Aston Villa have secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the competition rebranded in the 1992-93 season. This achievement comes after Tottenham Hotspur's 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, ensuring Villa's fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
Unai Emery, who took charge of Aston Villa in October 2022, has been pivotal in revitalizing the team's fortunes, lifting them from near-relegation to European contention. Villa's last appearance in the top-tier European competition was in 1982-83 when they were eliminated by Juventus in the quarter-finals.
Celebrations erupted at Villa Park during the club’s annual awards night, with players and staff, including goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, expressing their joy on social media. Emery termed the qualification as a "dream come true," highlighting the team's perseverance and focus despite injuries.
Villa's notable finish marks a revival under Emery, who previously managed clubs like Valencia, Spartak Moscow, Sevilla, Paris Saint-Germain, and Villarreal in the Champions League. The club will join Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool in Europe's premier club competition next season.
This successful season stands as a testament to Emery's effective leadership and the team's consistent performance, setting the stage for their return to the European elite after over four decades.