Pau Torres sends nine-word message after Ajax vs Aston Villa

Pau Torres is content with Aston Villa's 0-0 draw away at Ajax in the UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16.

The Spaniard, who played the first 45 minutes before being substituted in a planned change, believes the Villans are in a strong position to advance to the quarter-finals. "All to play for next week at Villa Park," Pau posted to X -formerly Twitter - after his team's draw at Johan Cruyff Arena.

Albeit short and sweet with his message, Villa's £32 million summer signing is correct as the stalemate in Amsterdam has left the tie very open. Most would expect the men in claret and blue to get the job done on home soil but Ajax have a young and determined side.

Led by the experienced Jordan Henderson, a winner of seven major trophies with Liverpool, an upset from the Dutch giants in B6 should never be ruled out. Unai Emery's focus is firmly on the Premier League top-four fight, too, with the game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday perhaps one that will fatigue the men in claret and blue.

That said, Ajax also have a crucial fixture this weekend as they take on Fortuna Sittard. An opportunity awaits to move to within one point of the Eredivisie top four, so John van 't Schip is expected to take that game very seriously. With that in mind, next Thursday's clash at Villa Park should be a fairly level playing field based on player energy.