Hibernian ‘keeper David Marshall reflected on the ‘astronomical’ difference in budget after his side suffered a crushing 5-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League qualifiers.
“I think the budget between us and Aston Villa is astronomical we understand that over the course of the two legs they are the stronger team, and should be”
Marshall said. “The money dictates that gap. We were just disappointed in the 90 minutes tonight that we never gave our fans anything to shout about.
“Aston Villa played really well, even out of possession, off the ball they just limited us to zero chances, fair play.”
The Leith side started brightly in the opening ten minutes, with Martin Boyle and Elle Youan both proving to be a handful, that was until the Premier League side got into gear.
Three headers had gone beyond Marshall within 30 minutes.
An Ollie Watkins double before a clinical finish from Leon Bailey gave the villains the lead going into the break. Watkins got his hattrick with a low strike in front of the delighted away support.
It was Douglas Luiz who netted the fifth from the penalty spot to give Villa, what appears to be an insurmountable lead for the second leg at Villa Park.
It was a tough 500th game in charge for the Hibs boss, but is hopeful these ‘show piece’ ties can provide lessons for the future as they host Livingston this weekend before heading to Birmingham next week.
Two away trips follow, one to Pittodrie and then to Rugby Park to face Kilmarnock on match day 5.
