Aston Villa Chasing History In Istanbul

Unai Emery leads Aston Villa into their first European final in 44 years, aiming for a record fifth Europa League crown against Freiburg.

Already the competition’s most successful manager, he insists: “I am not a king in this competition. I need to win with Villa now.”

Since arriving in 2022, Emery has transformed Villa with top‑five finishes, a Champions League quarter‑final, and now a shot at ending a 30‑year trophy drought.

Defender Tyrone Mings calls him “a European genius,” while ex‑keeper Nigel Spink believes victory could spark a push for the Champions League trophy.

Kick‑off is Wednesday, 20 May, 20:00 BST at Besiktas Park.