Aston Villa made history by qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in their club’s history. This achievement came after their top-four rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, lost to Manchester City on Tuesday. Prior to this match, Tottenham had been the only team with a chance of overtaking Villa into fourth place, but with their defeat, Villa secured their spot in the prestigious competition.
This qualification is significant for Villa as they have not played in the Champions League since it rebranded from the European Cup in the 1991-92 season. The last time they featured in the European Cup was 41 years ago in 1982-83 when they were the reigning champions. While Villa did finish second and fourth in the Premier League in 1992-93 and 1995-96 respectively, those positions did not guarantee entry into the Champions League at that time.
The news of their qualification was met with great celebration by the players, staff, and fans of Aston Villa. The club’s annual awards night was taking place at Villa Park when the result of the Tottenham vs. Manchester City match was confirmed. Photos were shared on social media showing manager Unai Emery and the players cheering and spraying champagne. Emery expressed his joy, stating, “It’s a very special day… To play Champions League is the best.” Defender Lucas Digne also shared his excitement on Instagram, emphasizing that Villa had believed in themselves and their dream. Centre-half Diego Carlos highlighted the historic nature of their achievement and expressed his pride in being part of such a successful season.
Even notable figures like the Prince of Wales, who attended one of Villa’s recent matches, joined in celebrating their Champions League qualification. The Prince took to social media to congratulate the team and express his excitement for the upcoming season.
This achievement is a testament to the impact that manager Unai Emery has had on Aston Villa since his appointment in October 2022. When Emery took charge, Villa were in 14th place in the Premier League and just three points clear of the relegation zone. The club had finished in similar positions in the previous two seasons and had been playing in the Championship just a few years earlier. However, under Emery’s guidance, Villa’s fortunes have turned around significantly. Only Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal have collected more Premier League points than Villa since Emery’s arrival.
Emery’s success at Villa will also see him manage his sixth different club in the Champions League, adding to his already impressive managerial resume which includes spells at Valencia, Spartak Moscow, Sevilla, Paris St-Germain, and Villarreal.
In conclusion, Aston Villa’s qualification for the Champions League is a remarkable achievement for the club. It marks their return to top-level European competition after a long absence and is a testament to the transformation that manager Unai Emery has brought about. The players, staff, and fans are rightfully celebrating this historic moment and eagerly looking forward to competing in the Champions League next season.