Aston Villa secured a place in the 2026 Europa League final with a dominant 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, now one victory from their first major trophy since 1996.
Unai Emery arrived at Aston Villa in late 2022 with a clear mission: to deliver trophies. After three and a half years of relentless work, Villa stand just one match away from ending their 30-year wait for major silverware. A roaring Villa Park erupted on Thursday as the club booked their spot in the Europa League final with a commanding victory over Nottingham Forest. Freiburg await in Istanbul on May 20, but Emery’s side appears poised to claim a fifth Europa League title, a remarkable achievement considering their previous drought in European football.
John McGinn delivered a late double to cap off a dominant display as Villa overwhelmed Forest. The visitors struggled to handle Villa’s relentless tempo, even with key players like Morgan Gibbs-White, Ibrahim Sangare, and Murillo on the bench due to fitness concerns. Only defender Murillo managed a brief cameo of two minutes before the game was effectively decided. Ollie Watkins opened the scoring before Emi Buendia added a crucial penalty, putting Villa in control of the tie. Prince William, a club fan, visited the dressing room afterward to congratulate the players, adding another memorable moment to the night.
Emery is no stranger to Europa League finals, having reached six in his career with four victories and just one defeat, which came while managing Arsenal in 2019. His tactical acumen and man-management have been pivotal in Villa’s rise. Emery reflected on the journey, stating, 'Europe is very important. In my first press conference here I was speaking about Europe, I was speaking about trophies as well, but it’s very difficult. It’s difficult to get trophies.' He emphasized the collective effort required to achieve such consistency in European competition.
Ollie Watkins, a Championship arrival who has since become a key figure, admitted this campaign could be the last chance for the current squad to achieve something together. 'There’s no better manager than this to get us prepared for this game and take us into the final. His track record speaks for itself,' Watkins told TNT. McGinn, the club captain, acknowledged the club’s storied past and the weight of expectation. 'I felt it this morning, but now it is about embracing it and trying to be legends. You see the guys from 1982, you see the cup winners in the 90s,' he said. 'It’s a historic club and it’s been a long time without success.'
Emi Buendia’s Villa career nearly ended after a disappointing loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen and a serious knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2023-24 season. Once considered surplus to requirements, he has emerged as one of Emery’s most reliable performers this term, scoring 10 goals. Buendia calmly converted a pivotal penalty against Forest, telling TNT, 'I took responsibility. It was one of the most decisive penalties for the club in recent years, but I didn’t feel pressure. I felt calm, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.' Former Villa striker Dion Dublin praised Buendia’s understated impact, noting his ability to deliver crucial passes and a physical presence without seeking attention.
A victory over Freiburg in the Europa League final would not only secure the club’s first trophy in decades but also guarantee a return to the Champions League, regardless of their Premier League finish. This season’s run represents a remarkable turnaround for a club that has endured relegation and financial constraints. Emery’s ability to maximize the potential of his squad has been evident, with players like Ezri Konsa, Matty Cash, and Morgan Rogers arriving from lower divisions and immediately making an impact.