- French court cracks down on Corsican language use in local assembly
- Prosecutors seek up to 14-year terms for French rape trial defendants
- Russia expels UK diplomat accused of espionage
- Israeli security cabinet to discuss ceasefire as US says deal 'close'
- COP29 president blames rich countries for 'imperfect' deal
- Stocks retreat, dollar mixed on Trump tariff warning
- No regrets: Merkel looks back at refugee crisis, Russia ties
- IPL history-maker, 13, who 'came on Earth to play cricket'
- Ukraine says Russia using landmines to carry out 'genocidal activities'
- Prosecutors seek up to 12-year terms for French rape trial defendants
- 'Record' drone barrage pummels Ukraine as missile tensions seethe
- Laos hostel staff detained after backpackers' deaths
- Hong Kong LGBTQ advocate wins posthumous legal victory
- Ukraine says cannot meet landmine destruction pledge due to Russia invasion
- Rod Stewart to play Glastonbury legends slot
- Winter rains pile misery on war-torn Gaza's displaced
- 'Taiwan also has baseball': jubilant fans celebrate historic win
- Russia pummels Ukraine with 'record' drone barrage
- Paul Pogba blackmail trial set to open in Paris
- China's Huawei unveils 'milestone' smartphone with homegrown OS
- Landmine victims gather to protest US decision to supply Ukraine
- Indian rival royal factions clash outside palace
- Equity markets retreat, dollar gains as Trump fires tariff warning
- Manga adaptation 'Drops of God' nets International Emmy Award
- China's Huawei launches 'milestone' smartphone with homegrown OS
- Philippine VP denies assassination plot against Marcos
- Four Pakistan security forces killed as ex-PM Khan supporters flood capital
- Hong Kong's legal battles over LGBTQ rights: key dates
- US lawmakers warn Hong Kong becoming financial crime hub
- Compressed natural gas vehicles gain slow momentum in Nigeria
- As Arctic climate warms, even Santa runs short of snow
- Plastic pollution talks: the key sticking points
- Indonesia rejects Apple's $100 million investment offer
- Pakistan police fire tear gas, rubber bullets at ex-PM Khan supporters
- Ronaldo double takes Al Nassr to brink of AFC Champions League last 16
- Pakistan police fire tear gas, rubber bullets at pro-Khan supporters
- Hong Kong same-sex couples win housing, inheritance rights
- Indonesia digs out as flooding, landslide death toll hits 20
- Liverpool's old guard thriving despite uncertain futures
- Mbappe takes reins for Real Madrid in Liverpool clash
- As AI gets real, slow and steady wins the race
- China's Huawei to launch 'milestone' smartphone with homegrown OS
- Porzingis and Morant make triumphant NBA returns
- Hong Kong top court affirms housing, inheritance rights for same-sex couples
- Philippines, China clashes trigger money-making disinformation
- Most Asian markets drop, dollar gains as Trump fires tariff warning
- England 'not quivering' ahead of New Zealand Test challenge
- Bethell to bat at three on England Test debut against New Zealand
- Trump vows big tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China
- New Zealand and England to play for Crowe-Thorpe Trophy
Emery challenges Villa to seize Champions League chance
Unai Emery has challenged Aston Villa to seize their chance to move a step closer to the Champions League last 16 against Club Brugge on Wednesday.
Villa are on top of the Champions League table after reeling off three successive victories in their first appearance in Europe's elite club competition for 41 years.
Another win in Belgium would fire Villa towards a top eight finish in the new league phase of the competition.
The top eight in the first phase will go straight into the last 16, avoiding the need for a play-off round in February.
"Tomorrow we have the possibility to get one step ahead in this competition, to be a contender in the top eight," Emery told reporters on Tuesday.
"This is a really amazing objective we can achieve and can face tomorrow. But if we are not playing with the 100 per cent focus we did in other Champions League matches it is going to be difficult.
"We are aware about the possibility to get the fourth victory, 12 points and the expectation for the next round to be in the top eight.
"But there will be some surprises if we are getting there. We are a surprise, we are not contenders or favourites to be in the top eight. Maybe in the next round but not in the top eight.
"Some teams are going to be out, favourites out, but with the possibility to play the next round and then the teams finishing in the top eight."
Villa face Brugge on the back of a dismal 4-1 defeat at Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.
Emery's men also lost to Crystal Palace in the League Cup last week and the Spaniard conceded his team need to show more consistency.
"We are not playing as consistently well as we need to. If we can’t do that, it will be difficult to achieve our objectives," he said.
"We need to be more intelligent than other teams. Tactically, mentally and even emotionally."
A.Gasser--BTB