Aston Villa suffered an embarrassing mix-up ahead of their crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain at Villa Park on Tuesday evening.
As both teams lined up before kick-off, the Europa League anthem was mistakenly played through the stadium’s PA system instead of the iconic Champions League music.
The error left players from both sides visibly confused as they stood awkwardly on the pitch.
Villa, who haven’t participated in the Europa League for nearly 15 years, were facing PSG whilst trying to overturn a 3-1 deficit from the first leg.
PSG and Villa players were left baffled by the anthem played out at Villa Park
Reuters
The players’ reactions to the anthem mix-up were captured on camera, with Villa defender Ezri Konsa covering his face with his palm in embarrassment.
PSG players were seen sharing jokes with teammates, with Vitinha particularly amused by the error.
“The players looked very confused,” one fan noted on social media.
Another observer commented: “Not Aston Villa’s DJ playing the Europa league anthem instead of the Champions League anthem players were visibly confused and just burst out laughing.”
The atmosphere briefly turned awkward as both teams stood waiting for the correct music.
Fans on social media were quick to react to the anthem blunder, with many expressing disbelief.
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“Omg the PSG players,” wrote one fan.
Another tweeted: “Why were they playing the Europa League anthem in the Aston Villa and PSG game. Even the players were laughing.”
“Hahaha someone’s getting sacked in the morning for playing the Europa League anthem instead of the proper one. The looks on the players faces,” commented a fifth.
Villa supporters were reportedly left “miffed” by the error, while others “took delight in sticking the boot in.”
Commentators were equally surprised by the anthem mix-up, with Amazon Prime’s Jon Champion immediately noting the error.
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The Champions League played out the Europa League anthem by mistake
Reuters
“The first misstep of the night, someone’s miscued the Champions League anthem,” remarked Adrian Clarke on Amazon.
Champion added: “Stirring music but not quite what we’ve come to expect to a prelude to games like this.”
The stadium’s atmosphere was strong before kick-off, with a sold-out crowd proving vocal ahead of the match.
Some Villa fans booed when they heard the second-tier European competition’s anthem playing.
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Eventually, the correct Champions League anthem was played just seconds before the match began.
“Better late than never,” Jon Champion remarked after the iconic music finally echoed around Villa Park.
Villa suffered a tough half with PSG taking a two-goal lead through Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes.
Youri Tielemans netted after his strike deflected off Willian Pacho but Villa still have a mountain to climb.
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