Aston Villa Stunned by Olympiacos in Europa League Shock

El Kaabi's Hat-Trick Secures Unlikely Victory

Match Report and Analysis

Aston Villa suffered a humiliating 4-2 defeat at home to Greek side Olympiacos in the first leg of their Europa League round of 32 tie on Thursday, 2nd May 2024.

The English Premier League side were poor from the outset and fell behind to a stunning strike from Mathieu Valbuena in the 17th minute. Ayoub El Kaabi doubled Olympiacos' lead just before half-time with a close-range finish.

Things got worse for Villa after the break as El Kaabi completed his hat-trick with a brilliant solo effort in the 55th minute. Villa pulled one back through Leon Bailey in the 65th minute, but El Kaabi's fourth goal of the night in the 83rd minute sealed the win for Olympiacos.

The result leaves Villa with a mountain to climb in the second leg in Greece on May 9th. They will need to score at least three goals to have any chance of progressing to the next round.