Aston Villa’s preparations for the 2025/26 Premier League season took an unexpected turn as they fell to a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of German third-tier outfit Rot-Weiss Essen in a pre-season friendly played behind closed doors at Stadion an der Hafenstraße. While friendly matches are often treated with measured judgment, this result sounded alarms among fans and pundits alike, not so much for the scoreline, but for the lackluster display from a squad expected to challenge on multiple fronts this season.
Unai Emery, who has received plaudits for transforming Villa into a European contender, cut a visibly frustrated figure on the touchline as his side struggled to match the intensity and cohesion of their less-celebrated opponents. With the new Premier League campaign looming and UEFA Champions League football returning to Villa Park, expectations are high—but this defeat will prompt serious reflection.
An Uninspired Start
From the opening whistle, Rot-Weiss Essen showed no signs of inferiority. Despite playing in the 3. Liga—the third tier of German football—the home side pressed with energy and defended with grit. In contrast, Villa looked disjointed and sluggish, particularly in midfield where passes went astray and second balls were rarely claimed.
The midfield trio of Douglas Luiz, John McGinn, and Youri Tielemans failed to impose themselves, and the absence of Boubacar Kamara, who is still recovering from a long-term injury, was felt keenly. New signing Eljif Elmas, brought in to add dynamism to the midfield, started on the bench, while academy graduate Omari Kellyman was handed a rare start in the advanced midfield role but struggled to make an impact.
Rot-Weiss Essen took full advantage of Villa’s lethargy in the 18th minute. After a slick passing move through the middle, Felix Götze—brother of Mario Götze—found space at the edge of the box and unleashed a curling shot past a fully stretched Robin Olsen. It was a goal worthy of any top-tier competition, and it sent the sparse crowd into a frenzy.
Villa Struggle to Respond
Villa attempted to respond with greater urgency, but their buildup play remained labored. Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby offered pace on the flanks but were frequently isolated and double-teamed by Essen’s disciplined full-backs. Up front, Jhon Durán struggled to hold up the ball, often muscled off possession by the surprisingly physical German defenders.
In the 33rd minute, Villa had their first clear chance. Diaby darted in from the left and fed Bailey at the far post, but the Jamaican winger skied his effort from close range—a miss that would prove costly. Two minutes later, disaster struck again.
A poor pass out from the back by Calum Chambers was intercepted by Essen’s attacking midfielder Isaiah Young, who drove into the box and squared for Cedric Harenbrock. With Olsen caught off his line, Harenbrock calmly slotted the ball home to double Essen’s lead.
By halftime, Villa were two goals down, and Emery was visibly irate. Despite fielding several senior players and being vastly superior on paper, Villa looked unprepared both mentally and tactically.
Second-Half Changes and Some Improvement
Emery made several changes at the break, introducing Pau Torres, Matty Cash, Jacob Ramsey, and Ollie Watkins in an attempt to salvage the match. The injection of energy and quality had an immediate effect. Torres’s composure in defense stabilized the backline, and Ramsey’s drive from midfield provided much-needed urgency.
Villa finally got on the scoresheet in the 58th minute. A cross from Cash found Watkins at the near post, and the England international headed home with precision. The goal lifted the team and for a 15-minute spell, it looked as if they might turn the game around.
Bailey hit the post with a curling effort from the edge of the box, and Ramsey tested the Essen goalkeeper with a long-range shot. However, the German side held firm, defending in numbers and frustrating Villa with their compactness.
As the clock ticked down, Villa’s attacks became increasingly desperate. A final chance fell to Eljif Elmas in stoppage time, but his effort from 12 yards was well-saved by Essen’s inspired goalkeeper Jakob Golz.
Emery’s Reaction and Post-Match Comments
In his post-match interview, Unai Emery was candid in his assessment.
“It’s disappointing, of course. These games are not just about fitness—they are about implementing ideas, building rhythm, and showing character. We didn’t show the right attitude in the first half, and we paid for it.”
When asked about the performance of younger players and new signings, Emery struck a more measured tone.
“There were positives. Pau [Torres] and Jacob [Ramsey] brought intensity, and we saw good moments from Watkins and Diaby. It’s a learning moment. The young players must understand what it takes to compete at every level.”
What Went Wrong for Villa
While the defeat may be written off as “just preseason,” the performance itself revealed deeper issues that could haunt Villa if not addressed before the competitive season begins.
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Lack of Midfield Control
With Kamara still recovering and Luiz playing deeper than usual, Villa lacked a midfield anchor. Tielemans and McGinn were unable to dictate the tempo or protect the defense.
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Defensive Vulnerability
Rot-Weiss Essen exposed Villa’s vulnerability in transition. Chambers and Konsa struggled to play out from the back under pressure. The decision-making was questionable and contributed directly to the second goal.
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Ineffective Wide Play
Diaby and Bailey, though talented, looked disconnected from the central attackers. Without proper overlapping support or quick switches of play, they were contained too easily.
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Mental Complacency
Perhaps the most glaring issue was the complacency in the first half. Villa looked as though they expected a comfortable victory without putting in the necessary effort. That mindset was exploited by a team hungry to prove themselves.
Rot-Weiss Essen The Underdog Story
For Rot-Weiss Essen, this win was more than just a preseason scalp—it was a moment of validation. Once a Bundesliga side in the 1970s and winners of the DFB-Pokal in 1953, Essen has endured decades in the lower leagues, battling financial instability and inconsistent performances.
Head coach Christoph Dabrowski has built a competitive unit with a strong emphasis on youth development, discipline, and pressing. This win, albeit in a friendly, showcased how well-drilled and motivated the team is.
Players like Isaiah Young and Cedric Harenbrock stood out with their technical quality and work rate, while veteran defenders ensured composure in crunch moments. The result will undoubtedly boost morale ahead of their 3. Liga campaign.
Villa’s Pre-Season Outlook
This result leaves Unai Emery with much to ponder. With tougher preseason fixtures on the horizon—including matches against AC Milan, Sporting CP, and Borussia Mönchengladbach—Villa must improve quickly. The integration of new signings, including Elmas, winger Arda Güler (on loan from Real Madrid), and the soon-to-return Emiliano Martínez and Lucas Digne, will be key.
Emery will also be closely monitoring the development of younger players. While Omari Kellyman and Kadan Young showed glimpses of promise, their performances against senior opposition underline the steep learning curve ahead.
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