Classic Aston Villa was the big sensation in the Premier League last season. Under the leadership of successful coach Unai Emery, the team finished fourth – which means playing in the Champions League this season.
The last time the club played in the tournament – which was then called the European Cup – was 1982–1983. After a flying start in the premiere, a 3–0 away win against Young Boys, the first home match is waiting on Wednesday, against German giant Bayern München.
But the match has become the subject of a larger discussion. Namely, what is reasonable for a football ticket to cost. For Villa supporters who want to see the match on site, it will be significantly more expensive than a league match.
"Get punished and exploited"
Adults without a season ticket will have to pay up to 97 pounds (approximately 1,313 Swedish kronor) while for season ticket holders it is slightly cheaper.
For those who pay 55 pounds (approximately 744 kronor) for a Premier League match, the ticket now costs 85, reports BBC.
The price increase has led to outrage. Aston Villa's supporter organization believes it is "extremely disappointing" that the club has chosen to raise prices ahead of the long-awaited comeback.
In a statement, the organization writes, according to The Guardian:
"Loyal Villa fans who have waited as long as 40 years to celebrate this significant season get punished and exploited."
Defending the price increase
Aston Villa defends its decision. Chris Heck, chairman of the club's business operations, tells BBC:
We recognize and understand the fans' great passion and their frustration around pricing. Achieving our sporting ambitions while following the rules for financial stability requires tough decisions.
The supporters, in any case, have a special match ahead of them. Bayern München is an opponent that has a special place in Aston Villa's history. It was Bayern that Villa defeated in the final of the European Cup 1981–1982 – the club's greatest achievement in history.
Aston Villa's other home matches in the Champions League this season are against Bologna, Juventus, and Celtic.
Tuesday: Salzburg–Brest, Stuttgart–Sparta Prague (both 18.45), Inter–Red Star, Dortmund–Celtic, Barcelona–Young Boys, Leverkusen–Milan, Arsenal–Paris SG, PSV Eindhoven–Sporting Lisbon, Slovan Bratislava–Manchester City (all 21.00).
Wednesday: Shakhtar Donetsk–Atalanta, Girona–Feyenoord (both 18.45), Liverpool–Bologna, Leipzig–Juventus, Benfica–Atlético Madrid, Dinamo Zagreb–Monaco, Lille–Real Madrid, Aston Villa–Bayern München, Sturm Graz–Club Brugge (all 21.00).
