McGinn focusing on ´astronomical achievement´ of Champions League qualification after Aston Villa he

John McGinn is quickly turning his focus to the “astronomical achievement” of Champions League qualification after Aston Villa suffered heartbreak in the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League.

Villa were among the favourites to lift Europe’s third-tier trophy but a 2-0 defeat at Olympiacos on Thursday consigned Unai Emery’s men to a 6-2 aggregate loss over the two-leg tie.

It means Villa end what has largely been viewed as an excellent season without a trophy but they can still finish on a high by securing a top-four finish in the Premier League.

They lead fifth-place Tottenham by seven points with two games left in their domestic season, albeit Spurs do have a game in hand.

McGinn apologised to the travelling support in Piraeus but, speaking to TNT Sports after the game, said there is still an opportunity to finish the season on a high.

“We went into this competition as favourites and we handled that pressure throughout the competition, I think it’s been a huge learning curve for us,” he said.

“It’s not been a smooth journey, we got to the semi-finals down to the bare bones a bit.

From Edinburgh to Piraeus, your support throughout our first #UECL campaign has been incredible.

We’ll be back to make more memories with you in Europe next season.

Thank you, Villans. pic.twitter.com/5M9eGcTjh6

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 9, 2024

“However, those of us who were out there over the two legs, we lost to who were the better team and I think the scoreline proves it.”

“Our instant feeling is absolutely gutted. We all wanted to be back here for the final.

“Olympiacos gave it absolutely everything, played out of their skin in both legs, and overall the scoreline proves they were the better team.

“We’ll reflect, there’s a lot of things we could have done better, but over the season, of course, we can be proud of the journey.

“Obviously, we need to apologise to the supporters who have travelled here, they’ve travelled the whole campaign with us.

“We wanted to deliver a trophy to them, we all wanted it as players. We’’e all bitterly disappointed, but we need a big push in the last two games to try and get over the line for the Champions League, which would be an astronomical achievement.

“But here, the overriding feeling is disappointment, frustration and an opportunity missed. Congratulations to Olympiacos and we wish them all the best in the final.”