John McGinn insisted Aston Villa are "under no illusions" and will only enjoy their trip to Barcelona if they beat Hansi Flick's side.

Villa face Barca at Camp Nou on Tuesday, looking to extend their perfect start in the Champions League this season.

Last season's Europa League winners have defeated Club Brugge, Fenerbahce and Viking in UEFA's premier competition this term, leaving them second in the league phase.

Villa have led for more minutes than any other team in the Champions League this season (240:09), while they are one of only three teams yet to trail at any point, along with Paris Saint-Germain and Stuttgart.

Villa will face Barca for the first time since January 1983, when the English side won the Super Cup 3-1 on aggregate, and McGinn is seeking a famous win against the European giants.

"You always want to face new teams, new experiences, not only for players to test yourselves, but for supporters to experience it as well," said McGinn.

Camp Nou. Champions League. Aston Villa. https://t.co/4hkHq1OUMI

— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) November 2, 2026

"I was looking for Barcelona or Real Madrid away and we managed to get Barca, so it's a great draw, but obviously we're under no illusions.

"It's only going to be an enjoyable experience if we can come away with the three points, so we’re all excited and looking forward to it.

"We're no different to anyone else in football that really looks forward to playing there and pitting themselves against one of the best teams in the world, so we're really excited, but focused on the task ahead.

"Obviously, a very special game, but once you get over that fact that you're playing Barcelona away, we're going over there to put a performance in and carry on what has been an unbelievable start in the Champions League."

The four previous meetings between Barca and Villa came between 1978 and 1983 – after going unbeaten in the first three (W2 D1), the Blaugrana were beaten in the fourth (3-0 in the Super Cup final second leg).

Villa boss Unai Emery has faced Barca on 30 occasions in his managerial career, winning just three of those (D6 L21). Of the teams he has faced 5+ times, his win percentage against Barca is his lowest against any opponent (10%).