Aston Villa – Juventus: Balancing The Tactical Tightrope (0-0)

Unai Emery is always at home in the company of villas. At Sevilla and Villarreal, he has defeated the Italian giants in Europe's elite competition. Their trip to the Midlands could have completed the set, but he did not become the first man to beat Juventus with three different teams in the tournament. The quest to return to winning ways must go on a little longer.

Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

Two terrific tactical minds managed miracles to bring clubs into this year's Champions League. Now that both are at the helm of more complex projects, one could expect them to endure growing pains.

Thiago Motta moved across Italy in the summer. He courted interest with his building in Bologna and now tries to rejuvenate the Old Lady. Time in Turin has been a test. His management has maintained stability with the most clean sheets in Serie A, conceding a mere seven goals, the least of any club on the continent. Yet, free flowing fluidity has been rarer as players attempt to adapt to diverse demands.

Unai Emery erased the embarrassment of his exit from Arsenal thanks to his efforts in the Midlands. Aston Villa are rubbing shoulders with Europe's elite, with memories . . .