To sum this game and whole tie up, job done.
The 2nd leg was prettier that the 1st and did threaten a few goals, but neither team really went for it and both seemed to believe that Martin O’Neill’s team were already through.
The orange team from Bulgaria didn’t really threaten during the whole game, they perked up for a few minutes after their penalty to tie the score on the night, but that was short lived. Villa controlled the match more and had chances with ‘super-sub’ Marlon Harewood, Ashley Young and Mustapha Salifou before Harewood took a flick-on by Young from Brad Friedel’s punt upfield, rolled his marker and ran powerfully holding off a defender and finished with aplomb across the Keeper.
The second half started with the Villa pushing on to add to their lead, Milner had a couple of efforts and Routledge probed down the right. But after the Bulgarian/Brazilian Tom waltzed past Shorey he was adjudged to have been brought down by Cuellar in the area, although replays show that he did win the ball. Niflore stepped up to calmly send Friedel the wrong way and pick up the visitors temporarily.
Villa picked their game up again after a quiet few minutes, and created a few more chances, Harewood and Cuellar both heading close. Villa had more chance to safely wrap up the tie when Ashley Young crossed to the back post where Routledge took an excellent touch and turn on to see his volley saved by keeper Todorov.
England prospect Young, was replaced by Osbourne before the end but not before being put through on goal at a tight angle and somehow clipped the inside of the post with the keeper well beaten by his fantastic effort.
Although only three quarters full and unusually quiet, Villa Park will now see at least a couple more European nights this season as their team cruised into the UEFA Cup group stages.
What should they expect? Sitting 3rd in the league, last summer Inter Milan were crushed here 3-0 in pre-season, just after they’d beaten Man Utd the game before.
Aston Villa could do something here, and add to the memories of 1982.
Ratings
1. Friedel – 7 – Had little to do in truth, collected the ball well when called upon.
2. Luke Young – 8 – Didn’t put a foot wrong all night, won the ball with ease and linked with Routledge well.
21. Shorey – 6 – As he often is, was worried by wingers running at him, but settled as the game went on.
16. Knight – 7 – Did his job, sometimes clumsy, is untidy and bluntly simple with his passing. Not troubled.
24. Cuellar – 7 – Unfortunate to concede the penalty, marked superbly, tackled with ease, and read the game excellently.
19. Petrov – 7 – Kept it simple, sat back to allow the rest of the midfield attack. Tidy and worked hard as usual.
17. Salifou – 6 – Didn’t seem to get into the game, but did show flashes of what he’s been lauded for in the reserves.
18. Routledge – 7 – Good on the ball, and off it, created chances and looked impressive.
8. Milner – 7 – Was wasted on the left wing, and so didn’t seem to get going until the second half.
7. Ashley Young – 7 – Lively and dangerous, but more so out wide.
9. Harewood – 8 – Worked hard all night, deserved his goal and wanted more.
27. Osbourne – 5 – Late sub for Ashley Young.
Andy Clements
