In 1982, 44 years ago, European Cup final (Now Champions League final), Aston Villa v Bayern Munich, the first European Cup final I watched and live on TV at that, I was 12, Villa won 1-0. Villa wore white and Bayern red in that final in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Today Villa beat Freiburg 3-0 in Istanbul, Turkey wearing white and Freiburg a German team wearing red.
What a story and what a performance by Aston Villa, the best footballing performance I seen this season next to only PSG, actually better than PSG. Villa had shape and a strong defensive formation getting back and always were thereatening going up. Don't forget last season over two legs, PSG nearly lost to Villa in the Champions League even Luis Enrique, the PSG manager admitted it. Since 2024 till now, Aston Villa have won the most European games more than any other team in Europe. Even former French World Cup player Frank Lebouef praised Emery on his record and coaching ability. Though Aston Villa only had 48 percent of possession compared to 50 percent of Freiburg, Villa had 40 attacks compared to Freiburg's 28. Villa also had 8 corners compared to Freiburg's one.
They did everything v Freiburg, playing out of crowded areas, one touch play, dribbles, patient and cool technical execution in duels, skillful with an example of Coerver methods at play, athleticsm, defending, team-work..great team work AND SPECTACULAR GOALS! etc Martinez, the keeper is a great asset in goal-keeping and even attacking, with sublime distribution to start attacks. Well deserved win by Villa. John McGinn becomes the first Scottish captain to lead a team to a European trophy since Grame Souness of Liverpool in 1984.
A group of rejects and journeymen in Victor Lindelof, Jadon Sancho, Leon Bailey, Tammy Abraham and veteran players like John McGinn, but led by Unai Emery the Grand-Master of the Europa League- He has now won his 5th Europea League title with a third different club in Aston Villa (Previously won 3 times with Sevilla and once with Villareal).. Lindelof after losing twice in the final of the Europa League with Manchester United, finally wins one with Aston Villa.
Aston Villa's Gary Shaw who won the Champions League in 1982 and passed away in 2024 must be watching from heaven, the win is a great tribute to the 1982 Aston Villa team and their fans.
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