As expected, there was delight amongst the Aston Villa players after Champions League qualification was secured on Tuesday night.
Following our draw with Liverpool on Monday, Tottenham had to beat Manchester City the following night to take the race for fourth place in the Premier League table to the final weekend of the season.
READ MORE: Credit to key figures who masterminded Villa’s Champions League qualification
A 2-0 defeat for Spurs ensured that Villa have now sealed fourth spot and will take a seat at Europe’s top table next year, and it caps off a remarkable journey over the past 18 months or so under Unai Emery.
The Villa boss has improved and developed the talent at his disposal, created a winning and no-excuse culture, implemented an exciting brand of football and strengthened the connection between the team and the supporters.
His staff, the owners and management team have all played their role too as they’ve been fundamental to the progress we’re seeing on and off the pitch, and the players themselves undoubtedly deserve a significant amount of recognition and appreciation for what they’ve put into this season.
Injuries have blighted us all year as we’ve lost key individuals to long-term setbacks throughout the campaign, and that in turn has left a heavy workload on those available to Emery.
In recent weeks, we’ve seen that take its toll and catch up on us as we’ve looked short of energy and ultimately limped over the line, but the fact is that Villa have got the job done and achieved a major objective this year.
As seen in their comments below on social media, the players were all delighted with the achievement, and we’ll no doubt hear more from them following our final game of the Premier League season on Sunday at Crystal Palace.
Emi Martinez: “Champions League football at Villa Park after 42 years. I’m proud to be part of this amazing team. For you Villa fans hearing you sing my name throughout the season has been very emotional for me and my family. Thank you.”
Diego Carlos: “After more than four decades we are back in the Champions League. Looking back, we see that each challenge was worth it. We thank everyone who cheered for us and supported us at all times. A special thank you to God, Villa’s employees, our families, friends and fans. Without you, none of this would be possible. We are in the final stretch of the season, celebrating this achievement with each one of you, today we confirm that we are experiencing a historic season! UP THE VILLA!”
Lucas Digne: “At the beginning of the season nobody expected us to be there but we believe in ourself and believe in our dream everytime it was hard sometimes but the achievement is amazing to make you proud of our club our color . We are Villa and we will go in UCL.”
Jhon Duran: “Last team dinner, happy for the Champions League qualification and also for the nomination for goal of the year.”
Alex Moreno: “We are in champions! Thank you Vilafans for joining us in this beautiful season. we keep dreaming.”
Boubacar Kamara: “UCL”.
Matty Cash: “WE ARE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE”.
Douglas Luiz: “I just came here to find out if @rioferdy5 is okay?”
Morgan Rogers: ‘CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BABYYYY!!!!!!’
John McGinn: “Wow. It still hasn’t sunk in. Champions league football back at Villa park for the first time in over 40 years. What a journey we are on and it’s not stopping now!”
What a moment. 💜#UCL // @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/jCZzjdCbin
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 14, 2024
🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾 pic.twitter.com/br40FviYYy
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 14, 2024
