Villa came into last night’s game trailing by two goals after a 3-1 first leg defeat in the French capital. And as Unai Emery’s players went through their final preparations it was UEFA’s Europa League anthem that was played over the Villa Park PA system rather than the world-renowned Champions League standard.

They may well become the first Paris St-Germain team to win the Champions League and yet for all that lies ahead of this fine side, their night at Villa Park was 94 minutes when they will have wondered if the old curse might strike again.

Paris Saint-Germain has staved off a gallant fightback by Aston Villa to reach the Champions League semifinals despite a 3-2 loss to the English club.