"Unai Emery walked into Villa Park and declared he was at Aston Villa to win trophies. In his first press conference in November 2022 the Spaniard's ambition was clear. It has taken a little over three years but Villa are nearly there. In front of a raucous and triumphant Villa Park on Thursday, the club reached the Europa League final with a crushing win over Nottingham Forest. Germany's Freiburg await in Istanbul on 20 May but few would bet against Emery adding a fifth Europa League trophy to his collection."
"Villa are a game away from their first major silverware for three decades and a first European trophy in 44 years as they look to try to stand with the club's European champions of 1982. The commentary of Peter Withe's winning goal against Bayern Munich in Rotterdam hangs above the Doug Ellis Stand. In two weeks, Villa may need another banner if they win in Turkey, which would also earn a Champions League return regardless of whether they finish in the Premier League's top five."
"John McGinn's late double put the gloss on a dominant performance that was too much for Forest to match, or even cope with. Boss Vitor Pereira was able to include Morgan Gibbs-White, Ibrahim Sangare and Murillo on the bench but none were fit and only defender Murillo made it on to the pitch and that just for two minutes with the game lost. But even with that trio fully available, the visitors might have struggled to contain a rampant Villa, who only increased the tempo throughout the match."
"Ollie Watkins' opener and Emi Buendia's penalty put Villa ahead on the night and then in the tie. After that there was never any doubt in a performance that even gained Royal approval from a fan Prince William visiting the dressing room post match to offer congratulations "They [the players] were so focused, they were aware about the momentum," said Emery. "We planned before emotionally and how we were playing the match. It was the only match we played with"
Unai Emery set out to win trophies at Aston Villa, and the club is now close to major success. Villa reached the Europa League final after a crushing win over Nottingham Forest, with John McGinn scoring a late double to complete a dominant performance. Ollie Watkins opened the scoring and Emi Buendia added a penalty, giving Villa a lead on the night and across the tie. Nottingham Forest struggled to match Villa’s increasing tempo throughout the match. Prince William visited the dressing room after the game to offer congratulations. Emery said the team planned emotionally and focused on momentum, and the performance reflected that preparation. Villa will face Freiburg in Istanbul on 20 May.
Read at www.bbc.com
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