Marka Ragnos

Europa League is actually pretty amazing, too -- and we're basically in. Are we going to stop and celebrate that fact? No time for resting yet? Isn't it pretty incredible that we've picked up Europa league almost as an afterthought? Are we ever going to stop and say wow? Maybe I have a lot of the old Villa in me, but I'm still just pinching myself that we're even back in Europe. I don't want to get too carried away, but I love thinking that some newer, younger Villa fans may be a generation who start to think of Villa the way my father did in the glory days. So again ... EUROPA LEAGUE 2024/2025!!!!! Is there an argument to be made for embracing our certain Europa League qualification for 2024-2025 over a hard-won, but potentially taxing Champions League spot we may be less "ready" for?

When I see the Olympiacos' badge, I sometimes think of old Ultravox album covers. I think Peter Saville were involved in that one? I love that Downcast & Pouty Greek Dude look.

I've wondered that, too. Also: One of the best badges ever?

If we get past Olympiacos, I hope we get Fiorentina next. I have a feeling Brugge could wind up being a tricky contest for us. I think we'd do better against an Italian opposition. Fiorentina is a bigger club, too. I want us to face the biggest clubs we can, always.

Anybody have a sense of whether there's any chance of successfully appealing either of the yellow cards from tonight? To me, it seems like there were some pretty obvious mitigating circumstances that ought to be taken into account. He was being physically threatened, for one.

I think I aged 20 years today. Someone hand me a cane.

It don't stop. Not saying it can't happen, but seems unlikely this year as we simply can't afford to lose him, although @Delphinho123 would probably disagree?

But what, pray tell, could be a cooler boast?

That's it.

When your club is in trouble, the answer is never Joao Felix.

Why does the security woman keep running in front of Mbappé and protecting him?

Can't believe Barça blew this.

Barça fans look like they're having nervous breakdowns.

I do feel like we could beat any of these teams. Dortmund to me seems the most difficult for us.

Mental, the vast tapestry of irony this week.