Aston Villa were beaten 4-2 by Olympiakos in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final as Ayoub El Kaabi’s hat-trick stunned Villa Park.

Unai Emery’s side had started the game as favourites to win their first European trophy since 1982 but El Kaabi proved too good as the Greek side raced into a two-goal lead and though Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby dragged Villa level, the striker was not done.

He scored his third from the penalty spot after Douglas Luiz was adjudged to have handballed inside the box before Santiago Hezze’s shot made it four when it deflected off the back of Ezri Konsa and Robin Olsen was unable to keep the ball out.

There was even the frustration of Douglas Luiz missing a late chance to reduce the deficit from the penalty spot before next week’s return leg.

Tottenham’s Premier League defeat to Chelsea means Champions League football is likely to come to Villa Park next season. But these supporters were dreaming of a trophy later this month. There is a lot of work to do in Greece if that dream is to become a reality.

More to follow…

Aston Villa’s remaining fixtures

May 5: Brighton (A) – Premier League, kick-off 2pm

May 9: Olympiakos (A) – Europa Conference League semi-final second leg, kick-off 8pm

May 13: Liverpool (H) – Premier League, kick-off 8pm

May 19: Crystal Palace (A) – Premier League, kick-off 4pm

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