Aston Villa faced a large wave of criticism over their decision to play a friendly match against Al Ain FC in the United Arab Emirates during the international break. The match, held at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2025, kicked off at 10:00 PM local time. Fans expressed their displeasure on social media, questioning the necessity of playing a mid-season friendly when many players are away on international duty.
Despite the backlash, Villa manager Unai Emery defended the decision, emphasizing the importance of keeping the squad sharp during a crucial period of the season. “I know we are going to have some players with their national teams. Our plan is to keep 10 to 12 players and work with them a little bit, trying to focus for four days out of here, preparing for the next month,” Emery stated. The change in scenery and warm weather training conditions were deemed essential for the players not on international duty, ensuring they remained match-ready.
The game had free entry for supporters, who accessed through designated fan gates opened at 8:00 PM local time. While Aston Villa’s squad in Dubai was relatively thin, including senior players like Marco Asensio, Jacob Ramsey, Tyrone Mings, Axel Disasi, Amadou Onana, Boubacar Kamara, and Pau Torres, it also featured several younger players eager to showcase their talent in a competitive environment.
Aston Villa managed to secure a 3-1 victory against Al Ain, against the backdrop of a sloppy defensive error that allowed the UAE Pro League side to score first. A giveaway by Tyrone Mings put Villa in a difficult position before Marco Asensio quickly leveled the score. The Spanish international contributed significantly, directly involved in two goals—scoring one and assisting another—thus reaffirming his key role in the squad.
Asensio executed a fine combination with Boubacar Kamara that showcased their understanding on the right side of the pitch. Though a second goal was initially disallowed for offside, Villa continued to apply pressure and succeeded from a set-piece, where Asensio found a perfectly timed run by Axel Disasi. Kane Taylor sealed the score with a powerful shot that impressed the spectators.
The match proved to be a fruitful exercise for many players attempting to regain confidence after injuries. Pau Torres and Matty Cash, among others, had the opportunity to log vital match minutes. Jacob Ramsey also played a pivotal role by providing an assist, contributing positively to the team's overall performance.
Following the match, Unai Emery reflected warmly on the trip to Dubai. As injuries have plagued the squad, this friendly provided a unique platform for players to reconnect with both their skill and each other, building camaraderie as they prepare for an intense series of matches including an FA Cup quarter-final against Preston later this month, and a Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain in April.
However, the friendly did not escape scrutiny. Fans were vocal on social media, making comments about the scheduling of mid-season friendlies amidst concerns over player fatigue and fixture congestion. Many noted that Aston Villa's decision conflicted with ongoing discussions about the pressures of player workload, especially with crucial domestic fixtures suspended due to international call-ups.
Critics pointed to the irony of maintaining a friendly in Dubai while FA Cup replays were scrapped citing fixture congestion. Some fans commented that enabling players to leave the country for a warm-up game was disrespectful to the international schedule and undermined the importance of the break meant for national competitions.
Despite the pushback, Emery insists that the camp allowed players to maintain their momentum and form.
