Aston Villa ends French pre‑season tour with win over Villarreal

When Aston Villa Football Club stepped onto the pitch at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille on August 9, 2025, the buzz was palpable. The club, under manager Unai Emery, had already logged seven warm‑up games across Europe and the United States. A 3‑1 defeat to Olympique de Marseille was the first stop, followed by a 2‑0 victory over Villarreal Club de Fútbol at the Estadio de la Cerámica in Spain the next day. Both matches served as the final dress‑rehearsal before the Premier League opener on August 15, 2025, five days after a 4‑0 home win against AS Roma at Villa Park in Birmingham.
Tour Overview: From England to the Iberian Peninsula
The pre‑season itinerary began on July 16 at Banks’s Stadium in Walsall, where a 1‑0 loss to Walsall F.C. hinted at early‑season growing pains. A quick turn‑around saw a 3‑1 defeat at Ostsee‑Stadion against German side FC Hansa Rostock on July 19. The team then posted a 2‑2 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt at Deutsche Bank Park on July 27, before heading across the Atlantic for a 2‑1 win over St. Louis City SC at CITYPARK on July 31. A 2‑2 stalemate with Nashville SC at Geodis Park on August 3 capped the North‑American leg.
Match‑by‑Match Breakdown
Marseille, August 9 – The French side took an early lead through a swift counter‑attack, and Villa’s defence was exposed by Marseille’s high‑press. Emery’s rotating back‑four struggled to find cohesion, conceding a second goal just before halftime. A late consolation came from striker Leon Bailey, but the 3‑1 loss reminded everyone that defensive solidity is still a work‑in‑progress.
Villarreal, August 10 – A completely different picture emerged in Spain. Villa’s midfield, marshaled by John McGinn, dominated possession and dictated tempo. The only goal came from a well‑timed run by Tommy Austin, who slotted home after a pinpoint cross from Nicolas Pepe. The 2‑0 triumph not only erased the Marseille sting but also showcased a more compact defensive shape.
Manager Unai Emery’s Tactical Lens
Emery has been candid about using the tour as a laboratory. In a post‑match interview after the Villarreal win, he said, “We wanted to see how the unit reacts when we press high versus when we sit deep. The guys showed the mental resilience we need for a long season.” He also rotated several fringe players—such as goalkeeper Mikael Hägglund—to assess squad depth, a move that fans will appreciate if injuries strike early.
Critics, however, note that the team still concedes too many shots from inside the box. Defensive coach Javi Gracia admitted, “The numbers are not where we want them. We’ll be drilling aerial duels and set‑piece organization in the next week.”
Implications for the Premier League Campaign
The upcoming season sees Villa back in the Premier League for a seventh straight year, with a potential return to European competition on the horizon. Finishing sixth last season, the club logged 19 wins, 9 draws, and 10 losses, scoring 58 goals while conceding 51. A +7 goal difference and a 50 % win rate were enough to secure a Europa League spot, but a deeper run in the Champions League—reaching the quarter‑finals for the first time since 1983—has raised expectations.
Emery’s summer tweaks could be decisive. If the defensive frailties exposed in Marseille are ironed out, Villa could realistically challenge for a top‑four finish. Conversely, an early slip‑up in the opening fixtures could see them sliding back into a mid‑table battle.

Looking Ahead to the Season Opener
Villa’s first Premier League match is slated for Friday, August 15, 2025, against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The short five‑day turnaround from the Spain win means the squad will be fresh, but the coaching staff plans a low‑intensity session on Sunday to preserve legs.
Fans are already buzzing on social media. One supporter wrote, “If we can keep that calmness from Villarreal, we’ll be a tough nut to crack all season.” Another added, “The Marseille loss was a wake‑up call; I expect a tighter back line now.”
Historical Context: Villa’s Return to Europe
Last season marked Villa’s first appearance in the UEFA Champions League since the 1982‑83 European Cup. The club advanced to the quarter‑finals, winning eight of twelve games and posting a striking +11 goal difference. That European run, combined with a solid domestic campaign, set the stage for a pre‑season designed to blend physical conditioning with tactical fine‑tuning.
The 2024‑25 season was also the club’s 150th anniversary—a milestone that added extra pressure to perform. The management has used the anniversary as a rallying point, unveiling a special retro kit during the Barca‑friendly match in July, a move that sold out within hours and reinforced the connection between heritage and ambition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the Marseille defeat affect Villa’s defence?
The loss highlighted gaps in Villa’s high‑press system, especially against quick wingers. Emery has promised extra drills on positioning and set‑piece defending, aiming to reduce the 15 shots on target conceded in that game.
What does the win over Villarreal mean for Villa’s attacking outlook?
The 2‑0 victory showcased a more fluid midfield partnership between McGinn and Pepe, creating space for forwards like Bailey and Austin. If that link stays consistent, Villa could average closer to 1.5 goals per game in the early league fixtures.
Who are the key players to watch in the opening Premier League match?
Goalkeeper Matt Ransom, defender Matty Cash, midfield engine McGinn, and striker Bailey are all expected to start. Their performances will set the tone for how Villa copes with the Premier League’s intensity.
Will Villa’s European experience influence their domestic strategy?
Having navigated high‑pressure Champions League nights, the squad now possesses a mental edge. Emery plans to rotate more aggressively, trusting younger players to maintain performance levels across multiple competitions.
What are the ticket expectations for the August 15 opener?
Selhurst Park is set to sell out within 48 hours, with an estimated 27,000 fans expected to travel to London. The early‑season hype, fueled by the pre‑season results, has driven demand higher than the previous season’s opening match.