Villa’s Champions League Qualification a ‘Very Special Day,’ Says Emery

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery celebrated a “very special day” as the Premier League club secured a spot in Europe’s top-tier club football competition for the first time since 1983, expressing excitement about the team’s future.

The West Midlands side clinched their Champions League spot on Tuesday following Tottenham’s 2-0 home loss to Manchester City. Villa, who won the old European Cup in 1982, has not participated in the continental competition for 41 years.

Villa are currently fourth in the Premier League standings with 68 points, five points ahead of Tottenham, who are in fifth place with one game remaining. Manchester City is now close to securing an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title.

“It’s a very special day today,” Emery told Villa’s website. “It was our dream when we started the season to be here. Playing in the Champions League is, after the Premier League, the best.

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“You compete in the Premier League against the best teams in the world, which is very challenging. When you’re in the Champions League, you face the best teams from other countries simultaneously. And it’s amazing.

“We are always mindful of the club’s long and successful history. Even in the Champions League, formerly the European Cup, we knew our responsibility was to elevate our performance, stay ambitious, and dream big.

“I want to enjoy this moment and, next year, a new challenge begins for us. We aim to build a strong team and continually improve our level. This is our objective.”

The confirmation of their top-four finish coincided with the club’s End of Season Awards Dinner at Villa Park, where captain John McGinn also reflected on the achievement.

“On behalf of all the players, it’s been an amazing season,” said the 29-year-old Scotland international.

“We got promoted, entered the Premier League, and despite being seven points behind with four games to play, we managed to stay in the league.

“We kept building, and thankfully we’ve achieved something we haven’t done in 40 years. So, on behalf of all the players and staff, we’re over the moon, we’re delighted.”

Villa will conclude their campaign with a trip to in-form Crystal Palace, who are 12th in the league, on Sunday.