The journey to the championship trophy after four decades.

In the early hours of May 8th, Aston Villa continued their fairytale run in this season's Europa League by defeating fellow English club Nottingham Forest with a 4-1 aggregate score.

"Falling asleep" at Villa Park

The Birmingham team is experiencing a strong resurgence under manager Unai Emery, rekindling a pride that seemed to have been dormant at Villa Park for over four decades. A name steeped in English football tradition, Aston Villa's 1982 European Cup victory earned them continental admiration for their powerful style of play and steely determination. However, after that glory came a long period of turmoil, financial crisis, and seasons struggling in the bottom half of the table. At one point, the Birmingham team even dropped to the Championship, a place filled with much disappointment.

Hành trình tiến sát cúp vô địch sau 4 thập niên - Ảnh 1. — Aston Villa awaits its return to the pinnacle of European football. Photo: ASTONVILLAFC

Therefore, reaching the Europa League final this season means far more than just a simple achievement. Aston Villa not only excelled in terms of squad quality and tactical sharpness, but they also won with the burning desire of a former icon of English football to revive their fortunes.

The biggest mark, of course, belongs to Unai Emery. The Spanish manager has long been considered the "king of the Europa League" with an impressive record in this competition. When he took over Aston Villa, Emery was doubted as to whether he could help the team return to the elite ranks. In less than two seasons, he transformed Villa into a team with great character, playing scientific yet emotional football.

"Class is permanent."

In the semi-finals, Aston Villa showed remarkable resilience. They were no longer a team solely focused on defensive counter-attacks; Emery successfully built a team capable of controlling the game, transitioning between phases of play extremely quickly, and showing remarkable tenacity in crucial moments. This is what helped the English side withstand the pressure and secure a place in the final.

Aston Villa doesn't boast a star-studded squad; their success is a collective effort. Ollie Watkins has proven his worth as a versatile striker, John McGinn embodies an unyielding fighting spirit, while Douglas Luiz and Emiliano Martínez contribute to the team's strong and distinctive core.

More importantly, this success shows that English football isn't just about "giants" like Man City, Liverpool, or Man United. Aston Villa is proving that with the right strategy, patience, and a suitable manager, historically rich teams can still be themselves, as the saying goes, "class is permanent."

The final against Freiburg on May 21st in Istanbul will undoubtedly be a fierce battle for Aston Villa, as besides the glory and prize money, it will also secure a direct spot in the Champions League group stage next season. All of Europe will remember the name that was so famous more than four decades ago if Emery's team lifts the trophy.

"If Aston Villa win the Europa League, it will be their first major European trophy in 44 years."