an opportunity to take Villa further into the tournament, while also providing a chance to mend the wounds inflicted during his mixed two years at PSG.

His three consecutive Europa League triumphs with Sevilla opened the door for him to replace Laurent Blanc at PSG in August 2016. He departed in 2018 with one league title, but a painful Champions League last-16 clash against Barcelona, coached by the current PSG manager Luis Enrique, left a lasting mark that a victory in the quarter-finals could help alleviate.

That clash included both the pinnacle and nadir of his eventful tenure; in February 2017, the formidable Barcelona trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat in the first leg in Paris. However, in an unforgettable second leg the following month, Barcelona staged a dramatic comeback, winning 6-1, with three goals scored in the last seven minutes, including Sergi Roberto’s last-minute winner.

Enrique, despite the victory, characterized the tie as “a horror movie, not a drama.” For Emery and PSG, the aftermath was even grimmer, compounded by officiating decisions that continue to be contentious in Paris.

Now, the two coaches will face off again, with Enrique at the helm of a youthful, dynamic PSG and Emery guiding a well-organized Villa side known for its fierce discipline.

This matchup promises to be captivating and holds significant importance for Emery.

The Spaniard’s esteemed reputation has been rejuvenated. During his tenure at Arsenal, largely overlooked now, he led the team to the Europa League final in 2019, where they were defeated by Chelsea, and later secured the trophy again with Villarreal against Manchester United in 2021.

European football is undeniably Emery’s forte, and he relishes the challenge of seeking to undermine PSG.

He departed Paris after two disappointing years, where, like his predecessors and successors such as Carlo Ancelotti, Thomas Tuchel, and Mauricio Pochettino, he faced difficulties in managing a volatile dressing room.

There was a perception that Emery lacked the assertiveness to command the influential personalities.

One notable incident involved Neymar, who transferred to PSG from Barcelona for £200 million in the summer of 2017, and Edinson Cavani squabbling over who would take a penalty during a match against Lyon the following September. It was suggested that Neymar tried to assert his authority over Cavani, who ended up having his penalty saved in PSG’s 2-0 victory. This scenario was frequently cited as evidence of Emery’s inability to maintain control.

However, that perception is entirely different at Villa.

Emery is clearly in charge, and the team has thrived under his leadership, breaking through the Premier League’s glass ceiling to secure a top-four finish last season and following it up with an impressive Champions League run.

When Villa was looking for a successor to the dismissed Steven Gerrard in October 2022, with the club teetering just three points above the Premier League relegation zone, the candidates under consideration now make for interesting reading.

Among the leading names were Ruben Amorim, currently grappling with the chaotic situation at Manchester United, Julen Lopetegui, who had a brief stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers and was then dismissed by West Ham United this season after just six months and 20 league games, Mauricio Pochettino, and Emery.

Pochettino, the former Tottenham Hotspur manager, was not contemplating a return to the Premier League at that time, leaving Emery as the standout choice.

He was the favored option of owner Nassef Sawiris, who empathized with Emery’s challenge of succeeding Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, believing that his achievements of reaching the Europa League final and finishing fifth in his only full season warranted greater recognition and respect.

It was a brilliant decision, evidenced by the praise Emery received as he left the pitch following another tactical triumph against Club Brugge. The first half was marked by a conservative approach that effectively safeguarded Villa’s 3-1 first-leg advantage, which was elevated in the second half by substitutes Marco Asensio, who scored twice, and Leon Bailey.

Upon exiting at halftime, Villa’s manager appeared dissatisfied; however, there was no lasting damage, and he swiftly addressed the situation.

Emery’s remarkable ability to enhance player performance was again evident in Marcus Rashford’s ongoing resurgence during his loan from Manchester United. Rashford was tenacious and lively, leading to a foul by Kyriani Sabbe that resulted in his dismissal after just 16 minutes, and then assisting Asensio’s second goal—Villa’s third—just after the hour mark.

Asensio, a long-desired signing for Emery, showcased his worth by netting twice, bringing his total to seven goals in eight appearances.

With his extensive knowledge of this stage and its tactics, Emery ensured that Villa navigated the matchup against PSG without any issues, as the final half hour unfolded as smoothly as a testimonial match. This exemplified his meticulous nature, comfort in the European arena, and his solidified presence at Aston Villa.

Emery seemingly owns this club, having been given the authority to oversee all football-related matters. His desire for control has been fully realized at Villa. He has brought in 23 Spanish coaches to Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training facility, all adhering to clearly defined roles—while his partnership with former Sevilla ally Monchi, the president of football operations, is crucial.

PSG will now face Emery’s customary rigorous video analysis, as he leaves no detail overlooked in his quest to propel Villa’s journey even further.

Though Villa’s Premier League campaign has been inconsistent, they currently sit in eighth place, just four points behind Chelsea in fourth. Additionally, they have an FA Cup quarter-final match lined up against Championship side Preston North End.

Reflecting on his return to Paris, Emery remarked, “Playing in the quarter-final is fantastic. It’s a significant challenge for Aston Villa, our supporters, players, coaches, and myself. I haven’t been back since I left, neither to play nor visit.”

“Paris St-Germain demonstrated their capabilities against Liverpool. We will work to pinpoint their weaknesses and prepare as thoroughly as possible. It’s vital for our club to compete in the Champions League, and facing PSG is something we should be very excited about.”

Once again, Unai Emery is on a mission in European football.