Dramatic last matchday in England
Top coach Sauer on the referee: “That was a big mistake”
25.05.2025 – 10:30 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
Aston Villa had the chance to qualify for the Champions League on the last match day. But nothing came of it. But that was also due to a controversial decision.
Unai Emery could hardly believe it. Even after a check through the video assistant, his team’s goal, Aston Villa, did not count. At 0-0 on the last matchday of the Premier League against Manchester United, his player Morgan Rogers had achieved the supposed leadership in the 73rd minute.
Manchester goalkeeper Altay Bayindir did not get a header from his team-mate Harry Maguire under control. Rogers spanked the ball and shot it into the empty goal. But the referee decided on foul to Bayindir, the goal was not. A more than controversial decision that triggered a lot of trouble at Aston Villa. The trouble after the game was all the greater because Manchester subsequently scored two goals that Aston Villa spoiled the qualification for the Champions League. A draw would have been enough to become fifth.
“The TV pictures are clear, but we have to accept it. It was a mistake, a big mistake,” said Unai Emery after the game. “That was the key moment.”
Aston Villa’s captain John McGinn was also invited. His frustration was directed primarily against the lack of correction using the video images. “Everyone wanted the right decisions to be made with the introduction of the Var. It is particularly difficult to accept when you consider how great the effects on us as a club and as a team are,” said the Scotsman.
“It is really very, very difficult to cope. I don’t think we deserve victory, but if you lead 1-0 at this point and only one point is missing to qualify for the Champions League, that’s very bitter.” For Aston Villa we are now going to the Europa League, the Champions League quarter finalists of the current season, dozens of millions of euros are going through the rags.