Things are hotting up for Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League. After confidently dispatching Ajax 4-0 on aggregate in the Round of 16, Unai Emery’s side are now heading into a quarter-final against Lille with a 2-1 lead from the first leg at Villa Park.
On Thursday afternoon, Aston Villa fans packed out various town squares in Lille and were understandably in high spirits.
Thousands of Aston Villa fans have descended on Lille 🍻 #AVFC pic.twitter.com/FQdu52lz9V
— John Townley (@johntownley11) April 18, 2024
The English fans even found the time and space for a pre-match kickabout.
Found them again 📍
Aston Villa fans dotted around the various squares in Lille and here a game of hoofball with some locals hasn't yet ended in tears or smashed windows, just dodgy touches and genuinely impressive headers #AVFC pic.twitter.com/8QwOocEGN5
— Michael Hincks (@MichaelHincks) April 18, 2024
As favourites to win the competition, tickets for European aways have become hot property for Villa supporters. If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game, or you just want to soak up the atmosphere, here’s our complete guide for Aston Villa fans.
How many Aston Villa fans are going to Lille?
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Aston Villa have been allocated 2,599 tickets for the game at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, just over 5 per cent of the stadium’s capacity.
However, given that this is Villa’s first quarter-final of a major European competition since they were knocked out of the UEFA Cup on away goals by Atlético Madrid in 1998, you can expect more than 2,599 supporters to make the journey to France.
Where do the Aston Villa fans sit in the Stade Pierre-Mauroy?
Away fans at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy sit in the South-East corner of the stadium, directly opposite the home fans’ ultras section.
Full fans’ matchday guide for Lille vs Aston Villa
It’s set to be a huge occasion in France. If you’re wondering about food and drink, tickets, or getting to the ground, then we’ve got you covered.
Where to eat and drink for Aston Villa fans in Lille
With a large Flemish community, Lille is well known for being stocked full of Belgian beers. If you head to rue Masséna, you won’t be able to go too far wrong – it is the city’s main bar street.
If you’re after something halfway authentic, Magnum Café at 57 Rue Masséna tends to be less touristy. If you haven’t got a ticket for the match and you’re looking for somewhere to watch the match which won’t be dominated by Lille fans, your best bet is Shooter’s Bar (23 Rue Masséna), L’Irlandais (162 Rue Solférino) or the amusingly-named O’Scotland (168 Rue Solférino).
If you’re looking to sample some of Lille’s culinary offering, then you might be surprised to learn that Lille’s most famous dish is actually their take on a Welsh rarebit, called L’Welsh. In Lille, it is made with ham and beer in the mix, and traditionally served with Belgian frites. The best place to try one is at Le Georges V at 104 Bis Bd de la Liberté.
But if you’re just after some no frills stomach lining before the game, the V2 Centre shopping centre is right next to the ground has a McDonalds and a Subway, so you’re all set.
Ticket collection info for Aston Villa fans in Lille
Supporters who have been successful in buying a ticket will be issued with a ticket voucher by email which can be used to collect their ticket in Lille. You should receive your voucher no less than 48 hours before the game kicks off – if you have not, please contact the club’s ticket enquiry helpline on 0333 323 1874, or 0044 121 327 5353 if you are calling from abroad.
The ticket collection point in Lille is yet to be announced, but supporters are advised that the deadline for collecting their tickets will be 5pm on the day of the game.
How to get to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy: Guide for Aston Villa fans in Lille
The Stade Pierre-Mauroy is not too tricky to get to on public transport. If you take Line 1, get off at either Cité Scientifique or 4 Cantons, and it’s a 10 to 15 minute walk. If you take Line 2, get off at Les Près, and there will be a free shuttle bus to the stadium. Rest assured that, two hours before any event at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, the city increases train circulation on the metro to ensure that travel runs smoothly.
If you are driving, the Stade Pierre-Mauroy is next to the N227 motorway – just take exit 3 towards Villeneuve d’Ascq. There are more than 3,500 parking spots at the stadium, but they need to be booked in advance. Go to Lille’s club website for more details on how to book. Please also note that the car park closes one hour after the end of the game, so you’re best not hanging around after the match.