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Unai Emery (Source: X)
On Tuesday night, Manchester City defeated Tottenham Hotspur by 2-0, which resulted in Tottenham Hotspur losing their UEFA Champions League spot as Aston Villa are going to play the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club’s history. Tottenham had been the only club capable of passing Villa for fourth place before Tuesday, but they are now five points behind Unai Emery's side with one game remaining.
Aston Villa have not competed in Europe's top club tournament since the European Cup was renamed the Champions League in 1991-92. They last competed in the European Cup 41 years ago, in 1982-83, after winning it the previous season. Villa finished second and fourth in the Premier League in 1992-93 and 1995-96, respectively, however only first place qualified for the Champions League in both seasons.
According to BBC "It's a very special day," Emery said. "It's our dream, we started the season to be here. We've had injuries but the team was always focused. It's fantastic. To play the Champions League is the best."
Celebrations at Aston Villa camp
Villa's players and staff celebrated their annual awards night at Villa Park on Tuesday night as the outcome at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was announced. The club shared photographs on social media showing Emery and the players shouting and spraying champagne.
Unai Emery: "It's a very special day.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 14, 2024
"It's our dream, we started the season to be here." pic.twitter.com/2oy1m9kCCU
In October 2022 when Aston Villa was in 14th position in the Premier League and were only three points above the relegation zone the club appointed Unai Emery as their manager. Since then he has turned the tables for the club. Since coming as the manager only Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal have scored more Premier League points.
Aston Villa will now compete in the revised UEFA Champions League group round in September. For the first time, the tournament will consist of a single 36-team group, with each club facing eight opponents, either at home or away.
He will also be managing his sixth different Champions League team, following Valencia, Spartak Moscow, Sevilla, Paris St-Germain, and Villarreal.