On Tuesday, Aston Villa began their Champions League campaign with a 3-0 win in Switzerland against Young Boys.
Watch highlights and analysis below...
Highlights: Young Boys 0-3 Aston Villa
Champions League analysis: How Emery's 'fantastic' tactical details helped Aston Villa
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Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesOn Monday, Unai Emery said that for all the Champions League experience he and his staff have built up - with Villa the sixth club he has managed in this competition - the most relevant experience would be that which they gained together with Villa in the Conference League last season.
That was certainly a useful reference point last night, almost exactly a year since the opening group game against Legia Warsaw.
Like this week in Switzerland, Villa were widely predicted to be too strong for the Poles, but the lack of depth in Emery’s squad was exposed when he rotated his squad for freshness and Villa lost.
A few early flurries aside, they seldom felt in danger of suffering a similar fate here. This time, Emery fielded the same starters as against Everton, confident he had the reserves to replace anyone struggling from the quick turnaround, or who could be rested for Saturday. Villa could have cruised, but kept pushing to the end, and might have scored more. Not as many as Bayern Munich perhaps, but more on them later.
It was all fairly routine, although Jhon Duran could be depended on to liven things up a bit. Celebrating like that probably was not the smartest idea, but when the ball was in play he seemed focused enough.
The Duran-or-Watkins debate - or maybe the Duran-and-Watkins debate - will live on for a while. There is a good case to make for the most efficient use of Duran being as a fresh substitute against tiring defenders. Whether any player’s ego could ultimately be satisfied by that is a fair counterpoint, but with the rigours of the season, both should ultimately get more than enough chances to play.
Thoughts of 1982 are naturally never far away when we speak of Villa and Europe, especially in this poignant week. That date will always stand as Villa’s ultimate historic landmark, although this group is the best qualified since then to give their fans a new milestone of even remotely similar scale.
The next hurdle towards achieving it is Bayern Munich at Villa Park, so those Villa fans with clear memories of 1982 will find them in sharp focus once again.
*Aston Villa v Wolves - live commentary on BBC Radio WM (95.6FM), Saturday 15:00 BST
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Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Scotland midfielder Pat Nevin, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily after Aston Villa's 3-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League:
"It is a confidence booster because they had control for the vast majority of a game that they needed to have control of.
"They've got a number of games in this [competition] and some of them will be very difficult coming up, starting with Bayern Munich, but there are a number of others where you think 'yes, that's doable' [to win].
"They must look towards the squad just now, and specifically the centre-forwards. If you're going to play two up, you need four good centre-forwards.
"[Emi] Buendia is coming back - he's a 10 - but is another man who can play up alongside the striker. [Jhon] Duran absolutely can do that job as well. The two that started as well, Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers - you can put that system in place and the manager can feel comfortable about it.
"They needn't fear anyone."
Image source, Getty ImagesAfter Aston Villa returned to Champions League football with a 3-0 victory away to Young Boys, we asked you to have your say on the game.
Here are some of your comments:
Carlos: A textbook Emery game. Came with a plan and delivered it from minute one with a very professional and assured display. There are no easy teams in this Champions League, so this away result cannot be underestimated. Can’t wait for round two!
Mike: Should have been 5-0 or 6-0. The officiating team were simply awful. But that must not be allowed to take away from a great opening result after 41 years away. And how fitting that on the night we remembered the number eight from that famous night in Rotterdam, number eight should open the scoring. RIP Gary Shaw. The boys did you proud.
Rob: There is so much talent in this Villa team, it’s scary. When we settle and get four or five more injured players back, we are going to be a force. Accomplished performance from back to front!
Chris: Absolutely sensational performance. Every player in that Villa team looks at the top of their game, managed by a proven winner. I expect Aston Villa to really impress everyone this season and wouldn't be surprised if they won at least one trophy!
Jim: Bravo - a stupendous performance befitting Gary Shaw’s legacy. Take a bow, Unai Emery.
Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Wolves and West Ham are among the admirers of Red Bull Salzburg's 24-year-old French defender Oumar Solet. (HITC), external
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Image source, Getty ImagesAston Villa manager Unai Emery, speaking to TNT Sports: "This victory is for Gary Shaw.
"We [continued in] the Champions League the way they finished 42 years ago. We want to dedicate this victory to Gary Shaw and his family.
"It was difficult. Our experiences last year [in the Europa Conference League] show that. We focused very well for 90 minutes to be consistent. We were adapting on the pitch. We always respected them.
"We have to create a new way. What we created in the Conference League last season was fantastic."
On Ollie Watkins' injury: "He's OK."
Image source, Getty ImagesAston Villa goalscorer and player of the match Youri Tielemans speaking after the win over Young Boys: "Tonight was a good performance, not just from myself but from my team.
"It feels really good - it's amazing. We can enjoy tonight and focus on the next game."
On the rest of the Champions League's league phase: "I'm very excited. Every game's going to be really tough. This new format makes it even tougher.
"It's going to come down to the details in the end, after the eight games. it's going to be tough."
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer forward Garry Thompson spoke to BBC Radio WM following Aston Villa's 3-0 win over Young Boys on their return to European club football:
"On paper you are thinking that should be a win for Aston Villa, but you still have to go and win the game.
"You still have to go and play well, you still have to go and defend, still have to put your body on the line and win the ball, you have still got to create opportunities.
"They have done everything Unai Emery wanted tonight. The tempo was quite slow to start with but they picked it up at the right time and got the goals at the right time.
"They also had two goals disallowed, so on balance you have to say it was a good night's work well done.
"Unai will be delighted with that, they have got their first points in the Champions League and now on we go."
Matthew Howarth
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesFollowing the tragic passing of Gary Shaw on Monday, Aston Villa delivered a performance the former striker and his fellow 1982 European Cup winners would have been proud of in Switzerland.
Playing their first match at this level in 42 years, Unai Emery's team took time to adapt to the artificial surface at Stadion Wankdorf but never looked back once Youri Tielemans had put them ahead following a well-worked corner routine.
Jacob Ramsey doubled Villa's lead after some calamitous defending by Young Boys, who were spared further first-half punishment by the video assistant referee's decision to disallow Ollie Watkins' effort for handball.
Jhon Duran was also denied by VAR, who chalked off the Colombian's second-half finish after Amadou Onana had handled the ball in the build-up.
Silvere Ganvoula and Filip Ugrinic forced Emi Martinez into action in the second half, but Villa's lead was never seriously under threat as Emery's team began the Champions League's new-look league phase with a comprehensive win.
Europe's top club competition returns to Villa Park on 2 October, when Villa take on Bayern Munich in a repeat of the 1981-82 final.
Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?
What did you make of your team's performance, Aston Villa fans?
Come back to this page on Wednesday to find a selection of your replies
Image source, Getty ImagesThere are six matches as the Champions League returns on Tuesday with the opening night of its new league group stage:
Juventus v PSV - 17:45
Young Boys v Aston Villa - 17:45 (listen on BBC Radio 5 Live)
AC Milan v Liverpool - 20:00 (listen on BBC Radio 5 Live)
Bayern Munich v Dinamo Zagreb - 20:00
Real Madrid v Stuttgart - 20:00
Sporting v Lille - 20:00
All kick-off times BST
Aston Villa fans have been getting excited for Tuesday's Champions League opener against Young Boys (17:45 BST) with fan Luke thinking he "might get a bit teary" as he looks ahead to their first game in Europe's top club competition since 1983.
"I'll probably get quite emotional. I don't know how I'll feel when they're all lining up with that anthem on. It's big for a fan that's not seen your team in the biggest competition in European football," he told The Football News Show.
On BBC Radio 5 Live's Breakfast show earlier, Villa fan Becky Fielding said: "It's so exciting - from going back down to the Championship and having some of the poorest seasons of football.
"It's just a whole dream - not just a dream for me, it's a dream for my kids as well. They've followed them since they were babies and now they're getting the opportunity to go and see Champions League football."
BBC Radio WM reporter Mike Taylor has been out in Bern and caught up with a few supporters.
"It's a big thing for the club, a big step up for us. The Europa Conference last season was a good taste of playing European football - but this is the big time," one fan said.
Alistair Bruce-Ball will be commentating on the game live on BBC Radio 5 Live and he spoke about the impact of the artificial pitch at Young Boys and the change it has made to Villa's plans.
"They've travelled out here earlier than they would for an away game in Europe for precisely that reason. Manchester City did the same thing last season."
Chris Sutton talks about Jhon Duran on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton says he "loves" the confidence of Jhon Duran after the Aston Villa striker decided another game with a stunning finish off the bench.
Duran has scored the winning goal as a substitute in each of Villa's three league wins this season, already the joint-most winners from a substitute in a Premier League campaign
"What I love about him [Duran] is his confidence levels are through the roof," Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.
"This is a guy who absolutely backs himself. I don't actually know exactly what sort of striker he is. He's a bit of an all-rounder. This is a guy who thinks he should be in the team ahead of Ollie Watkins, which is some shout. That's belief and ability.
"What we do know is that he looks a very natural finisher with some of the goals he's scored. He made a play to go to West Ham; he made that Hammers sign and crossed his arms.
"This is a guy who backs himself. From everything I've heard - I don't know if tearaway is the right description - but he's one which they need to keep on top of. He's certainly a talented player.
"He's been a real impact player. The Villa games will come thick and fast and then we'll see him get more game time but I love the confidence."
Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds
David Michael
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesWhen it comes to the Champions League, what should Aston Villa's true expectations be?
With a set of favourable away fixtures, they should progress through the extended league stage, where three wins and a couple of draws should be enough to secure advancement.
However, there are still questions about the team defensively, as they have now gone nine games without a clean sheet. If they can resolve that issue, Unai Emery's side could make a real impact in Europe.
The midfield axis of Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana, with Ross Barkley rotating in and out, is developing well.
John McGinn, Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey, and Emi Martinez are all clear assets, but the X-factor that could push Villa further than many expect might lie in the in-season development of Morgan Rogers and Jhon Duran. If both players can fast-track their progress, Villa could potentially have significant upside to their capabilities.
Rogers has been a force in the Premier League this season, ploughing through midfields and defences. Only a lack of composure in front of goal has prevented him from grabbing the headlines. That will come in time, and it will be fascinating to see how European teams cope with his directness and power.
Then, of course, there is Duran, who once again demonstrated against Everton that Emery's claim about the Colombian potentially becoming one of the world's best strikers is not just empty hyperbole.
As Monchi, Villa's director of football, mentioned in an interview last week: "He [Duran] thinks he is better than Watkins."
Duran has been frustrated by a lack of minutes, which he feels is hindering both his progress and potential earnings - hence his initial desire to force a move in the summer.
However, Villa have plenty of games ahead. Should they reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, they will play nine matches in December alone, suggesting Duran will get ample game time in rotation.
Come the business end of the Champions League, if Villa are still there and everyone is firing in unison, then Emery's men could be serious dark horses.
Find more from David Michael at My Old Man Said, external
We asked for your memories of Gary Shaw after the legendary Aston Villa striker died aged 63 on Monday.
Here are some of your responses:
Christine: Fondly remembered for his silky skills and a true Villan. I must admit I was one of the many on the terraces who had a severe crush on him! Was honoured to have met him at a charity event. He was just as eloquent off the pitch. Dreadfully sad for his family and close friends. Gone too soon but remembered with love.
Graham: Simply one of the best footballers you will ever see and such a nice, genuine fella. I shall miss seeing him every game as I sit just behind the press box. I often shout "get us a pie, Gary" at half-time! Thanks for all the good times, only happy memories. RIP Shawsy.
Prit: Gary Shaw is revered among all Villa fans. I was standing in the Holte and that team brought us so much joy. I remember when Andy Gray was sold I was thinking: where are the goals going to come from? Shaw stepped up from the academy and the rest is history. Cruelly cut down by injury otherwise he would have had a glittering England career. RIP.
Rob: Quick, tenacious, and a real eye for goal. Watching him on the Holte, you always knew he would score given half a chance.
Peter: Modest, unassuming, with a steely determination in front of goal and brilliant vision - as Tony Morley will confirm. You will always be a hero to Villa fans of any age.
Tom: After his retirement, Gary supported me at a local kids' football group in my home town of Bromsgrove. He was always very kind and on special occasions would share his favourite Villa stories. I only realise now, as an adult, how special that was to have the chance to be coached by a legend of my club. A true gentleman with passion for the game.
Emma: I was lucky enough to see Gary play the season we won the league in 1981. He and Peter Withe were one the best partnerships you will see. RIP to one of my idols.
Guy: I played many games of golf with Gary. I have to say he was a gentleman. He was humble and grateful for his career, and to those who helped him. I lost touch with him for probably 20 years ago, but saw him recently and he was just the same man. Rip Shawsy. A great man and footballer - shame about his golf! You will be missed by many.
Image source, Getty ImagesYouri Tielemans says Aston Villa "don't only want to participate" in the Champions League and are looking to "really make our mark" in their return to the competition.
Villa will play in Europe's top club competition for the first time since 1983 when they face Young Boys in Bern on Tuesday.
"We achieved something really good last season and now we're here playing Champions League," the midfielder said in the pre-match news conference.
"We're really excited to get going. There's always been an ambitious plan before I signed and that's why I bought into it and came to Aston Villa. We've had some really good performances last year and now we're here and we'll try to make the most of it.
"We don't only want to participate in this, we want to really make our mark in this competition.
"We've got some really big games and tomorrow will be the start of that. With the new format every game is really important with the points system. We want to make the most of it and hopefully we can get a win here but it will be really difficult."
Villa will be the sixth different team manager Unai Emery has managed in the Champions League and Tielemans believes the Spaniards' experience will be key if they are to progress in the competition.
"Very important," he added.
"He [Emery] has changed a fair bit since he's been at the club and personally he's improved me a lot as a player and as a man. I understand the game even better than before.
"We saw last year so many times how important he was with his tactical tweaks. He's going to be massive for us."
Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Champions League game away to Young Boys (17:45 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Leon Bailey will train with the side in Bern this evening and is in the squad to face Young Boys.
Emery paid tribute to former striker Gary Shaw who died on Monday: "My condolences for the family and all the supporters. We are remembering always. We have in our training ground the team from 1982 with the European Cup and he was one of the protagonists."
On Villa's return to the Champions League: "We are excited. I think it's a good moment for the club after a long time. Hopefully we can keep it a long time. It's a challenge."
Emery added that he and his staff are "very motivated", stating: "We can use our own experiences as coaches because we've played in Europe in three competitions. But, the most important experiences is the ones we had last year here together."
His hopes for the campaign: "I want to be competitive. I want to face every team being competitive like we are in the Premier League. Best in the world are in Champions League and Premier League. How far we can get I don't know but I am not going to refuse any objective in this competition."
On the challenge posed by Young Boys: "I've played against other teams here [in Switzerland] and it's always very difficult. They are a nice team, they have a lot of pace with strikers and wingers, very good in transition, very good physically."
He added the artificial pitch Young Boys play on is "no excuse": "Usually we have our training session in Birmingham and then travel but we have our training session here because we want to adapt. We can play like we are."
Emery is a fan of the new Champions League format: "I prefer this one. I think it needed to change and I think this one is going to be better. Play more matches during the process, not knockout games so quick. I think it is more fair and even more attractive for the supporters."
Follow all of Monday's Champions League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
