Vibrant and victorious - Villa ready to end 30-year trophy drought

Breaking news from the world of sport: Vibrant and victorious - Villa ready to end 30-year trophy droughtImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Aston Villa are a game away from their first major silverware since the League Cup in 1996ByNick Mashiter at Villa Park Football reporterPublished4 minutes agoUnai 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.

Match Details

'We need to go and win it now'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 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 this circumstances.

Reactions and Expectations

"The possibility to get to a final was the only moment we've had here. We were confident about how the supporters were here and creating this atmosphere. "It will be Emery's sixth Europa League final with four wins - a record - and one defeat, which came against Chelsea while Arsenal manager in 2019.

"Europe is very important," he said. "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.

"In Europe, it's difficult to be consistent like we are. It's through our hard work and the players must set the standards we want to achieve. "Today the players their best, collectively and individually.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.