The challenges facing Aston Villa after qualifying for the Champions League

Unai Emery’s side will rub shoulders with Europe’s elite for the first time in 41 years.

Published May 15

Aston Villa qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history following Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.

Unai Emery’s side fell short of European success this season after a 6-2 aggregate defeat to Olympiakos in the Europa Conference League semi-final but will now rub shoulders with Europe’s elite for the first time in 41 years.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the challenges they may face next season.

Lengthy fixture list could cause issues

Aston Villa v Chelsea – Premier League – Villa Park — Aston Villa have had a number of injury problems to contend with (David Davies/PA)

Last time in European Cup

Soccer – European Cup – Final – Aston Villa v Bayern Munich – De Kuip — Aston Villa won the European Cup in 1982 (PA Archive/PA)

Key players behind success

Aston Villa v Ajax – UEFA Europa Conference League – Round of 16 – Second Leg – Villa Park — Ollie Watkins has been a stand-out performer for Villa (Martin Rickett/PA)

Emery’s Champions League record

Villarreal v Manchester United – UEFA Champions League – Group F – Estadio de la Ceramica — Unai Emery has reached a Champions League semi-final with Villarreal (Isabel Infantes/PA)