BBC

Eintracht Frankfurt are demanding a fee of about 100m euros (£86.3m) for 22-year-old striker Hugo Ekitike, amid interest from Tottenham and Arsenal. (Bild - in German), external

Tottenham are willing to break their transfer record and pay about £65m to sign 25-year-old Wolves and Brazil forward Matheus Cunha. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

What else did Amorim say about Onana?

Man Utd v Lyon (20:00 BST, 2-2 on agg)

Ruben Amorim was also asked if Manchester United need a new goalkeeper this summer.

He said: "My answer is that we need to improve every position on the field - goalkeeper is the same. We can work with Andre. If our team scores more goals and is more dangerous on the forwards and the strikers, we will defend better, Onana will defend better."

'Clear Man United need to recruit a new goalkeeper'

Fara Williams

Former England midfielder

Keeping Onana out any longer would kill his confidence and it is clear Bayindir is a second choice goalkeeper who is carrying his own nerves.

However, I think it is clear Man United need to recruit a new goalkeeper in the summer. Onana is not a bad goalkeeper by any means but his confidence and presence has been eroded over time and to come back from that at a club like Manchester United is very hard, with the levels of pressure and scrutiny.

There is no guarantee a new goalkeeper would not also fall victim to the state of the club, but there is a better chance of someone new succeeding under an Amorim rebuild than Onana, who carries the baggage of a difficult two seasons.

See Manchester United fan views, analysis and more on our club page

Onana must focus on his job - Maguire

Man Utd v Lyon (20:00 BST)

Simon Stone

BBC Sport's chief football news reporter

Harry Maguire understands exactly what Andre Onana is going through at Manchester United.

His performances have been questioned throughout his time at Old Trafford and he had the captaincy taken off him by Erik ten Hag.

Maguire feels the only way Onana can deal with the scrutiny he will be under during United's crucial Europa League encounter with Lyon tonight is to keep his mind on what is in front of him.

"Andre has proved in the past he is an excellent goalkeeper," said Maguire.

"In every career you have spells when you go up and down, and find yourself a little bit out of form. It is about how you build yourself back in and find that confidence to perform again.

‘At the moment, he is probably feeling everything is going against him, but you take it game by game, ignore it all and focus on your job.

"I always said to myself, ‘tomorrow night is another game of football, go on that pitch and give it absolutely everything’. When you walk off you say to yourself. ‘I’ve left everything out there’."

Onana to return

Man Utd v Lyon (20:00 BST, 2-2 agg)

In his pre-match news conference Ruben Amorim confirmed goalkeeper Andre Onana will start against Lyon at Old Trafford. Amorim left him out of the squad for Sunday's trip to Newcastle.

Amorim said: "As a coach and former player first of all I try to do things that can help a player in this situation.

"We speak about managing players physically but we also have to manage them also mentally.

"We had one weekend where I felt it was better for Andre Onana not to play and a good thing for Altay [Bayindir] to play.

"He [Onana] will play tomorrow."

What happened in the first leg?

Man Utd v Lyon (20:00 BST, 2-2 agg)

Manchester United United went behind after 25 minutes when under-pressure Andre Onana failed to get a strong enough hand to Thiago Almada's wide free-kick.

In the final seconds of the first half Leny Yoro equalised with his first goal for United by reacting quickly to Manuel Ugarte's volley and diverting the ball into the bottom corner.

The visitors thought they had won late on when substitute Joshua Zirkzee headed home Bruno Fernandes' looping cross in the 88th minute.

But, with the last play before the final whistle, Onana spilled Georges Mikautadze's shot and Rayan Cherki tapped in on the rebound.

Europa win won't mask disappointing season - Maguire

Man Utd v Lyon (20:00 BST)

Simon Stone

BBC Sport's chief football news reporter

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire accepts this season will still be one of disappointment even if his side go on to win the Europa League.

Victory in the tournament is now United's only route back into the Champions League and, in all likelihood, any kind of European football.

Financially, the difference is huge.

But Maguire accepts that alone will not make up for what could turn out to be United's worst league campaign since they were relegated in 1973-74.

“It's been a disappointing season, there's no doubt about it," he said.

"From the start we've been far too inconsistent.

“Performances have picked up of late. However I think there are key aspects in games where us players have got to take more responsibility and change them in our favour.

“There have been a lot of games that have been 50-50 and we've ended up on the bad end of a result and that's something we do need to work on as a team, as a group of players.

"If we do win the Europa League, it's still going to be a disappointing season for us players, but winning that would be a big bonus."

'There's no burden on me'

Eintracht Frankfurt v Tottenham (20:00 BST, 1-1 agg)

During his pre-match news conference Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou was asked about his position as the club's head coach.

"I don't define my career or me as a person by what people think of me. I never have and never will," he said.

"If you don't think I'm a good coach today then you are not going to think I'm a good coach tomorrow. Even if we win, mate, one game is not going to make a difference to that.

"If people think us winning tomorrow then all of a sudden I'm a better manager than what I am today, or losing tomorrow somehow makes me a worse manager, that is their burden, not mine."

Postecoglou added: "I couldn't care less, mate. I really couldn't care less. There's no burden on me, there is no anxiety on me.

"What I'm sitting here doing is thinking 'we've got a great opportunity to get to the final four of a major tournament'. Mate, I'm not going to let that slip by without fighting tooth and nail for it irrespective of what may come the day after."

'Make or break for Ange'

Eintracht Frankfurt v Tottenham (20:00 BST, 1-1 agg)

Stephen Kelly

Former Tottenham defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

I've covered Tottenham's last three games. I did the Frankfurt game on Thursday and I was like 'this is the best I've seen them'.

Everybody's back fit, they played well in the second half and looked like they could've and should've won the game.

Then I was at Wolves at the weekend and was like 'oh no, back to Tottenham again'. It was awful, really poor, the mistakes they made.

To think that they have to raise it again for a game away to Frankfurt who are no slouches, third in the Bundesliga, a very good side with attacking players that can cause problems and are causing teams problems all over Europe

I don't know where to go with this - how they are going to finish - but it is make or break I think for Ange Postecoglou with the Europa League.

Pressure mounts on British sides in Europa League

Europa League

A European trophy should be carrot enough for all the remaining eight sides left in the Europa League.

But if any extra motivation were needed, then the prize of Champions League qualification for the winners should suffice.

All three British sides left in the competition - Rangers, Manchester United and Tottenham - have endured domestic campaigns that have fallen below the standards each club expects.

All three managers - Rangers' Barry Ferguson, United's Ruben Amorim and Spurs' Ange Postecoglou - are under pressure to succeed, for largely the same reasons.

Neither club is favourite to lift the trophy, but that is most certainly the aim for each.

Stick with us as we look at the circumstances at each club and assess which side most needs Europa League glory.

Eintracht Frankfurt have only won one of their five meetings with Tottenham in European competition (D2 L2). However, that lone victory came on the only occasion in which they’ve hosted them in a knockout stage match, beating them 2-1 in the Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-final in 1981-82 (second leg).

Tottenham have lost six of their last seven knockout stage games away to German opponents in Europe (W1), while failing to score in four of their last five such matches. They lost 3-0 in the most recent of these, being eliminated by RB Leipzig in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League in 2019-20.

Tottenham have only progressed from one of their previous 10 knockout stage ties in European competition after failing to win the first leg at home, progressing past Ajax in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2018-19 (lost 0-1 in the first leg, before winning on away goals – 3-3 on aggregate).

Eintracht Frankfurt are looking to reach a third UEFA Europa League semi-final, having previously done so in 2018-19 and 2021-22. The only team to have currently qualified for more than three in the competition is Sevilla, who have done so five times (Manchester United are currently on three ahead of their second leg versus Lyon).

Tottenham will be aiming to qualify for a second major European semi-final within the last seven seasons, having done so in the UEFA Champions League in 2018-19. This would be as many as they qualified for in the previous 44 seasons beforehand, between 1974-85 and 2017-18 (2).

Tottenham have only kept one clean sheet in their last 19 away matches in the UEFA Europa League (1-0 v Qarabag in November 2015), while Eintracht Frankfurt average over two goals per home match in the competition (55 scored in 27 home games).

Hugo Ekitiké has been directly involved in seven goals in the UEFA Europa League this season (four goals, three assists). Meanwhile, only two strikers have been involved in more in a Europa League campaign for the German side: Luka Jovic (11) and Sébastien Haller (8), both in 2018-19.

If he appears in this game, Son Heung-Min will overtake Harry Kane (67) to become Tottenham’s all-time leading appearance maker in major European competition (68). Son is averaging a goal every 217 minutes in the UEFA Europa League this term, however, which is his worst ratio in an edition where he’s made more than two appearances.

'What a big moment'

Tottenham 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt

Joe Hart

Former Tottenham and Man City goalkeeper on TNT Sports

Wow, what a big moment. This crowd didn't know how to play it going down early. They've stayed in the game and is this the tuning point?

It's really sharp from James Maddison. Such a clever finish from Pedro Porro.

YELLOW CARD

Rangers 0-0 Athletic Bilbao

Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta picks up a booking for tripping Rangers forward Ianis Hagi on the halfway line.

Rangers interim head coach Barry Ferguson also picks up a yellow card for his animated reaction.

Post

Tottenham 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt

Spurs deserve that goal.

After falling behind early on, they've kept coming forward and have looked good in doing so.

James Maddison has been the spark and he's just created the equaliser.

GOAL - Tottenham 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt

Pedro Porro

What a big moment!

James Maddison fakes going on his right foot before cutting on to his left in the box and picking out Pedro Porro.

The right-back finishes it like Neymar with a beautiful backheel flick.

GOAL - Lyon 1-0 Man Utd

Thiago Almada

Oh, Onana!

The spotlight is on the Manchester United goalkeeper big time tonight after his pre-match comments about Lyon and he's just allowed what looked like a harmless free-kick go under him and into the net.

The set-piece is from Thiago Almada and it doesn't appear to take a touch before Onana dives too late to keep it out.

That's a huge goalkeeping error.

Post

Lyon 0-0 Man Utd

Izzy Christiansen

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

Hojlund has to do better. He doesn't connect with the ball, he drags at it, snatches at it.

Five goals already in the Europa League this season, that should have been his sixth.

Post

Tottenham 0-1 Eintracht Frankfurt

Odd one from Kaua Santos to boot the ball out for a corner instead of picking it up on the edge of the box.

He was left unpunished though as Spurs can't make the most of the set piece.

Post

Tottenham 0-1 Eintracht Frankfurt

Spurs are looking lively in attack!

They work the ball well on the edge of the box and Micky van de Ven finds Dominic Solanke. He tries to chip one to the back post for Brennan Johnson but Arthur Theate gets a vital flick on it.

The flag went up afterwards but still some encouragement for Spurs.

'That will cause United another problem'

Lyon 0-0 Man Utd

Izzy Christiansen

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

Mikautadze is hugging this left-hand touchline. He is keeping the width to the absolute maximum and it is the total opposite of what Manchester City did against Manchester United in the derby on Sunday.

He has had so much success getting in beyond Dalot. That is going to cause Manchester United another problem.

Post

Lyon 0-0 Man Utd

We've still to witness a serious attempt.

The seven-time French champions are dominating possession - 72.4% - but what does that mean these days?

United have been untroubled so far.

Post

Tottenham 0-1 Eintracht Frankfurt

James Maddison isn't happy with the referee after taking a whack on the shin from Mario Gotze.

The decision goes in favour of Eintracht Frankfurt. Maddison needs to keep his cool here.

Thank you as always for joining us today as we brought you reaction from the Champions League quarter-final first-legs between Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa plus Barcelona v Borussia Dortmund.

For that, or anything else you may have missed throughout the day, be sure to click on the summary points at the top of this page.

We'll be back with you bright and early with reactions from tonight's games plus all the build-up to another busy weekend of Premier League football.

Until then though, have a good one and please follow our live text coverage of Thursday's Europa League fixtures with Tottenham, Manchester United and Rangers all in action.

Chelsea's Conference League clash with Legia Warsaw can also be followed on the link above.

See ya!

'It helped me to get used to different environments'

Legia v Chelsea (17:45 BST)

Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall says playing in the atmosphere created by Legia Warsaw fans provides adds extra "motivation."

The 26-year-old is the only member of the squad to have previously experienced playing at Stadion Miejski Legii Warszawa when he visited with Leicester in the Europa League in 2021.

Supporters of the Polish club have built a reputation for creating a hostile atmosphere for visiting sides.

Despite suffering a narrow defeat with his former team at the stadium, Dewsbury-Hall is relishing being in the atmosphere again when the Blues take on Legia Warsaw in the their Conference League quarter-final first leg on Thursday.

"It is definitely an atmosphere you have to experience as a player because it gives you the added little motivation. The home fans will help the home side but I feel like we can use it to help us," he said.

"It's something I'm really thankful for and it definitely helped me when I made my progression to play in the Premier League. It helped me to get used to different environments and for when the fans are being loud and getting right behind their team. It gave me a good base to kick on, and it's nice that I can come back and experience it again."

How did Rangers reach the quarter-finals?

Rangers v Athletic Club (20:00 BST)

Rangers squeezed through to the last 16 of the Europa League with a 2-1 win against Union Saint-Gilloise in their final league phase fixture.

That result saw them finish eighth with 14 points as they won four, drew two and lost two of their eight games in the first phase of the competition.

Rangers had to dig deep to overcome Fenerbahce in the last 16 despite them winning the first leg in Istanbul 3-1, courtesy of a goal from Cyriel Dessers and a brace from Vaclav Cerny.

But Sebastian Szymanski scored twice in the return leg as Jose Mourinho's side drew level and took the game into extra time and then penalties.

But the Gers held on to beat the Turkish side on penalties and continue their European journey.

Rangers - Road to the quarter-finals:

Malmo 0-2 Rangers

Rangers 1-4 Lyon

Rangers 4-0 FCSB

Olympiacos 1-1 Rangers

Nice 1-4 Rangers

Rangers 1-1 Tottenham

Man Utd 2-1 Rangers

Rangers 2-1 Union SG

L16 1st Leg: Fenerbahce 1-3 Rangers

L16 2nd Leg: Rangers 0-2 Fenerbahce (3-3 on aggregate; Rangers won 3-2 on penalties)

How did Tottenham reach the quarter-finals?

Tottenham v Eintracht Frankfurt (20:00 BST)

Tottenham progressed through the league phase of the Europa League with a record of five wins, two draws and a defeat.

After two wins and a draw in their opening game, they suffered their first setback when they were beaten 3-2 at Galatasaray before back-to-back draws against Roma and Rangers.

But wins against Hoffenheim and Swedish side Elfsborg saw them through to the knockout stages without having to compete in the play-offs.

A Lucas Bergvall own goal handed them a 1-0 defeat to AZ in Alkmaar in the first leg of the last-16 tie but Wilson Odobert scored twice and James Maddison was also on target as Ange Postecoglou's side registered a 3-2 aggregate win to reach the quarter-finals.

Tottenham - Road to the quarter-finals:

Tottenham 3-0 Qarabag

Ferencvaros 1-2 Tottenham

Tottenham 1-0 AZ

Galatasaray 3-2 Tottenham

Tottenham 2-2 Roma

Rangers 1-1 Tottenham

Hoffenheim 2-3 Tottenham

Tottenham 3-0 Elfsborg

L16 1st Leg: AZ 1-0 Tottenham

L16 2nd Leg: Tottenham 3-1 AZ (won 3-2 on aggregate)

Cherki's 'a wizard with the ball' - Maitland-Niles

Lyon v Man Utd (20:00 BST)

Rayan Cherki's stats have translated into a solid season for Lyon, with 27 goal involvements in 36 matches in all competitions.

The 21-year-old France forward has scored nine goals, with two coming in his 10 appearances in Lyon's Europa League campaign - sealing their route through to face Manchester United in the quarter-finals.

Only three players from Europe's top five leagues - United captain Bruno Fernandes (129), Barcelona's Raphinha (122) and Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich (113) - have created more than Cherki's 103 chances in all competitions this season.

"He is the best natural talent I've ever seen," Cherki's team-mate Ainsley Maitland-Niles told BBC Sport.

"An absolute master, a wizard with the ball.

"He is taking chances, assists and dragging us up the pitch by taking people on and nutmegging them - he is a genius."

Why is Lyon's Cherki winning admirers?

Lyon v Man Utd (20:00 BST)

There is nothing quite so exciting or refreshing in football as a rising new star announcing their arrival on the world stage.

Those neutrals who enjoyed Desire Doue's eye-catching display for Paris St-Germain against Aston Villa on Wednesday could well be treated to a glimpse of another hot prospect from Ligue 1 when Lyon host Manchester United in the Europa League tonight.

Rayan Cherki has been described by Lyon team-mate Ainsley Maitland-Niles as the "best natural talent" he has ever seen.

That's coming from a former Arsenal and England Under-21 international who has played alongside Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden.

But don't take Ainsley's word for it - coming up are some stats that put 21-year-old France forward Cherki up with the very best that title winners PSG have to offer.

How did Man Utd reach the quarter-finals?

Lyon v Manchester United (20:00 BST)

Manchester United began their Europa League campaign with three consecutive draws against Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce.

But the Red Devils followed it up with five consecutive victories, including against fellow quarter-finalists Bodo/Glimt and Rangers.

They finished the league phase as the only unbeaten side in the competition - taking third place behind Lazio and Athletic Club to qualify for the last 16.

Real Sociedad were their opponents in their first knockout tie after the La Liga outfit beat Midtjylland in 7-3 in their knockout phase play-offs.

The first leg in San Sebastian saw the two teams play out a 1-1 draw but Ruben Amorim's men were rampant in the return leg at Old Trafford as a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick and a stoppage-time goal from Diogo Dalot secured a 4-1 victory and a place in the quarter-finals.

Manchester United - Road to the quarter-finals:

Man Utd 1-1 Twente

Porto 3-3 Man Utd

Fenerbahce 1-1 Man Utd

Man Utd 2-0 PAOK

Man Utd 3-2 Bodo/Glimt

Viktoria Plzen 1-2 Man Utd

Man Utd 2-1 Rangers

FCSB 0-2 Man Utd

L16 1st Leg: Real Sociedad 1-1 Man Utd

L16 2nd Leg: Man Utd 4-1 Real Sociedad (won 5-2 on aggregate)

What did Matic actually say about Onana?

Lyon v Man Utd (20:00 BST)

Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matic, now playing for United's Europa League quarter-final opponents Lyon, made the build-up to the tie unexpectedly tense as he took offence to comments made by United keeper Andre Onana.

The 36-year-old said: "If you are one of the worst keepers in Manchester United history, you need to take care.

"If David de Gea, Peter Schmeichel or Edwin van der Sar said that, I would question myself.

"But if, statistically, you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United's modern history, he needs to show that before he says."

At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world - Onana

Lyon v Man Utd (20:00 BST)

Andre Onana took the bait, and responded with an equally cutting post on X:

"I would never be disrespectful to another club. We know that tomorrow will be a difficult game against a strong opponent. We focus on preparing a performance to make our fans proud.

"At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same."

This came with a picture of Onana kissing the FA Cup, which he won with United last season.

Nemanja Matic played for Manchester United from 2017 to 2022, making 128 appearances for the Red Devils, but failed to help them lift a trophy during his time at Old Trafford.

He joined Ligue 1 side Lyon in 2024 after spells at Rennes and Roma.

Matic did, however, win the Premier League twice, plus the FA Cup and EFL Cup in a four-year spell at Chelsea.

Everything Tottenham do is seen as negative - Postecoglou. Video, 00:00:53Everything Tottenham do is seen as negative - Postecoglou

Up Next. Fans putting phones in my face is bullying move - Postecoglou. Video, 00:02:35Fans putting phones in my face is bullying move - Postecoglou

Would winning the Europa League change anything at Spurs? Video, 00:01:32Would winning the Europa League change anything at Spurs?

Onana is 'one of the worst keepers in Man Utd's history' - Matic. Video, 00:00:58Onana is 'one of the worst keepers in Man Utd's history' - Matic

'He's the chosen one!' - the rise of Lamine Yamal. Video, 00:03:42'He's the chosen one!' - the rise of Lamine Yamal

Could Dembele be the next Ballon d'Or winner? Video, 00:02:07Could Dembele be the next Ballon d'Or winner?

'My game's on the right track' - McIlroy on Masters chances. Video, 00:03:34'My game's on the right track' - McIlroy on Masters chances

'I can't remember a goal like Stankovic's' Video, 00:03:45'I can't remember a goal like Stankovic's'

It's April now, I'm not concerned - Wiegman after England defeat. Video, 00:01:21It's April now, I'm not concerned - Wiegman after England defeat

I feel fresh mentally after returning from injury - Saka. Video, 00:00:45I feel fresh mentally after returning from injury - Saka

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou says he is battling a "negative agenda" against the club where even good days are seen from a "glass half-empty" perspective.

Spurs are a lowly 14th after 31 games in the Premier League as they toil in an injury-hit season, and under-pressure Postecoglou says he detects an outside view that he is "gone anyway" even if the team win the Europa League.

They face Eintracht Frankfurt in their European quarter-final on Thursday.

The competition offers Spurs their final hope of silverware this campaign as Postecoglou, 59, looks to maintain his record of "always winning" trophies in his second season at a club.

It also provides a route into next season's Champions League for the winners.

Tottenham beat Southampton 3-1 on domestic league duty on Sunday, but post-match narrative centred around on-loan Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel taking a stoppage-time penalty rather than letting Brennan Johnson attempt to complete a hat-trick.

"I just think we're in that position now where even the good stuff we do is going to be turned into a glass half-empty rhetoric," said Postecoglou.

"The one slight against this club is that it hasn't been a winner. The winners' mentality in the last minute is to score. We scored and somehow, in this alternate universe, everything Tottenham does is negative."

Emery backs 'mature' Martinez after latest hat prank

PSG v Aston Villa (Wed, 20:00 BST)

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is backing "mature" goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to handle the hostile reception he is expected to receive in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final against Paris St-Germain.

Martinez angered France supporters with his antics during the penalty shootout win in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, when his save from Kingsley Coman helped Argentina to victory.

He then showed off a Kylian Mbappe doll during the homecoming victory parade in Buenos Aires.

And on Tuesday he was pictured wearing a cap with a French cockerel alongside images of Argentina's recent triumphs as he embarked on the journey to Paris for the quarter-final first leg at Parc des Princes.

Martinez's latest actions, under the microscope at the pre-match media briefing with Emery, are likely to turn up the heat even further on the 32-year-old before the meeting with PSG.

Read the full story here.

'Delighted he can play' - PSG relish loanee Asensio's return

PSG v Aston Villa (Wed, 20:00 BST)

Paris St-Germain are enjoying a season to remember - but know one of the biggest dangers to fulfilling their ultimate dream could be a player currently on their books.

Fresh from retaining the Ligue 1 title, the French side host Aston Villa in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday, facing the unusual prospect of coming up against one of their own in Marco Asensio.

The 29-year-old Spain forward joined Villa on loan from PSG in January and has been a revelation, with eight goals and one assist in his 11 games for the Villans.

Asensio's form has helped Unai Emery's men enjoy a seven-match winning run, during which they have booked spots in the FA Cup semi-final and Champions League last eight.

They are also within touching distance of the Premier League top five and qualification for next season's Champions League.

Read here for the full story.

Emery & Enrique renew rivalries after 'La Remontada'

Paris St-Germain v Aston Villa (20:00 GMT)

Unai Emery won seven trophies in his two-year spell at Paris St-Germain, but his time there was marked by a remarkable capitulation against Luis Enrique's Barcelona in the Champions League that is referred to as "La Remontada" (the Comeback).

Emery's PSG thrashed Barca 4-0 in the first leg of their 2016-17 Champions League last-16 tie and looked on course to contend for a maiden Champions League title.

But their dream turned into a nightmare as the Parisians were beaten 6-1 in a controversial return leg at the Camp Nou.

The La Liga outfit were 5-3 down on aggregate with two minutes of normal time remaining, but scored three goals before the end of stoppage time to win one of the greatest European ties of all time.

Emery returns to Paris with Aston Villa tonight to take on his former side and lock horns with Enrique for the first time since that eventful night in Barcelona.

Can Villa follow Arsenal's lead in the Champions League?

Switching to Europe's elite cup competition, Arsenal have one foot in the Champions League semi-finals after their brilliant 3-0 win against Real Madrid in the first leg at Emirates Stadium last night.

But the Gunners are not the only Premier League side who have set their sights on being crowned European champions.

Aston Villa face a challenging trip to Parc des Princes tonight to face recently-crowned Ligue 1 champions Paris St-Germain, who are considered one of the favourites for the title this season.

Under cup specialist Unai Emery, Villa will be hoping to set the foundations for what could be a famous win against the Parisians tonight.

Which British sides are in Europa League quarter-finals?

There are, of course, three British clubs in action in the last eight of the Europa League on Thursday.

Like Tottenham, Manchester United have been struggling for form domestically and will be hoping to redeem their season by adding a European trophy to their cabinet.

Ruben Amorim's United make the trip to face Lyon on Thursday in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

Scottish side Rangers, meanwhile, are up against Athletic Club of Spain in their bid to reach the semi-finals of the competition.

'He has the attributes to be a real top player'

Tottenham v Eintracht Frankfurt (Thu, 20:00 BST)

Wales manager Craig Bellamy told Sky Sports that Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson has "all the attributes to be a real top player" after the 23-year-old scored a brace against Southampton.

Johnson has now scored 16 times for Spurs this season, although Sunday's double was his first home goals in 2025, while he also struggled up front for Wales in recent World Cup qualifiers.

"We showed him a lot of Raheem Sterling's finishing, with a focus on his positioning," said Wales manager Craig Bellamy on the recent international camp. "We showed him this at the start of September when we first met up.

"I'm really big on that with the wingers. I expect the winger on the opposite side to be on the back post. It's very difficult for full-backs [to mark] but also with his running ability, there is no excuse for him not to be onto the back post."

Of his 11 goals in the Premier League, 10 of them have been scored from one-touch finishes with a shot conversation of 31%. For Wales, Johnson has scored five goals in 35 appearances

Bellamy added: "I class him as a young player. I would definitely class him in the development stage and there is loads that he can improve on. I believe he has the attributes to be a real top player, now it's to see where he wants to take it.

"I think he has that mindset but now it's games, confidence, and then I believe we will see a lot more from him."

'We want to win it for everyone at the club'

Tottenham v Eintracht Frankfurt (Thu, 20:00 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

A final word from Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson on whether the players want to win the Europa League for under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou: "Of course, we want to win for everyone at the club - us players, the manager and all the backroom staff who have been through some tough times this season.

"It's down to our own mistakes. There were a lot of games we have not performed good enough. Winning this competition would be great and it would be an unbelievable feeling to win.

"We don't want to look too far past this game, but for us to win it for everyone at the club will be massive.

"I don't really care about what other people and the critics are saying. I love all the players in the squad, the management staff.

"We've created a really tightknit group. It's something that we just want to do for each other because we have had some tough times and there would be no better joy to celebrate it with people who have gone through it."

'I've loved every second at the club'

Tottenham v Eintracht Frankfurt (Thu, 20:00 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson on scoring his first goals - for club and country - in nine matches against Southampton, to take his season tally to 18: "[My goal tally] is something that I'm definitely proud of. The aim was to always score more this year at the start of the season. There's a lot of work that goes into it.

"I am happy for [former club] Nottingham Forest and the season they are having, but I'm delighted to be here [after signing for Tottenham last season].

"I have loved every second. The size of the club, people within the club and the fans are all something that I could only have wished for when younger."

'It's not about giving people free goals' - Johnson on penalty incident

Tottenham v Eintracht Frankfurt (Thu, 20:00 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson on the penalty incident with Mathys Tel: "All of us attacking players, if there is a chance to score from 12 yards without being contested, anyone would want to take it. But once the decision has been made, it isn't in my nature to argue or have a fight about who takes it.

"I've been in situations where people are really reluctant to let someone else have a penalty and it can put you off. Once the ball was with Mathys, I just wanted to support him. He is a quality player as well so it's not like I am doubting his quality. As soon as the ball was put in his hands, I backed him to score.

"I agree [with Ange Postecoglou on people making too much from the penalty incident]. I think we're going to go into competitions where it could go down to penalties. And there is so much on the line. It's about who is feeling most confident and who is performing the best. In this tournament, it's not really about giving people free goals, it's about scoring goals.

"If we get an opportunity to increase our lead or get a goal back, we have to make sure we need to score. So I agree with what he said."

'Even if we win it, I am gone anyway'

Tottenham v Eintracht Frankfurt (Thu, 20:00 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

A final word from Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou on why winning the Europa League might not win over his critics: "I came to this club with a clear purpose of rejuvenating a squad that was coming to the end of a cycle. Whatever noise there is, now or in the future, that shouldn't diminish that desire. Everything in my professional life has come through a struggle.

"Hopefully we have worked our way in to a position where we can make an impact for during what has been a disappointing season for us. I just think there's a real determination to take this opportunity.

"I just think you can't win the argument of convincing people. Even if we win [the Europa League], I am gone anyway. That's just the general sentiment of the people. If you try to use that as a motivation, you are not going to win anyway. It's got to be something more in it for us. For us, what's most important is that we have been through a tough time but we are still in a position to make an impact."

'Legs are getting stronger in areas we need them to'

Tottenham v Eintracht Frankfurt (Thu, 20:00 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

More team news from Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou: "We have been OK, but it's been disruptive. We have had to juggle getting players game time and also resting some at different times so that we can get to a position where we have a fairly fit and strong squad to tackle what is ahead.

"The first half of the weekend in training was really good. The legs are getting stronger in the areas that we need them to."

Tottenham's recent quarter-final record

Tottenham v Eintracht Frankfurt (Thu, 20:00 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

Ange was unclear about Tottenham's European record in quarter-finals, so let's bring you up to speed.

Tottenham have won the European Cup Winners' Cup and twice won the Uefa Cup, the forerunner to the Europa League.

They also reached the final of the 2018–19 Champions League, losing to Liverpool.

This is Tottenham's first European quarter-final since that run to the Champions League final, when they beat Manchester City on the away goals rule in the last eight.

That tie brought Spurs' only win - when Son Heung-min scored the only goal for Spurs of the first leg at home - in their last 13 quarter-final matches in Europe (D6 L6).

'We need to make sure we make the most of it'

Tottenham v Eintracht Frankfurt (Thu, 20:00 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou on facing Eintracht Frankfurt: "I am not sure how many times the club has been in the quarter-finals of a European competition. So every time you get in there, you cannot take it for granted and you want to make the most of it.

"It's going to be a tough game tomorrow. Frankfurt are a good side and are going well in the Bundesliga. They got a mixture of exciting young players but also some experience in there.

"It will be a good challenge but when you get to the last eight of European competition, that's what you expect to face."

'Hope we can get the crowd going again tomorrow'

Tottenham v Eintracht Frankfurt (Thu, 20:00 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou emphasised the importance of the home support going into their Europa League quarter-final after Eintracht Frankfurt: "It's hugely important. With every European game, you are watching last night or watching tonight, the atmosphere makes a big impact. It's a big part of European football. A lot of teams that have success in Europe are on the back of a really strong home atmosphere.

"We hope it's the same for us tomorrow. We hope we can get the crowd going again.

"We have had nice atmospheres at home this year. The European nights have been good and the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool was good. We need that again tomorrow night.

"It's a big part of helping the clubs get an advantage in what are always tight ties."

We asked you what nobody is talking about at Tottenham but should be.

Here are some of your comments:

Dan: There is actually a decent spine in the Spurs team. Guglielmo Vicario at 28 is young for a keeper. Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall are all under 25 and all look very comfortable in the Premier League. We also still have (untested) Ash Phillips, Alejo Veliz, Alfie Devine and Jamie Donley so there's something for the right manager to work with. Sadly, as much as I like the bloke, Ange just tactically isn't it. Even trying to close the game out against Southampton, it nearly went wrong.

Richard: We should be talking about how good our squad of players are when all fit. We now have two decent options for all positions (except centre forward and holding midfield ). That is something Daniel Levy should be given credit for putting in place over the past couple of years along with our amazing stadium. Those demanding a new ownership and chairman should be careful what they wish for.

Yaw: The fact that we've got a double-digit positive goal difference. This season, when we've won, we've won big.

Will: I think Ben Davies deserves more recognition. He's been at the club since 2014 with over 300 appearances and has never put a foot wrong and has always been consistent, something I think is underappreciated.

Paul: Chris Davies. I think Ange has missed his input. His impressive success at Birmingham has shown what Tottenham are missing out on this season.

Two very contrasting styles. Tottenham's Ange Postecoglou was calm throughout - he would pick a spot on the edge of his box and stay there for a few minutes. There was hardly any shouting, just the occasional gesture of frustration when a pass was misplaced.

The most animated he became, maybe predictably, was when VAR got involved for a decision to wipe out a second Spurs goal that took four minutes to conclude. That was the only time he moved for any length of time, as his frustration grew.

At one stage in the delay he appeared to play a rock, paper, scissors game - highlighting the unpredictable, random nature of VAR decisions.

Southampton's Ivan Juric could not stop moving, constantly pacing up and down the line. There were only 47 seconds on the clock when he was told by fourth official Sam Barrott to get back in the area.

Juric treated the technical area as optional, spending more time out of it than in, often crouching down, repeatedly shouting instructions but all to no avail as the Saints were relegated to the Championship. Juric left the club the following day.