Aston Villa will face Freiburg in the Europa League final, with Unai Emery hoping to add another trophy to his collection. Fans have already arrived to celebrate. The match is available on BBC Radio 5 Live, with live text coverage also provided.
Emery’s Impact on Aston Villa
Unai Emery, who took over when the club was just three points above the relegation zone in November 2022, has transformed Aston Villa. Former Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner has called the Spaniard a “magician”. Emery guided Villa into Europe by the end of his first season. He has also steered Villa to Champions League twice.
Champions League Qualification Scenarios
Aston Villa has already secured their passage to the 2026-27 Champions League. However, if Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth in the Premier League, England could have six teams in the Champions League. For that to happen, Villa would need to lose at Man City on the final day, and a Liverpool victory at Brentford would then move the Reds above them.
Bournemouth’s Support for Villa
Bournemouth fans will be giving Aston Villa their full backing. The Cherries guaranteed a top-eight finish with their draw against Manchester City. They could overtake Liverpool on the final day, should the Reds lose to Brentford.
The Stakes in Istanbul
Emery is on the brink of ending the club’s 30-year trophy drought in Istanbul.
The Europa League final promises to be a significant event for Aston Villa, with both silverware and Champions League implications on the line.