By Tom Morgan
Aston Villa’s hopes of a Champions League miracle were extinguished in agonising fashion as a valiant fightback against Paris Saint-Germain fell narrowly short in their quarter-final second leg on Wednesday morning (AEST).
Prince William and Prince George, who passionately support Aston Villa, were in attendance and riding the emotions of the night. The Prince of Wales’ face said it all in pictures that tell the story of the night the dream ended.
Pre-match nerves
Prince William and Prince George get ready for the big game.Credit: Getty Images
A stiff drink might be required, but Prince William opts for water instead just minutes from kick off in the VIP box. Villa’s most famous fan looks significantly more anxious than the cool, calm and remarkably insightful William who was on punditry duties pre-match last week.
Hitting the wrong notes
Prince William and Prince George get ready for action as the Aston Villa scarves go up.Credit: AP
Bemusement from the Prince of Wales just moments before kick-off, possibly in reaction to Villa Park’s DJ playing the Europa League anthem rather than the Champions League’s as the players lined up.
William is a world away, contemplative and gazing out to the centre circle, as scarves wave around him.
It’s all going wrong for Villa
Heads in hands as Villa stumble.Credit: Getty Images
It’s head in hands all around in the VIP areas. William can barely watch as a goalkeeping clanger allows PSG to take an 11-minute lead through Achraf Hakimi. By 27 minutes, it’s 2-0 on the night through Nuno Mendes and Villa are 5-1 behind on aggregate. It looks all over and those around William can no longer watch.
It’s not over yet…
C’mon boys … Prince Williams fires up the Villa team.Credit: AP
After half an hour, William looks remarkably revved up. He shows his teeth and applauds to gee the boys up as Villa make tentative breaks into the PSG half. Does William sense something is possible? Who better than the heir to the throne to remind the lads of the bulldog spirit…
A royal roar
Prince William roars as Villa bang in their first goal.Credit: Getty Images
The celebration is a notch less animated than last week after his team’s goal in Paris. Still, the passion is evident as Villa are given something to cling to after 32 minutes when Youri Tielemans pulls a goal back to make it 1-2 on the night. William turns to face George with teeth gritted again and claps as he delivers a rallying cry.
McGinn makes it 2-2
Can they do it? Villa fans are over the moon after scoring.Credit: AP
John McGinn levels it on the night and William thinks it is time to start believing as he points the way ahead. Villa is rocking and so is William.
3-2 to Villa … now George starts believing too
The Princes party as Villa grab a third goal and keep the dream alive.Credit: Getty Images
It’s a right royal knees-up in the posh seats as George joins William in wild celebrations after Villa take a remarkable 3-2 lead by virtue of Ezri Konsa’s 57th-minute goal. The dream is well and truly back on and this time William lets himself go.
He unleashes a roar of unrestrained delight, his mouth wide open and with a faced scrunched up in passion. With drama like this, 11-year-old George looks like a fully paid-up Villan – just like his dad.
The dream dies
The dream dies … Prince William puts his head in his hands.Credit: Getty Images
It’s head in hands again for William as Villa come close to the goal they need to take it to extra time but run out of road despite a brilliant second-half effort.
He exchanges words with George but covers his mouth. It has been a royal rollercoaster.
The proud prince
Prince William applauds the Aston Villa effort. Maybe next year.Credit: Getty Images
William is again back on his feet to applaud Villa as the final whistle is blown.
A brave effort from his beloved team is acknowledged as he puffs out his cheeks and exhales. Maybe next year…
Telegraph, London
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