Aston Villa are within touching distance of their first major silverware in three decades. Unai Emery’s side reached the Europa League final after victory over Nottingham Forest.
Emery’s Vision Nears Fruition
Unai Emery made his intentions clear upon arriving at Villa Park in November 2022: he was there to win trophies. Now, a little over three years later, Villa are nearly there.
Few would bet against Emery adding a fifth Europa League trophy to his collection. It will be Emery’s sixth Europa League final with four wins and one defeat.
“Europe is very important,” he said. “In my first press conference here I was speaking about Europe, I was speaking about trophies as well, but it’s very difficult. It’s difficult to get trophies. In Europe, it’s difficult to be consistent like we are. It’s through our hard work and the players must set the standards we want to achieve. Today the players [gave] their best, collectively and individually.”
Only Giovanni Trapattoni has reached more major finals in European competition than Emery.
Dominant Performance Secures Final Berth
Villa Park witnessed a raucous and triumphant atmosphere as the club reached the Europa League final with a crushing win over Nottingham Forest. John McGinn’s late double put the gloss on a dominant performance that was too much for Forest to match, or even cope with.
Ollie Watkins’ opener and Emi Buendia’s penalty put Villa ahead on the night and then in the tie. After that there was never any doubt in a performance that even gained Royal approval from Prince William.
“They [the players] were so focused, they were aware about the momentum,” said Emery. “We planned before emotionally and how we were playing the match. It was the only match we played with this circumstances. The possibility to get to a final was the only moment we’ve had here. We were confident about how the supporters were here and creating this atmosphere.”
- Villa are a game away from their first major silverware for three decades.
- They are also seeking a first European trophy in 44 years.
- Germany’s Freiburg await in Istanbul on 20 May.
Looking Ahead to Istanbul
Villa are looking to try to stand with the club’s European champions of 1982. In two weeks, Villa may need another banner if they win in Turkey, which would also earn a Champions League return regardless of whether they finish in the Premier League’s top five.