This it, the Final! We got there after a convincing 2nd leg win against Nottingham Forest. An Ollie Watkins goal before half-time settled the nerves and then a penalty well taken by Emi Buendia put us in front. John McGinn scored two stunning goals to seal a 4-1 aggregate victory and a chance for our first major trophy since 1996.
Another four goal display against Liverpool (4-2) last Friday confirmed our place in next season’s Champions League, for a second time in 3 seasons. The squad is feeling confident with the only injury doubt Midfielder Amadou Onana, who has been out since picking up an injury in the 1st leg at Nottingham Forest. Victor Lindelof has settled well in his new role as Defensive Midfielder and he may be asked to perform in this role again.
Standing in our way for a 2nd major trophy in Europe is once more German opposition, playing in Red. This will not be a reunion with Bayern Munich but instead, an outfit that have never won a major trophy in their history.
SC Freiburg have impressed in Europe particularly with a strong showing at home. Like us, they bounced back in the 2nd leg at home in the Semi-Final, winning 3-1 over Portuguese outfit Braga to win 4-3 on aggregate. The league has been harder for them, finishing 7th, although this will be good enough for a Conference League place should we come away victorious.
The location for the Final is the impressive Besiktas Park Stadium in Turkey. We were at their neighbours Fenerbahce in the league stage, winning 1-0. We have also played against Besiktas but at their previous stadium, finishing 0-0 in our 1st round of our European Cup defence in 1982/83 season. This completed a 3-1 win on aggregate.
Finally we will be in our third kit for the Final, White just like that one night in Rotterdam in 1982. This kit will have shades of blue and purple. Our usual kit sponsors Betano will be donating the space to Aston Villa Foundation.
Unai Emery has won this trophy four times, three with Sevilla (2014-16) and with Villarreal in 2021. Crucially all these wins, have the name Villa in them. Let’s hope Tonight it’s the fifth!
Up The Villa!
Special Thanks To Dan Lambert Photography for The Photo