Unai Emery determined to take Aston Villa to the 'next level'

Initially Aston Villa fans may have felt disappointment with their UEFA Champions League quarter-final loss to Paris Saint-Germain but Unai Emery is keen to take his side to new heights.

Villa's Champions League campaign was 43 years in the making but it was a run that came to an end last night following a valiant 4-5 aggregate defeat to PSG.

The French side, arguably the most impressive in the competition so far, took an early two-goal lead at Villa Park.

Falling two behind so early on could have seen the home side wilt away but they instead battled, pushing PSG as far as anyone has this season.

Goals from Youri Tielemans, John McGinn and Ezri Konsa sent Villa into a 3-2 lead on the night but their first-leg deficit proved too much to overcome.

A stadium that has not experienced the dizzying heights of top level European football made for an electric atmosphere as the spectacle played out.

Emery vows to keep Villa progressing

An expert European operator, Emery came so close to pulling off yet another miracle on the continent.

The Spaniard boasts an impressive four UEFA Europa League titles as a manager and although he will not add to his CV this year, it may prove to be a sign of things to come for Aston Villa.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Emery was quick to address the prospect of UEFA Champions League football at Villa Park yet again next season.

"It is now most important to get Europe again," the 53-year-old stated. "The most important competition is the Champions League. The challenge we have for the last six matches in the Premier League is to try and get Europe and the Champions League."

He didn't seem despondent in defeat, setting his sights on future progress as Villa boss.

"To get this level is the next step forward that I want to try to build with Aston Villa," Emery added.

"We are in a process. This is a higher level we have achieved. We want to test ourselves and how we respond. I am so proud, happy, confident in our standards. Hopefully we can come back quickly."

• The Road to Rotterdam: Aston Villa's 1982 European Cup triumph

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William Dobbie

• Aston Villa F.C.
• Paris Saint-Germain F.C.
• UEFA Champions League
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