Fixtures
- Aston Villa Vs. FC Bayern München – Wed, Oct 2nd 2024, 20:00
“These are the nights we’ve all dreamt of” says Ollie Watkins as Aston Villa prepare to face Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League.
Villa, having made a winning start on matchday one, will take to the pitch on Wednesday for what promises to be memorable night under the lights at Villa Park.
It will be the club’s first home match in Europe’s elite competition for 41 years, and comes on the back of last season’s run to the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League.
And Watkins cannot wait for the special occasion.
“These are the nights we’ve all dreamt of, especially since I’ve come here,” he said at Tuesday’s pre-match media conference.
“Playing Champions League football for Villa is the best it can get, really.
“I think we’re all just going to go out there, enjoy it, not make the most of it because it sounds as though we’re here underestimating ourselves.
“But enjoy it because it’s been so long since the club has been involved in a competition like this.
“For me personally, I haven’t experienced Champions League football before.
“So, enjoy it, these are the times I’ve dreamt of as a kid.”
Watkins added: “It’s really exciting for myself personally and also the club.
“It’s been a long time since Champions League nights have been at Villa Park.
“I think everyone’s excited, looking forward to it and can’t wait to be out there on the pitch.”
“Playing Champions League football for Villa is the best it can get, really.” – Ollie Watkins
Unai Emery’s Villans will face an extremely stern test against six-time European champions Munich.
The Bavarian club made it to the semi-finals of last season’s competition and have reached at least the last eight in 12 of the previous 13 seasons.
England international team-mate Harry Kane enjoyed a prolific debut campaign for Bayern last year and has again hit the ground running this term.
Kane bagged four goals in an emphatic 9-2 victory over GNK Dinamo on matchday one, and Watkins feels his threat is self-explanatory.
“H is a top player and everyone knows what he’s capable of,” said the Villa striker.
“He’s shown what he can do over previous seasons, so everyone knows his threat but also the whole Bayern team, they’re one of the best teams in the competition.
“We all know that, so it’s nothing new for us.”
