BIRMINGHAM, England: Call it being inexperienced in the Champions League.
There was confusion before kickoff in the second leg of the quarterfinal between Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday when the anthem for the second-tier Europa League competition appeared to be played by mistake as players from both teams lined up.
A minute or so later, the more famous Champions League anthem was finally played at Villa Park — by which the players were almost ready for the kickoff. In the crowd was Prince William, the heir to the throne and a die-hard Villa fan.
This is Villa’s first season in the Champions League. The team previously played in Europe’s top competition in the 1982-83, as reigning champion when it was called the European Cup.
The pre-match error was followed by mistakes on the field as the hosts fell 2-0 behind to PSG by the 27th minute thanks to goals by full backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. PSG had a 3-1 advantage from the first leg.
Europa League anthem played by mistake before Villa-PSG in Champions League
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Europa League anthem played by mistake before Villa-PSG in Champions League
- A minute or so later, the more famous Champions League anthem was finally played
- This is Villa’s first season in the Champions League
Earthquakes sign German striker Timo Werner
- “We’re excited about signing Timo Werner,” Earthquakes head coach Bruce Arena said
- Werner has been a part of a title-winning side in the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup
NEW YORK: The San Jose Earthquakes acquired forward Timo Werner from Bundesliga side Red Bull Leipzig on a permanent transfer Thursday and signed him to a designated player contract through June 2028.
San Jose acquired the German international’s “discovery priority” from Red Bull New York for $50,000 in 2026 general allocation money.
“We’re excited about signing Timo Werner,” Earthquakes sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena said. “I think he’ll be an excellent acquisition for our team, and we’re really looking forward to him coming to San Jose. To have a player of Timo’s caliber coming in is simply outstanding for the club and the community. I believe he’ll offer us quality on the field, experience and leadership.”
Werner, 29, has been a part of a title-winning side in the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. He will occupy an international roster spot.
“It’s always a big decision to go to America, but everything is there to be successful,” Werner said. “The stadium and the facilities are beautiful. Also, it really impressed me that an experienced manager like Bruce, who has had so much success in the league, flew over here to Germany to talk to me about the plan.
“The Earthquakes fans can expect to get a player who gives everything on the pitch, every game. Every club I’ve joined, I’ve wanted to win a trophy. In the end, I’ve always delivered. That’s why I want to come to San Jose — to win.”
Werner has recorded 154 goals in 451 matches across all competitions in the Bundesliga and English Premier League while representing RB Leipzig, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea FC and VfB Stuttgart.
At the international level, Werner has totaled 24 goals in 57 caps for Germany, representing his country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League.
