Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 09:53:25 PM
In.
Doubt.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 20, 2026, 09:53:51 PM
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on May 20, 2026, 09:54:30 PM
Post by: serbentoflight on May 20, 2026, 09:54:46 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 20, 2026, 09:54:52 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 20, 2026, 09:54:58 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 20, 2026, 09:55:41 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 20, 2026, 09:55:41 PM
Post by: Garyth on May 20, 2026, 09:55:58 PM
Post by: ExclDawg on May 20, 2026, 09:56:30 PM
Post by: LukeJames on May 20, 2026, 09:56:41 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 20, 2026, 09:56:59 PM
Post by: villadelph on May 20, 2026, 09:57:04 PM
What a group of men.
Post by: Chap on May 20, 2026, 09:57:21 PM
Post by: Tayls_7 on May 20, 2026, 09:57:53 PM
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on May 20, 2026, 09:58:18 PM
Post by: SamTheMouse on May 20, 2026, 09:58:21 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 20, 2026, 09:59:50 PM
Post by: Dave on May 20, 2026, 10:00:20 PM
Post by: hilts_coolerking on May 20, 2026, 10:02:19 PM
Post by: SaddVillan on May 20, 2026, 10:03:16 PM
Post by: Witton Warrior on May 20, 2026, 10:03:25 PM
Post by: wince on May 20, 2026, 10:03:41 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 20, 2026, 10:03:58 PM
Post by: Allan C on May 20, 2026, 10:04:06 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 20, 2026, 10:04:07 PM
Post by: Scovilla on May 20, 2026, 10:05:04 PM
I will be with all of you tomorrow celebrating in Birmingham from my little town in France.
Thank you Villa.
Post by: wince on May 20, 2026, 10:05:10 PM
Incredible. Absolutely incredible.You never doubted them skipper. I was a boy last time we won silverware. I’m in shock and so proud.
Post by: Dave on May 20, 2026, 10:05:31 PM
Incredible. Absolutely incredible.
Hope you all have a great night
Post by: dr.chekov on May 20, 2026, 10:05:39 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 10:05:45 PM
Post by: SamTheMouse on May 20, 2026, 10:06:06 PM
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on May 20, 2026, 10:06:35 PM
The Noses will have to stop that Villa trophy clock now on their SHA forum! :D :D :D
Post by: Somniloquism on May 20, 2026, 10:09:18 PM
Post by: Witton Warrior on May 20, 2026, 10:11:05 PM
I. am. just. stunned.
The Noses will have to stop that Villa trophy clock now on their SHA forum! :D :D :D
They will be livid! But at least they still have the name of the city
Post by: Somniloquism on May 20, 2026, 10:11:39 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 10:12:49 PM
Post by: Richard E on May 20, 2026, 10:13:28 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 20, 2026, 10:13:45 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/GfjXyWwS/IMG-9793.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GfjXyWwS)
Post by: Somniloquism on May 20, 2026, 10:14:19 PM
Post by: TopDeck113 on May 20, 2026, 10:14:48 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 20, 2026, 10:16:21 PM
So proud. So happy. So relieved.
Yeah it’s such a funny mix of emotions.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 20, 2026, 10:16:42 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 10:17:22 PM
Post by: Matt C on May 20, 2026, 10:17:48 PM
Post by: LeonW on May 20, 2026, 10:17:56 PM
Post by: JUAN PABLO on May 20, 2026, 10:17:58 PM
Post by: Villa Lew on May 20, 2026, 10:19:36 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 20, 2026, 10:19:56 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 10:21:09 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 20, 2026, 10:21:09 PM
Post by: SamTheMouse on May 20, 2026, 10:22:47 PM
Post by: CorkVilla on May 20, 2026, 10:23:26 PM
Post by: LukeJames on May 20, 2026, 10:23:29 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 10:23:48 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 10:24:11 PM
Post by: Holy Trinity on May 20, 2026, 10:24:41 PM
I'll probably still be crying in the morning.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 20, 2026, 10:24:57 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 20, 2026, 10:25:35 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 20, 2026, 10:25:45 PM
Post by: Hookeysmith on May 20, 2026, 10:25:56 PM
The Manager is a genius
Nas and Wes are gods
Mcginn, Mings and Watkins are living legends.
Up the fuk8ng mighty Villa
Post by: Jim Bradley on May 20, 2026, 10:26:35 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 20, 2026, 10:27:05 PM
Post by: Ger Regan on May 20, 2026, 10:28:14 PM
Post by: astonvilla82 on May 20, 2026, 10:28:17 PM
Post by: Grumpy on May 20, 2026, 10:28:34 PM
Love you all, you miserable bastards!
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 20, 2026, 10:28:43 PM
Post by: Legion on May 20, 2026, 10:28:51 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 10:29:16 PM
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQqGl93YcnwBKD3cSqf0MUd6qFq5c-vxh5BWw&s)
Post by: mike on May 20, 2026, 10:30:07 PM
Post by: Witton Warrior on May 20, 2026, 10:30:15 PM
Post by: Karlos96 on May 20, 2026, 10:30:33 PM
Post by: DrGonzo on May 20, 2026, 10:31:09 PM
Post by: Hampshire Villa on May 20, 2026, 10:31:41 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 20, 2026, 10:32:26 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 10:33:07 PM
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQG0lrknM9YXHrIfAxKHYCtRdFDrsVoLphuiw&s)
Post by: rob_bridge on May 20, 2026, 10:33:50 PM
Post by: Jane on May 20, 2026, 10:34:20 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 20, 2026, 10:34:54 PM
Post by: Lizz on May 20, 2026, 10:35:21 PM
Post by: DrGonzo on May 20, 2026, 10:35:32 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 20, 2026, 10:35:43 PM
Post by: CT Villan on May 20, 2026, 10:35:45 PM
Glad for the club, the players and the fans, but especially glad for Unai.
Now we can plan for Global dominance :)
Post by: LukeJames on May 20, 2026, 10:36:37 PM
Post by: Hopadop on May 20, 2026, 10:37:30 PM
I hope it's the start of a golden age, but I also hope we never take that sort of thing for granted.
Post by: Exeter 77 on May 20, 2026, 10:38:07 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 20, 2026, 10:38:09 PM
Outstanding stuff, Freiburg were never really in it. We played very well and are worthy Champions.
Glad for the club, the players and the fans, but especially glad for Unai.
Now we can plan for Global dominance :)
They had a couple of snifters from early freekicks, but as soon as the ref stopped blowing for everything and stopping the flow, we were all over them.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 10:38:16 PM
Probably the most one sided final in history...... Tbf I dont watch any funalsrhaf don't involve us
Same as Leeds 1996. We turned up, knew we were better than them, beat them with ease.
Post by: JUAN PABLO on May 20, 2026, 10:39:23 PM
Post by: LeonW on May 20, 2026, 10:40:11 PM
Post by: Tayls_7 on May 20, 2026, 10:40:25 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/gL9H64wr/images-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gL9H64wr)
Party's over. Let's start concentrating on the Citeh game.
Post by: Smirker on May 20, 2026, 10:40:56 PM
I lost my best friend last year .. he always got me the cup final tickets together 94 and 96 and we did all so many away games from the darkness of Oldham when we was stuck in the car park and when we cried 8 0 at chelsea ... . best villa mates from 83 and just loved the travels with the Villa family .....tonight I spent it with his two boys and fuck did I cry.....I hope you watched our legends Jason..HTIS
Sorry for your loss mate.
First thing I thought of was my mom. Lost her two years ago. She'd have loved tonight.
UTV HEITS
Post by: bilsim on May 20, 2026, 10:41:52 PM
Post by: Smirker on May 20, 2026, 10:42:27 PM
Post by: Tayls_7 on May 20, 2026, 10:42:28 PM
Outstanding stuff, Freiburg were never really in it. We played very well and are worthy Champions.
Glad for the club, the players and the fans, but especially glad for Unai.
Now we can plan for Global dominance :)
They had a couple of snifters from early freekicks, but as soon as the ref stopped blowing for everything and stopping the flow, we were all over them.
I worry that refs with trendy haircuts haven't received the memo that it isn't about them.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 10:44:42 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 10:45:19 PM
Post by: passport1 on May 20, 2026, 10:45:35 PM
Post by: Smirker on May 20, 2026, 10:45:41 PM
I've seen conflicting reports of the trophy parade and reception being tomorrow or next Thursday
Not gonna be tomorrow, they don't fly back until tomorrow night.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 20, 2026, 10:45:49 PM
I've seen conflicting reports of the trophy parade and reception being tomorrow or next Thursday
I'm going in the office to "work" tomorrow on the offchance it is tomorrow as that will be five-ways.
Post by: JUAN PABLO on May 20, 2026, 10:48:20 PM
did hear bank holiday
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 20, 2026, 10:48:35 PM
https://x.com/18bk74/status/2057205354753319091?s=20
Post by: Virgil Caine on May 20, 2026, 10:48:45 PM
Post by: Jim Bradley on May 20, 2026, 10:49:38 PM
whens the parade..I want to get pi55ed with you all...
did hear bank holidaywhens the parade..I want to get pi55ed with you all...Tomorrow I think!
did hear bank holiday
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on May 20, 2026, 10:52:08 PM
Post by: steamer on May 20, 2026, 10:52:28 PM
Gary Haddon
Miffiy
Bootsie
Shaun
Dougie
All from our first European adventure
HEITS all dancing on celestial clouds tonight, forgot Saunders too.
Post by: dr.chekov on May 20, 2026, 10:54:27 PM
Post by: wince on May 20, 2026, 10:54:45 PM
Post by: trinityoap on May 20, 2026, 10:57:12 PM
Post by: rob_bridge on May 20, 2026, 10:57:29 PM
They were decent but limited.
Lindelof bossed the game for me.MOTM
Others built on his foundation.
Ollie ran em ragged
Morgan bullied
Konsa and Pau superb
Buendia and Youri took them to the cleaners.
Post by: Rigadon on May 20, 2026, 10:57:29 PM
Post by: Rudy65 on May 20, 2026, 10:57:33 PM
I lost my best friend last year .. he always got me the cup final tickets together 94 and 96 and we did all so many away games from the darkness of Oldham when we was stuck in the car park and when we cried 8 0 at chelsea ... . best villa mates from 83 and just loved the travels with the Villa family .....tonight I spent it with his two boys and fuck did I cry.....I hope you watched our legends Jason..HTISNice post. I was stuck in the car park at Oldham as well. 3 nil defeat 6th round of FAC 1990 iirc
Post by: pelty on May 20, 2026, 10:59:38 PM
Post by: devilla on May 20, 2026, 11:00:54 PM
What Unai has done with these players is just incredible. I'm absolutely buzzing.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 20, 2026, 11:01:46 PM
In 26 & 82.
Post by: mike on May 20, 2026, 11:02:58 PM
Outstanding stuff, Freiburg were never really in it. We played very well and are worthy Champions.
Glad for the club, the players and the fans, but especially glad for Unai.
Now we can plan for Global dominance :)
They had a couple of snifters from early freekicks, but as soon as the ref stopped blowing for everything and stopping the flow, we were all over them.
I worry that refs with trendy haircuts haven't received the memo that it isn't about them.
Agreed
Post by: bodkins14 on May 20, 2026, 11:05:54 PM
Post by: martyn ellis on May 20, 2026, 11:06:35 PM
Post by: devilla on May 20, 2026, 11:07:08 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 11:08:09 PM
Post by: Tuscans on May 20, 2026, 11:08:33 PM
I've seen conflicting reports of the trophy parade and reception being tomorrow or next Thursday
Not gonna be tomorrow, they don't fly back until tomorrow night.
Tomorrow
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2026/may/20/uel-europa-league-victory-parade---all-you-need-to-know/
Post by: Smirker on May 20, 2026, 11:09:03 PM
Post by: mike on May 20, 2026, 11:10:09 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 11:10:19 PM
Post by: Le Lapin on May 20, 2026, 11:10:40 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 20, 2026, 11:13:25 PM
Post by: Londonfranky on May 20, 2026, 11:13:51 PM
Post by: Paul T on May 20, 2026, 11:15:07 PM
Post by: Stu on May 20, 2026, 11:17:16 PM
Post by: not3bad on May 20, 2026, 11:18:23 PM
Up the fucking Villa!!!!
Post by: Steve67 on May 20, 2026, 11:18:28 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 20, 2026, 11:20:45 PM
Post by: Proposition Joe on May 20, 2026, 11:21:08 PM
Thank God we capitulated at Old Trafford last season.
Y'know what, I am with you here. Without that, we wouldn't have this.
We weren't ready to win the CL last/this season but by crikey let's have a go at it next.
Post by: andyh on May 20, 2026, 11:22:34 PM
Our club.
Post by: TonyD on May 20, 2026, 11:27:18 PM
It’s such a strange feeling - just incredible.I know
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 11:27:20 PM
Post by: Neil Hawkes on May 20, 2026, 11:29:03 PM
Post by: Dick Edwards on May 20, 2026, 11:30:41 PM
Post by: Rudy65 on May 20, 2026, 11:30:54 PM
Flights from Brum to Salzburg going Tuesday and returning Friday currently £291 return.Hopefully against PSG
Post by: adrenachrome on May 20, 2026, 11:31:23 PM
We have followed the debacle against Spurs with 3 outstanding performances.
Very proud of the players, staff and fans.
Unai knows a thing or two about a thing or two.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 11:33:01 PM
Post by: Halfway to Moseley on May 20, 2026, 11:34:00 PM
Post by: Small Rodent on May 20, 2026, 11:34:04 PM
Well, we've all got a new set of digits for our PINs
Ha ha.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on May 20, 2026, 11:34:39 PM
Have a great evening all. Love the Villa so fucking much.
Post by: JUAN PABLO on May 20, 2026, 11:38:29 PM
whens the parade..I want to get pi55ed with you all...
did hear bank holidaywhens the parade..I want to get pi55ed with you all...Tomorrow I think!
did hear bank holiday
seems a bit too quick as alot of my mates in turkey wont be there
Post by: tomd2103 on May 20, 2026, 11:41:28 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 11:42:07 PM
Post by: JUAN PABLO on May 20, 2026, 11:42:23 PM
I lost my best friend last year .. he always got me the cup final tickets together 94 and 96 and we did all so many away games from the darkness of Oldham when we was stuck in the car park and when we cried 8 0 at chelsea ... . best villa mates from 83 and just loved the travels with the Villa family .....tonight I spent it with his two boys and fuck did I cry.....I hope you watched our legends Jason..HTISNice post. I was stuck in the car park at Oldham as well. 3 nil defeat 6th round of FAC 1990 iirc
coldest night of our lives ....
Post by: LeeB on May 20, 2026, 11:44:36 PM
Post by: Rory on May 20, 2026, 11:45:33 PM
Brilliant result ⚽️⚽️⚽️
You're a gentleman, Franky.
Post by: Louzie0 on May 20, 2026, 11:46:45 PM
And thanks, Londonfranky.
Post by: JUAN PABLO on May 20, 2026, 11:47:47 PM
Flights from Brum to Salzburg going Tuesday and returning Friday currently £291 return.
Mrs made me get them before forest .. she said it looks nice
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 20, 2026, 11:48:57 PM
1) Sweet Caroline
2) Hi Ho etc
3) We Are The Champions
The bar we're in did just play Psycho Killer.
Post by: DB on May 20, 2026, 11:49:07 PM
Post by: puppyfeat on May 20, 2026, 11:49:43 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2026, 11:52:02 PM
(https://www.shutterstock.com/editorial/image-editorial/M6T3Acz2M4jeUcwcNzE1MDI=/aston-villa-jack-grealish-manager-dean-smith-440nw-10244209ar.jpg)
Post by: itbrvilla on May 20, 2026, 11:52:08 PM
Post by: usav on May 20, 2026, 11:52:18 PM
Post by: LeeB on May 20, 2026, 11:57:23 PM
Truly special. I'm 51, and I barely remember 82. I was at Wembley in 94 and 96.......can't believe it's been so long. In some ways it doesn't feel like it, in other ways it absolutely does. Fantastic. Love it.
I'm 50 in December, all I can remember from 82 is my big brother going mental in the front room, this tops everything.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 20, 2026, 11:59:41 PM
https://x.com/5liveSport/status/2057217222611796232/video/1?s=46
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 21, 2026, 12:02:09 AM
Post by: TonyD on May 21, 2026, 12:02:12 AM
Was there in Rotterdam 82.
Back then as 13 year old thought we would be in many more Euro finals.
Our club that were the first proper super club until 1955.
We are back.
Post by: rob_bridge on May 21, 2026, 12:02:34 AM
Truly special. I'm 51, and I barely remember 82. I was at Wembley in 94 and 96.......can't believe it's been so long. In some ways it doesn't feel like it, in other ways it absolutely does. Fantastic. Love it.
I'm 50 in December, all I can remember from 82 is my big brother going mental in the front room, this tops everything.
I am 53. I recall my Dad going mental when Withe scored. And we won.
I remember it all. Lucky.
My 7 year old will never forget this night.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 21, 2026, 12:07:02 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HIy9kQhWAAANLsr?format=jpg&name=small)
Post by: olaftab on May 21, 2026, 12:10:02 AM
(https://i.ibb.co/kgWyV1Cn/47b981c8-2b8a-487c-bff1-d93f901f979f.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kgWyV1Cn)
Post by: Rory on May 21, 2026, 12:12:00 AM
Well that was rather nice😊
(https://i.ibb.co/kgWyV1Cn/47b981c8-2b8a-487c-bff1-d93f901f979f.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kgWyV1Cn)
Cohiba! Nice!
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 21, 2026, 12:14:45 AM
https://x.com/JamieSmith_25/status/2057233243095576837?s=20
Deano enjoying the win
Post by: The Man With A Stick on May 21, 2026, 12:23:35 AM
What a season. Thank you Unai. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Post by: Monty on May 21, 2026, 12:26:06 AM
Shout out to Alan and Paul in the pub tonight, hope you find your way back to your hotels. Some justified heaviness of partying going on.
All of you mad bastards, you've earned this one. It seems so stupid, supporting some sporting association, but for some reason it's sometimes the most real thing in life. We've gone through a fuck of a lot to get here - let's enjoy it. We'll never forget this one.
UTFV!!
Post by: TonyD on May 21, 2026, 12:31:54 AM
I was going to do a little roll-call of players but I'd end up just naming the squad. But it's Unai, in the end. What else is there to say. I'm so, so fucking pleased this group got to lift a trophy, Christ knows they deserve it.Lovely
Shout out to Alan and Paul in the pub tonight, hope you find your way back to your hotels. Some justified heaviness of partying going on.
All of you mad bastards, you've earned this one. It seems so stupid, supporting some sporting association, but for some reason it's sometimes the most real thing in life. We've gone through a fuck of a lot to get here - let's enjoy it. We'll never forget this one.
UTFV!!
Post by: AGRIPPA on May 21, 2026, 12:32:33 AM
I was going to do a little roll-call of players but I'd end up just naming the squad. But it's Unai, in the end. What else is there to say. I'm so, so fucking pleased this group got to lift a trophy, Christ knows they deserve it.
Shout out to Alan and Paul in the pub tonight, hope you find your way back to your hotels. Some justified heaviness of partying going on.
All of you mad bastards, you've earned this one. It seems so stupid, supporting some sporting association, but for some reason it's sometimes the most real thing in life. We've gone through a fuck of a lot to get here - let's enjoy it. We'll never forget this one.
UTFV!!
There’s really no logic to following a football club but it’s the fucking next feeling in the world…..especially when you win!!
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 21, 2026, 12:34:01 AM
Hell fucking yeah! Deano is the unsung hero who got us out of shit street just in time and we’d never be where we are today without what he did for us.
His family were there.
Post by: django on May 21, 2026, 12:38:22 AM
So glad that this likeable bunch of players are not just going to be remembered as a decent team but as winners.
Post by: TonyD on May 21, 2026, 12:38:25 AM
Post by: TonyD on May 21, 2026, 12:40:43 AM
Too right.Hell fucking yeah! Deano is the unsung hero who got us out of shit street just in time and we’d never be where we are today without what he did for us.
His family were there.
Post by: Jimsta on May 21, 2026, 12:46:40 AM
Back of the net
Post by: Tayls_7 on May 21, 2026, 12:46:50 AM
Swain
Williams
McNaught
Evans
Mortimer
Bremner
Cowans
Morley
Shaw
Withe
Bosnich
Barrett
Staunton
Teale
McGrath
Richardson
Townsend
Daley
Fenton
Saunders
Atkinson
Bosnich
Charles
Wright
Southgate
Ehiogu
McGrath
Townsend
Taylor
Draper
Yorke
Milosovic
Martinez
Cash
Digne
Konsa
Torres
Tielemans
Lindelof
McGinn
Buendia
Rogers
Watkins
If we ever want to win anything we always need a Mc in the team.
Post by: TonyD on May 21, 2026, 12:48:28 AM
So when is the civic reception?Just saw it’s tomorrow afternoon.
That is shite.
Most of the guys in Istanbul won’t be back
And like me who would love to come back up to Brum have no notice to get time off work.
Post by: TonyD on May 21, 2026, 12:56:10 AM
6 A.M in Thailand, im still going, i was lucky to be at 96 v leeds, wow what a show they put on, im converting all my Thai locals to jump ship and its a working.Enjoy mate !!
Back of the net
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 21, 2026, 12:56:43 AM
Cheers Franky.Brilliant result ⚽️⚽️⚽️
You're a gentleman, Franky.
Post by: Garyth on May 21, 2026, 12:58:45 AM
So when is the civic reception?Just saw it’s tomorrow afternoon.
That is shite.
Most of the guys in Istanbul won’t be back
And like me who would love to come back up to Brum have no notice to get time off work.
By all accounts it was this or nothing, due to other events, so I can understand the decision - all the folks out in Istanbul don’t have too much to complain about today 😆
Post by: Stu82 on May 21, 2026, 01:03:21 AM
Every player did us proud.
Emery is a different level, this is the start, we are back.
Post by: tomd2103 on May 21, 2026, 01:04:09 AM
A perfect all round team performance, capped by three outstanding goals. It really couldn't have gone any better tonight
I was saying before that it would be lovely to have the same sort of match as 30 years ago against Leeds, where we were dominant pretty much throughout.
Post by: Ducksworthy on May 21, 2026, 01:05:52 AM
So when is the civic reception?Just saw it’s tomorrow afternoon.
That is shite.
Most of the guys in Istanbul won’t be back
And like me who would love to come back up to Brum have no notice to get time off work.
By all accounts it was this or nothing, due to other events, so I can understand the decision - all the folks out in Istanbul don’t have too much to complain about today 😆
Could you share any links about this?
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 21, 2026, 01:08:08 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 21, 2026, 01:09:40 AM
Thirty fucking years..
Yààaaaaaaaaasssssss
Post by: Garyth on May 21, 2026, 01:09:45 AM
> After returning from Istanbul tomorrow, the squad is due to undertake a full training session on Friday, before travelling to Manchester on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s final Premier League fixture of the season against Manchester City.
Birmingham Pride also takes place in the city centre on Monday, May 25, and many players are due to report to their international squads ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Together, these factors made Thursday, May 21 the only viable option.
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2026/may/20/uel-europa-league-victory-parade---all-you-need-to-know/
Post by: Ger Regan on May 21, 2026, 01:11:32 AM
Post by: Rory on May 21, 2026, 01:15:57 AM
And total, utter respect to the Freiburg supporters for their behaviour during and after the match.
Nice to hear.
I spent a week in Freiburg over New Year 2013/14 and loved the place. They became my German team after that.*
*In the sense that I know absolutely nothing about them and don't follow their results whatsoever, but if I happen to see they've won, I let out a little "whey".
Post by: KevinGage on May 21, 2026, 01:16:44 AM
And total, utter respect to the Freiburg supporters for their behaviour during and after the match.
Different gravy, those lads.
Post by: Rory on May 21, 2026, 01:16:56 AM
I fucking love you all xxxxxx..
Thirty fucking years..
Yààaaaaaaaaasssssss
Right, you're just embarrassing yourself now.
(I love you too.)
Post by: HolteL4 on May 21, 2026, 01:20:12 AM
Feeling especially pleased for McGinn - what a journey with the club
100% this, I felt I wanted this trophy for McGinn just as much as I wanted it for Villa.
John McGinn you joined us when we were on our arse, you stayed loyal to us when others took the easy option. All the pictures of McGinn lifting the Europa League is the legacy he deserves.
Post by: OzVilla on May 21, 2026, 01:26:01 AM
Post by: Pete3206 on May 21, 2026, 01:28:02 AM
I fucking love you all xxxxxx..
Thirty fucking years..
Yààaaaaaaaaasssssss
Right, you're just embarrassing yourself now.
(I love you too.)
Big kisses to both of you, you pair of twats!
xxxxx
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 21, 2026, 01:28:17 AM
Post by: Rory on May 21, 2026, 01:28:25 AM
Feeling especially pleased for McGinn - what a journey with the club
100% this, I felt I wanted this trophy for McGinn just as much as I wanted it for Villa.
John McGinn you joined us when we were on our arse, you stayed loyal to us when others took the easy option. All the pictures of McGinn lifting the Europa League is the legacy he deserves.
Honestly, with the monkey off our back as a fanbase and as a club, it wouldn't surprise me to see him lift more for us.
He looks as fit and is playing as well as ever, and while I personally think PL or CL is out of reach during his likely remaining career with us, FA and League Cups are all to play for.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 21, 2026, 01:33:11 AM
A lot of good post game interviews here
Post by: AV82EC on May 21, 2026, 01:47:45 AM
I think my legs are about to fall off as the walk back from the stadium up that hill, fuck me I felt like Edmund Hilary conquering Everest when we got back to Taksim Square. A lovely couple of quiet beers to soak in the achievement and now to bed. Good night all of you, we must never forget how lucky we are to support this wonderful
Club and never take for granted when success comes our way.
And those of you who didn’t get to come today, enjoy the parade that’s your time to shine.
Up the Villa.
Post by: olaftab on May 21, 2026, 01:58:55 AM
Post by: Villafirst on May 21, 2026, 02:01:00 AM
Post by: Rory on May 21, 2026, 02:08:45 AM
It’s nearly 4am but it’s not the night for sleeping
Just have another Cohiba, millionaire that you are!
Post by: VillaMatt93 on May 21, 2026, 02:23:51 AM
Post by: dorsetvillian on May 21, 2026, 02:33:34 AM
Post by: Rory on May 21, 2026, 02:43:01 AM
CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE WE KNOW WHAT WE ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Careful. That'll be PSG (I fucking hope) but I share your jubilation.
A trophy!
I'm 37 and I don't know how to react. I've just been drinking, watching every bit of footage I can, drinking and drinking.
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 21, 2026, 02:50:40 AM
Post by: olaftab on May 21, 2026, 03:09:50 AM
I hate to say it but not far from truth😂It’s nearly 4am but it’s not the night for sleeping
Just have another Cohiba, millionaire that you are!
Post by: olaftab on May 21, 2026, 03:11:56 AM
Headed to airport after an hour at my hotel. What a trip, what a city.Disappointed as you made no attempt to see me🙁
Post by: Rory on May 21, 2026, 03:12:59 AM
I hate to say it but not far from truth😂It’s nearly 4am but it’s not the night for sleeping
Just have another Cohiba, millionaire that you are!
Haha, you're a legend and a gentleman, Aftab, you enjoy yourself!
I prefer a Romeo y Julieta, myself but whatever, tonight is a time to celebrate 😁
Post by: Rory on May 21, 2026, 03:13:38 AM
Headed to airport after an hour at my hotel. What a trip, what a city.Disappointed as you made no attempt to see me🙁
He couldn't see you through the smoke!
Post by: john2710 on May 21, 2026, 03:24:03 AM
And a special mention to the Freiburg fans who were a credit to their club, before, during & after the game. And from what I've seen our fans were equally special. Oh what a night.
Post by: Mellin on May 21, 2026, 03:43:11 AM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 21, 2026, 03:47:17 AM
1880s
1890s
1900s
1910s
1920s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2020s.
Can any other clubs match that?
Post by: Rory on May 21, 2026, 03:54:53 AM
We’ve won major honours in the:
1880s
1890s
1900s
1910s
1920s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2020s.
Can any other clubs match that?
I don't even care, Perce.
We've finally won a trophy while I'm aware of what is going on, and I'm thirty-fucking-seven!
A fucking trophy!
YAAAASSSSS!!!!
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 21, 2026, 04:26:52 AM
Post by: olaftab on May 21, 2026, 04:41:10 AM
Post by: Rory on May 21, 2026, 04:54:37 AM
6.30 and it’s time for bed. A brilliant night. Thank you Unia
Sweet dreams, Aftab.
Post by: Grumpy on May 21, 2026, 05:40:35 AM
Post by: ajmant on May 21, 2026, 06:05:10 AM
Post by: rob_bridge on May 21, 2026, 06:09:31 AM
We bleeding done it and done it in style.
Off to walk some of the alcohol out of the system
Post by: JUAN PABLO on May 21, 2026, 06:10:34 AM
Post by: HK Villan on May 21, 2026, 06:34:16 AM
Well done everyone at Villa - I’m so proud I’m going to explode!
Post by: HK Villan on May 21, 2026, 06:36:00 AM
Well, we've all got a new set of digits for our PINs
Damn right!!!! 😂😂
Post by: Richard E on May 21, 2026, 06:43:56 AM
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on May 21, 2026, 06:44:25 AM
Did anyone manage to get much sleep last night? It hasn’t really sunk in yet…
Wow. That’s all!
Post by: ez on May 21, 2026, 06:56:11 AM
Post by: KingstandingVilla on May 21, 2026, 06:58:48 AM
Hell fucking yeah! Deano is the unsung hero who got us out of shit street just in time and we’d never be where we are today without what he did for us.
His family were there.
His brother is a good pal of mine, a lovely bloke.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 21, 2026, 06:59:37 AM
Post by: wince on May 21, 2026, 07:02:58 AM
Post by: itmustbe_it is! on May 21, 2026, 07:49:56 AM
But got to give a nod to Dean Smith who started the revival and set us on the road, we had our club back and we could see the light again . The Scouse impostor nearly put the light out again but thank God for Unai .
Post by: darren woolley on May 21, 2026, 07:54:59 AM
Post by: Villan For Life on May 21, 2026, 07:59:53 AM
Post by: Grande Pablo on May 21, 2026, 08:04:49 AM
And the best of it is, this isn’t the end, this is the beginning.
I think this win will be an end to the Emery era 'part 1' - capped with a statement trophy. With improved finances, ground improvements, the club being a desirable place to be it's now the start of 'part 2' where we push to be even bigger & better. And I can't bloody wait.
Post by: CorkVilla on May 21, 2026, 08:16:11 AM
Post by: Charlie8182 on May 21, 2026, 08:18:47 AM
Post by: Hopadop on May 21, 2026, 08:27:17 AM
I let out a little "whey".
I think we all let out a little whey last night.
Safe travels all. I can't get to Brum today but hope as many as possible can. These are memories in the making.
Post by: littleoldme on May 21, 2026, 08:29:41 AM
Will be wearing plenty of Villa attire though, UTV. 8)
Post by: eye digress on May 21, 2026, 08:33:15 AM
The only thing lacking was a sense of jeopardy, we were so much better. But history will not care about that.
It was amazing to see our captain lift the trophy, though the real prize is the new chapter that is opening for our great club.
We want more.
UTV!
Post by: mike on May 21, 2026, 08:39:43 AM
Fantastic performance to boss the game from the first minute to the last. Whilst Unai should deservedly get all the plaudits I think some deflected glory should be aimed at Dean Smith who started the revival of the Greatest Team in the World.
I was thinking the same. Thanks, Dean.
Post by: Paul.S on May 21, 2026, 08:41:35 AM
Having breakfast the morning after winning a European trophy feels quite nice.
Post by: Clampy on May 21, 2026, 08:55:47 AM
Hope everyone has a safe journey back.
Post by: RamboandBruno on May 21, 2026, 09:10:58 AM
Post by: ez on May 21, 2026, 09:12:33 AM
We’ve won major honours in the:
1880s
1890s
1900s
1910s
1920s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2020s.
Can any other clubs match that?
I always felt sorry for our younger fans who hadn't seen us win anything. Glad they know what it feels like now.
Post by: mike on May 21, 2026, 09:15:30 AM
(https://i.ibb.co/PZwnfHPq/IMG-4677.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PZwnfHPq)
The good news keeps getting better. Elvis is alive and a Villa fan. Seen singing Sweet Caroline in a bar in Corfu. I can’t get the video to embed so it’s just a crappy screenshot.
Post by: Dave on May 21, 2026, 09:23:20 AM
Quote
Aston Villa win the Europa League and the Premier League is next for Unai Emery
Aston Villa have won the Europa League and Unai Emery has already set a new “dream'”after making his first a “reality”. They’re coming for the Premier League
“He told us he wanted us to be playing European football and you’re thinking ‘good one’,” John McGinn said ahead of kick-off, reflecting on Emery’s first team meeting as Aston Villa boss in October 2022, when they were only clear of the relegation zone on goals scored with nine points from 11 games.
Villa qualified for the Conference League that season. Further demonstrating the power of target-setting from Villa’s visionary coach, Ollie Watkins revealed: “He told me he wanted me to score 15 goals and I think I was on about three [actually two] by Christmas. The confidence that gave me – I went on to score 15 goals.”
In the three seasons since, with a net spend of under £50m, Villa have qualified for the Champions League twice and have now won their first trophy for 30 years and their first European gong since 1982. Asked for three words to sum their manager up, McGinn, Watkins and Ezri Konsa unanimously agreed he was a “genius”. Amen.
Such was the mismatch here, Villa as good as secured the Europa League trophy after their stunning second-leg win over Nottingham Forest in the semi-final.
Despite Villa’s relatively low spend in Premier League terms since Emery took charge, the £340m outlay is more than Freiburg have spent in their entire history. As was widely suggested before kick-off, the Bundesliga side, appearing in their first-ever European final, “were just happy to be here”.
And credit to them, they restricted Villa to nothing of note for 40 minutes as Emery looked as though he was going to tear strips off his team at the break, only for Youri Tielemans and then Emi Buendia to score two of the great European final goals to put the game beyond their inferior opposition by half-time.
Set-piece coach Austin MacPhee was given his dues on social media on Friday when a cleverly-worked corner sliced Liverpool open for Morgan Rogers to curl into the top corner, and MacPhee’s flowing locks could be seen in a huddle of celebrating Villa substitutes when a variation on the move saw Villa break the deadlock in Istanbul.
Rogers’ looping ball into the box was lovely, but the chance was made by defenders being dragged into the six-yard box to make space and by Tielemans’ arcing run. The Belgian still had a lot to do though and the technique to strike the ball with that power and that precision on the volley while on the run was extraordinary.
For seven minutes we wondered whether Tielemans might not only be the perfect player for that role but perhaps the only Villa player with the required quality to score in that position. Buendia changed our minds.
That said, Ally McCoist was just plain wrong in suggesting “this one might be even better, y’know” as Buendia took one touch and curled the ball into the top corner. “A goal worthy of winning any cup final”, sure, just not the most worthy of winning this particular cup final.
The second half was a procession. Rogers scored Villa’s third, dashing to the front post to get his toe on Buendia’s cross to poke the ball past the goalkeeper, and Emery’s side should have scored a couple more and looked as though they could have embarrassed Freiburg if they really wanted to. There was a chasm of quality between the two sides.
But it makes European glory no less meaningful for the Villa fans watching in the stadium or at home, plenty of whom won’t have experienced winning a trophy of any kind; most of whom won’t have celebrated a European trophy.
It’s Emery’s fifth Europa League title and when the Istanbul party is over, perhaps while struggling through one last beer in the airport tomorrow, bleary-eyed Villa fans might start to think about what else their team are capable of under their master tactician.
“The next step, if we can be consistent, would be to be able to do something similar to what Leicester did, or come close,” Emery said this week. “We have to set ourselves dreams and make those dreams a reality. What we’re doing here might have been a dream when I arrived three and a half years ago, and now it’s a reality.”
Good one, Unai. Good one.
Post by: Rudy65 on May 21, 2026, 09:24:51 AM
Flights from Brum to Salzburg going Tuesday and returning Friday currently £291 return.Not showing in Skyscanner. Maybe all sold out?
Post by: TopDeck113 on May 21, 2026, 09:28:54 AM
But got to give a nod to Dean Smith who started the revival and set us on the road, we had our club back and we could see the light again .
Exactly this. Just as there would have been no Rotterdam without Vic Crowe, there would be no Istanbul without Deano.
Post by: German James on May 21, 2026, 09:35:54 AM
Sneak him onto a bus!But got to give a nod to Dean Smith who started the revival and set us on the road, we had our club back and we could see the light again .
Exactly this. Just as there would have been no Rotterdam without Vic Crowe, there would be no Istanbul without Deano.
Post by: astonvilla82 on May 21, 2026, 09:42:15 AM
Post by: stubbsyandy on May 21, 2026, 09:43:44 AM
Post by: SamTheMouse on May 21, 2026, 09:46:38 AM
Post by: danno on May 21, 2026, 09:54:06 AM
Special recognition must go to Steven Gerrard. For being so utterly shite, that he prompted Nas to rage-sack him and decide "fuck it, we're going to do this properly".
He left fertile ground for Emery too, months of telling the squad they were not good enough. They all bought in to the new guy telling them they actually were great players if they worked hard.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 21, 2026, 09:55:16 AM
Post by: rob_bridge on May 21, 2026, 09:58:06 AM
Special recognition must go to Steven Gerrard. For being so utterly shite, that he prompted Nas to rage-sack him and decide "fuck it, we're going to do this properly".
We have had some dreadful duffers as managers. None underperformed more than him. None - even Billy McDuff.
Post by: rob_bridge on May 21, 2026, 10:00:54 AM
Not sure what those at the game thought.
Post by: martin o`who?? on May 21, 2026, 10:08:19 AM
Watching on the box, I thought the Freiburg fans were brilliant. Even 3-0 they kept up chants, carried on waving flags throughout and seemingly stayed after the end - despite being outplayed and outnumbered.I thought the same. Don't know if they were locked in but if not absolutely fair play to them.
Not sure what those at the game thought.
Post by: JJ-AV on May 21, 2026, 10:14:34 AM
Brilliant day, brilliant night
Enjoy everyone
Post by: Stu on May 21, 2026, 10:17:24 AM
Post by: The Man With A Stick on May 21, 2026, 10:20:12 AM
Watching on the box, I thought the Freiburg fans were brilliant. Even 3-0 they kept up chants, carried on waving flags throughout and seemingly stayed after the end - despite being outplayed and outnumbered.I thought the same. Don't know if they were locked in but if not absolutely fair play to them.
Not sure what those at the game thought.
After watching that doc that's been doing the rounds about them I thought if they were playing anyone else I'd desperately want them to win this. Nice club and great fans, hopefully we can play a friendly against them someday if they're not suffering from Villa-induced PTSD or anything.
Post by: martin o`who?? on May 21, 2026, 10:23:45 AM
Post by: eye digress on May 21, 2026, 10:28:56 AM
When we played a depleted side and surrendered to a terrible spurs side at home the whole media piled on to both the team and the manager - that selection by the manager has been thoroughly vindicated. If we'd played a full strength side and tired players had picked up a few injuries here and there the outcome could have been massively different. Instead we came out with a virtually full strength side with the throttles wide open. We obliterated Forest, obliterated Liverpool and obliterated Freiburg in a major final. Emerys strategy over what was the crucible of our season was borderline genius and bravery in action. I've long believed that Ron Saunders was our greatest manager - certainly in my time - increasingly I am now not so sure.Amen, brother.
Post by: tomd2103 on May 21, 2026, 10:31:06 AM
And the best of it is, this isn’t the end, this is the beginning.
It's a discussion for another day as we still bask in the glory of last night, but it is a big question- will last night be the peak and as good as it gets or is it the start of something even more special?
As I say, not the time to ask that question now, but I think it is one that will need to be asked over the summer.
Post by: The Man With A Stick on May 21, 2026, 10:40:20 AM
When we played a depleted side and surrendered to a terrible spurs side at home the whole media piled on to both the team and the manager - that selection by the manager has been thoroughly vindicated. If we'd played a full strength side and tired players had picked up a few injuries here and there the outcome could have been massively different. Instead we came out with a virtually full strength side with the throttles wide open. We obliterated Forest, obliterated Liverpool and obliterated Freiburg in a major final. Emerys strategy over what was the crucible of our season was borderline genius and bravery in action. I've long believed that Ron Saunders was our greatest manager - certainly in my time - increasingly I am now not so sure.
Quite right. And it's not our fault West Ham might go down either, they've had 38 games to do something about it and have been shite on the whole.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on May 21, 2026, 10:41:01 AM
Post by: rob_bridge on May 21, 2026, 10:45:29 AM
When we played a depleted side and surrendered to a terrible spurs side at home the whole media piled on to both the team and the manager - that selection by the manager has been thoroughly vindicated. If we'd played a full strength side and tired players had picked up a few injuries here and there the outcome could have been massively different. Instead we came out with a virtually full strength side with the throttles wide open. We obliterated Forest, obliterated Liverpool and obliterated Freiburg in a major final. Emerys strategy over what was the crucible of our season was borderline genius and bravery in action. I've long believed that Ron Saunders was our greatest manager - certainly in my time - increasingly I am now not so sure.
Quite right. And it's not our fault West Ham might go down either, they've had 38 games to do something about it and have been shite on the whole.
If Spam get relegated then it is their fault. The lost the last 2 games 6.1 and were abject for most of both against decent (no more) opposition.
Post by: The Man With A Stick on May 21, 2026, 10:53:57 AM
When we played a depleted side and surrendered to a terrible spurs side at home the whole media piled on to both the team and the manager - that selection by the manager has been thoroughly vindicated. If we'd played a full strength side and tired players had picked up a few injuries here and there the outcome could have been massively different. Instead we came out with a virtually full strength side with the throttles wide open. We obliterated Forest, obliterated Liverpool and obliterated Freiburg in a major final. Emerys strategy over what was the crucible of our season was borderline genius and bravery in action. I've long believed that Ron Saunders was our greatest manager - certainly in my time - increasingly I am now not so sure.
Quite right. And it's not our fault West Ham might go down either, they've had 38 games to do something about it and have been shite on the whole.
If Spam get relegated then it is their fault. The lost the last 2 games 6.1 and were abject for most of both against decent (no more) opposition.
And as much as I despise Spurs, I'm not going to shed any tears for Pornodwarf and his cronies. Seeing their freebie stadium two-thirds empty against Lincoln will be some consolation.
Post by: Crown Hill on May 21, 2026, 10:57:24 AM
Watching on the box, I thought the Freiburg fans were brilliant. Even 3-0 they kept up chants, carried on waving flags throughout and seemingly stayed after the end - despite being outplayed and outnumbered.
Not sure what those at the game thought.
Haven’t met one bad Freiburg supporter on the whole trip! Definitely a soft spot for them now! They stayed to watch our celebrations!
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 21, 2026, 11:06:55 AM
Post by: London Villan on May 21, 2026, 11:08:33 AM
All been friendly though.
Post by: Rotterdam on May 21, 2026, 11:11:17 AM
Google "Villa 3 Freiburg 0". Nice little graphic.
Brilliant
Post by: Brend'Watkins on May 21, 2026, 11:15:12 AM
Post by: Villa Lew on May 21, 2026, 11:34:15 AM
But got to give a nod to Dean Smith who started the revival and set us on the road, we had our club back and we could see the light again .
Exactly this. Just as there would have been no Rotterdam without Vic Crowe, there would be no Istanbul without Deano.
Agree 100% regarding both, Vic just as a player alone was a Villa legend and would have played in the 57 final, if he hadn't been injured.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 21, 2026, 11:35:15 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 21, 2026, 11:40:10 AM
Watching on the box, I thought the Freiburg fans were brilliant. Even 3-0 they kept up chants, carried on waving flags throughout and seemingly stayed after the end - despite being outplayed and outnumbered.Despite the monotony of the drum and the choreographed chanting, singing swaying etc.
Not sure what those at the game thought.
They never relented and stayed through our celebrations.
So credit where it’s due but I fkin hate drums.
Post by: SoccerHQ on May 21, 2026, 11:45:10 AM
Woke up and we've won something significant for first time in over 30 years. Was in Town last night watching the game and soaking up the atmosphere and enjoyed this morning watching all the reaction, we were the lead story on BBC 1Opm news which amazed me given what else is happening in the world.
For various reasons I've barely posted on here in last six months. Probably my longest drought since first signing up in 2004. All the false dawns from that time to now. The chaotic ownerships. The thousands of hours spent arguing on here that perhaps these league 1 players Lambert was signing perhaps weren't going to work out for us. Then Dr Fraud and the championship years. Then the legacy Dean Smith created...
The funny threads to lighten the mood like Andrew Greaves, African Car Reverser....
So cool to come in and see so many stalwarts of this forum of various ages all savouring this. Hopefully we won't have to wait another 30 years for a moment like this.
Post by: Villa Lew on May 21, 2026, 11:52:29 AM
Post by: martin o`who?? on May 21, 2026, 12:21:58 PM
Post by: martin o`who?? on May 21, 2026, 12:27:53 PM
I honestly don't know whether I admire or not the way they go about it. It is something I've described previously as a glorified boy band routine and it does seem very contrived. I've seen occasions where they concede and carry on as if nothings happened - very strange.Watching on the box, I thought the Freiburg fans were brilliant. Even 3-0 they kept up chants, carried on waving flags throughout and seemingly stayed after the end - despite being outplayed and outnumbered.Despite the monotony of the drum and the choreographed chanting, singing swaying etc.
Not sure what those at the game thought.
They never relented and stayed through our celebrations.
So credit where it’s due but I fkin hate drums.
Post by: aj2k77 on May 21, 2026, 12:31:41 PM
A feeling of calm and accomplishment this morning. Unai and the boys deserve all the praise in the world.
Post by: mike on May 21, 2026, 01:02:51 PM
On days like this, nobody sums things up on how we all feel about Villa better than Benjamin
Thanks for reminding us of that. Shame he couldn't have been there.
Post by: Chris Smith on May 21, 2026, 01:44:45 PM
The game was never in doubt after the first goal, brilliant to a man.
Post by: Chris Harte on May 21, 2026, 02:08:33 PM
Up at 2.50am to travel on the club's own charter package, arrived in Istanbul early afternoon to realise I'm not getting any phone coverage at all (my provider will be getting shit for that later) and to torrential rain. We sheltered in the Istanbul Hyatt, ended up having a few beers and a steak sandwich there before heading to the fans zone, it's entertainment, dodgy beer and open sewer.
Got to the game two hours before kick off to see Freiburg fans had already filled their end (and what a credit they were, they didn't stop, not even at three-nil down and, while if the roles had been reversed we'd have probably fucked off on 80 mins, even stuck around for the trophy lift. Our trophy lift.
A walk up the cardiac hill after and we're back on the coach to the airport. Landed at Brum at 6.30am, back home just in time to see my kid go off to school, and have slept since.
I'm so proud of this team of ours. Sadly, I suspect it may have reached it's end before being at least partially rebuilt, but let's enjoy the moment, because as fans this is our moment.
Post by: Rotterdam on May 21, 2026, 02:30:46 PM
The eldest reminded me of him crying on the train coming back from Wembley after the Citeh defeat...so proud of my boys. We don't get to VP very often, maybe twice a year, but the feelings run deep.
We were very, very good last night. And dare I say the last 20mins a piece of cake.
Post by: Halfway to Moseley on May 21, 2026, 02:33:54 PM
I think the last time I talked to so many strangers in the space of a few hours was my first day at uni 30 odd years ago! It was unreal.
Post by: Ian. on May 21, 2026, 02:34:34 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/RTJhQqx9/IMG-2709.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RTJhQqx9)
Post by: astonvilla82 on May 21, 2026, 03:00:45 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 21, 2026, 03:07:18 PM
I honestly don't know whether I admire or not the way they go about it. It is something I've described previously as a glorified boy band routine and it does seem very contrived. I've seen occasions where they concede and carry on as if nothings happened - very strange.Watching on the box, I thought the Freiburg fans were brilliant. Even 3-0 they kept up chants, carried on waving flags throughout and seemingly stayed after the end - despite being outplayed and outnumbered.Despite the monotony of the drum and the choreographed chanting, singing swaying etc.
Not sure what those at the game thought.
They never relented and stayed through our celebrations.
So credit where it’s due but I fkin hate drums.
As someone said - they weren't watching the match. It wasn't the noise that made them great, though, it was the people. Every one of them was respectful of our team and proud of theirs.
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 21, 2026, 03:08:53 PM
Agree.I honestly don't know whether I admire or not the way they go about it. It is something I've described previously as a glorified boy band routine and it does seem very contrived. I've seen occasions where they concede and carry on as if nothings happened - very strange.Watching on the box, I thought the Freiburg fans were brilliant. Even 3-0 they kept up chants, carried on waving flags throughout and seemingly stayed after the end - despite being outplayed and outnumbered.Despite the monotony of the drum and the choreographed chanting, singing swaying etc.
Not sure what those at the game thought.
They never relented and stayed through our celebrations.
So credit where it’s due but I fkin hate drums.
As someone said - they weren't watching the match. It wasn't the noise that made them great, though, it was the people. Every one of them was respectful of our team and proud of theirs.
Post by: Brend'Watkins on May 21, 2026, 03:23:56 PM
I honestly don't know whether I admire or not the way they go about it. It is something I've described previously as a glorified boy band routine and it does seem very contrived. I've seen occasions where they concede and carry on as if nothings happened - very strange.Watching on the box, I thought the Freiburg fans were brilliant. Even 3-0 they kept up chants, carried on waving flags throughout and seemingly stayed after the end - despite being outplayed and outnumbered.Despite the monotony of the drum and the choreographed chanting, singing swaying etc.
Not sure what those at the game thought.
They never relented and stayed through our celebrations.
So credit where it’s due but I fkin hate drums.
As someone said - they weren't watching the match. It wasn't the noise that made them great, though, it was the people. Every one of them was respectful of our team and proud of theirs.
It was like watching a very advanced AI football crowd and all very German. Military precision throughout. I’m old school in that I prefer a crowd reacting to what’s happening in front of them.
Would have preferred it if they hit the road at the final whistle.
Post by: Richard E on May 21, 2026, 03:26:04 PM
Aston Villa
1 European Cup
1 European Super Cup
1 Europa League
West Bromwich Albion
Only narrowly lost to Dunfermline Athletic in the European Cup Winners Cup and beat Mario Kempes to become de facto world champions.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Won a home friendly 70-odd years ago then played Spurs in the Uefa Cup final at Molineux.
Birmingham City
Took a lot to Bruges away and got an ashtray from Barcelona.
Coventry City
Still waiting to play the Anglo-Scottish cup second leg.
Post by: TopDeck113 on May 21, 2026, 03:49:48 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 21, 2026, 03:53:50 PM
Post by: Richard E on May 21, 2026, 04:03:03 PM
Post by: ez on May 21, 2026, 04:39:13 PM
Post by: The Man With A Stick on May 21, 2026, 04:45:09 PM
Did anyone manage to buy a programme over there?
They were flogging them in the club shop at the weekend so should still have a few.
Post by: Chris Harte on May 21, 2026, 04:50:24 PM
Did anyone manage to buy a programme over there?My friend got two or three from the sales point outside the stadium. The one in the fanzone had sold out at least four hours before kick off.
Post by: Brightoninpeace on May 21, 2026, 04:52:32 PM
I replied that most neutrals like me have a big soft spot for your club & I hope from the outpouring of congratulations across English football you can see that. We're all absolutely chuffed for you, seriously.
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 21, 2026, 04:54:02 PM
Congratulations from me, a Brighton fan. I first registered on here when I read a Villa fan ask why most neutrals dislike Villa.Thanks mate.
I replied that most neutrals like me have a big soft spot for your club & I hope from the outpouring of congratulations across English football you can see that. We're all absolutely chuffed for you, seriously.
Post by: remy on May 21, 2026, 05:06:57 PM
Fast (!) forward 30 years and my now Villa mad wife and daughter made more noise than me at the final whistle in the pub.
Remy Jnr 1 watched the match in Belgium surrounded by neutrals who wanted us to win.
Remy Jnr 2 went to the Utility Arena and had a ball watching the match in an insane environment.
When they all finally went to bed at 2am, I sat quietly on my own and cried.
My team, my club, my faith. Stand tall and proud - Champions of Europe and new history being written. This will be the first of many trophies as we are on an upward trajectory.
God bless Unai and the players, the owners for a defining moment in our journey.
Post by: DrGonzo on May 21, 2026, 05:08:19 PM
Somebody was making the point about the media giving us dog's for resting players. The flip side of that was that Forest rested players between the 2 legs of the semis, only to bring Gibbs-White on at half time whilst 2-0 up and promptly lost him to that horrific head injury that kept him out of the 2nd leg. Something their manager was very keen to blame for the defeat.
We saved the best to last, thrashed Liverpool, always a joy, romped home in the final and then went on to beat City 3-1 on the final day of the season!
Post by: Mellin on May 21, 2026, 05:56:13 PM
Congratulations from me, a Brighton fan. I first registered on here when I read a Villa fan ask why most neutrals dislike Villa.
I replied that most neutrals like me have a big soft spot for your club & I hope from the outpouring of congratulations across English football you can see that. We're all absolutely chuffed for you, seriously.
Appreciate you taking the time. Good luck Sunday. We won't be getting anything from the Etihadas the team is currently arseholed, so there's a chance.
Post by: maidstonevillain on May 21, 2026, 06:50:39 PM
7 of the starters were "his" team.
Post by: dorsetvillian on May 21, 2026, 07:16:20 PM
Post by: ez on May 21, 2026, 07:33:09 PM
Did anyone manage to buy a programme over there?
They were flogging them in the club shop at the weekend so should still have a few.
Thanks. I've just preordered one.
Post by: Abbeyfealeavfc on May 21, 2026, 07:58:49 PM
Other than the weather yesterday, everything else was perfect!
Winning our 1st trophy in 30 years was obviously the highlight!
These current crop of players are legends and hopefully will be like the 81/82 group in being a fixture at our club for many years to come, long after they've retired. They deserve to be!
UTV and enjoy the glory!
Post by: FailsworthVillan on May 21, 2026, 08:07:26 PM
”Preordered” ? Please don’t tell me it was all a dream and the match hasn’t started yet !Did anyone manage to buy a programme over there?
They were flogging them in the club shop at the weekend so should still have a few.
Thanks. I've just preordered one.
Post by: Villan82 on May 21, 2026, 08:10:27 PM
I will say, Unai Emery has banished so many of our demons. Perhaps the most important one was banished yesterday - I never want to hear another player say they have to leave to 'win things'.
We have not been in such a good place since the mid 90s.
Up The Villa!
Post by: wolfman999 on May 21, 2026, 08:17:26 PM
Post by: Lizz on May 21, 2026, 08:25:55 PM
Post by: LeeB on May 21, 2026, 08:25:58 PM
What an amazing 24 hours. I was so nervous this time yesterday but a pretty complete performance for about two thirds of the game saw us through. Been watching Villa content at every opportunity.
I will say, Unai Emery has banished so many of our demons. Perhaps the most important one was banished yesterday - I never want to hear another player say they have to leave to 'win things'.
We have not been in such a good place since the mid 90s.
Up The Villa!
We're in a much better place than the 90's as we haven't got Ellis in charge.
Post by: Jane on May 21, 2026, 08:28:08 PM
What an amazing 24 hours. I was so nervous this time yesterday but a pretty complete performance for about two thirds of the game saw us through. Been watching Villa content at every opportunity.
I will say, Unai Emery has banished so many of our demons. Perhaps the most important one was banished yesterday - I never want to hear another player say they have to leave to 'win things'.
We have not been in such a good place since the mid 90s.
Up The Villa!
We're in a much better place than the 90's as we haven't got Ellis in charge.
Shush!!!!
Post by: LeeB on May 21, 2026, 08:28:58 PM
What an amazing 24 hours. I was so nervous this time yesterday but a pretty complete performance for about two thirds of the game saw us through. Been watching Villa content at every opportunity.
I will say, Unai Emery has banished so many of our demons. Perhaps the most important one was banished yesterday - I never want to hear another player say they have to leave to 'win things'.
We have not been in such a good place since the mid 90s.
Up The Villa!
We're in a much better place than the 90's as we haven't got Ellis in charge.
Shush!!!!
It's alright Jane, I don't think he's coming back.
Post by: Brightoninpeace on May 21, 2026, 08:34:27 PM
Appreciate you taking the time. Good luck Sunday. We won't be getting anything from the Etihadas the team is currently arseholed, so there's a chance.
Cheers mate. I'll be honest, I'm not sure Brighton have the squad to tackle the Champions League, esp with the extra qualifying round games, so if 6th place gets CL, won't be too upset if it's Bournemouth with us 7th.
My eldest reminded me today that his 1st away game was a cup tie at Villa Park in about 2010. In the queue for the train on the way back, a Villa fan overheard me ask if he enjoyed his 1st outing away & gave my lad his scarf to remember it by. A really kind gesture & my lad still has it.
Post by: Scovilla on May 21, 2026, 08:46:20 PM
Would be a pity to see one of them go.
A special thank to Bouba Kamara who really seemed to enjoy the moment.
Just loved the parade.
I love our players and doesn.t give a shit about next game.
Post by: Matt C on May 21, 2026, 09:03:22 PM
Post by: aj2k77 on May 21, 2026, 09:07:14 PM
I am so so happy.
Post by: mike on May 21, 2026, 09:11:39 PM
Appreciate you taking the time. Good luck Sunday. We won't be getting anything from the Etihadas the team is currently arseholed, so there's a chance.
Cheers mate. I'll be honest, I'm not sure Brighton have the squad to tackle the Champions League, esp with the extra qualifying round games, so if 6th place gets CL, won't be too upset if it's Bournemouth with us 7th.
My eldest reminded me today that his 1st away game was a cup tie at Villa Park in about 2010. In the queue for the train on the way back, a Villa fan overheard me ask if he enjoyed his 1st outing away & gave my lad his scarf to remember it by. A really kind gesture & my lad still has it.
Firstly, that’s a lovely story. Secondly, we were hugely pissed off at missing out on the Champions League but the upside turned out to be winning this trophy. You may well be right that, head over heart, you will benefit more from a good Europa run than a Champions League place.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 21, 2026, 09:15:45 PM
"Just back from Istanbul. Covered many, many European finals but that was up there in terms of how much it meant and how their fans behave. They were brilliant. Fantastic evening."
Post by: Somniloquism on May 21, 2026, 09:24:21 PM
Appreciate you taking the time. Good luck Sunday. We won't be getting anything from the Etihadas the team is currently arseholed, so there's a chance.
Cheers mate. I'll be honest, I'm not sure Brighton have the squad to tackle the Champions League, esp with the extra qualifying round games, so if 6th place gets CL, won't be too upset if it's Bournemouth with us 7th.
My eldest reminded me today that his 1st away game was a cup tie at Villa Park in about 2010. In the queue for the train on the way back, a Villa fan overheard me ask if he enjoyed his 1st outing away & gave my lad his scarf to remember it by. A really kind gesture & my lad still has it.
You would be straight into the League phase and would probably get more money from that then winning the Europa. But you have more chance of silverware, however you will probably be playing Palace.
Post by: The Man With A Stick on May 21, 2026, 09:26:30 PM
What an amazing 24 hours. I was so nervous this time yesterday but a pretty complete performance for about two thirds of the game saw us through. Been watching Villa content at every opportunity.
I will say, Unai Emery has banished so many of our demons. Perhaps the most important one was banished yesterday - I never want to hear another player say they have to leave to 'win things'.
We have not been in such a good place since the mid 90s.
Up The Villa!
We're in a much better place than the 90's as we haven't got Ellis in charge.
Shush!!!!
It's alright Jane, I don't think he's coming back.
They said that about Palpatine after Return of the Jedi...
Post by: eye digress on May 21, 2026, 09:44:54 PM
Free Athletic article by Jacob Tanswell: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7289243/2026/05/20/aston-villa-europa-league-unai-emery/?unlocked_article_code=1.j1A.Wb6q.LJ_sT7gJ8Rok&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&smid=url-share-ta
Quite good fun decrypting this article. Wonder who this was:
Quote from: Tanswell
Nonetheless, without those three midfielders [ndlr McGinn, Kamara, Tielemans] routinely in the changing room, all leading professionals, standards sporadically slipped, with others, who had struggled for consistent starts and were not convincing Emery in training, late on occasion.
Post by: Brightoninpeace on May 21, 2026, 09:51:30 PM
You would be straight into the League phase and would probably get more money from that then winning the Europa. But you have more chance of silverware, however you will probably be playing Palace.
Ah, cheers for the clarification! Still think CL would be a step too far for us at the moment. And I'm worried about the knock on effect it would have on our PL position. If we drop to 14th, extra money we'd gain from CL we'd lose in PL.
But enough about Seagulls, this is a thread celebrating your success. I'll leave you to it but once again, congratulations. The pride of English football.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 21, 2026, 09:55:12 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 21, 2026, 10:04:57 PM
Post by: Villan82 on May 21, 2026, 10:14:03 PM
What an amazing 24 hours. I was so nervous this time yesterday but a pretty complete performance for about two thirds of the game saw us through. Been watching Villa content at every opportunity.
I will say, Unai Emery has banished so many of our demons. Perhaps the most important one was banished yesterday - I never want to hear another player say they have to leave to 'win things'.
We have not been in such a good place since the mid 90s.
Up The Villa!
We're in a much better place than the 90's as we haven't got Ellis in charge.
I know what you mean but in the 90s we seemed like a truly massive club that could challenge to win the league, won trophies, could win a trophy while finishing top 4 also. Could go out and spend big money in fairness (just the wrong players - Curcic and Collymore). We fell away because of Ellis but we are absolutely back
Post by: LeeS on May 21, 2026, 10:20:03 PM
Post by: Brend'Watkins on May 21, 2026, 10:41:32 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 21, 2026, 11:29:27 PM
If, like me, you enjoy hearing non-Villa fans waxing lyrical about us and showing how much other fans wanted us to win, listen to the Times podcast “The Game”. It was lovely to hear.
Nice one, I think there’s a shortage of good football pods.
My favourites are those of ‘crisis clubs’, so The Fighting Cock has been getting a few listens lately. I listened to Everton pods so much over the last few years I got to quite like them. That’s not happening with Spurs.
Post by: SoccerHQ on May 21, 2026, 11:59:15 PM
What an amazing 24 hours. I was so nervous this time yesterday but a pretty complete performance for about two thirds of the game saw us through. Been watching Villa content at every opportunity.
I will say, Unai Emery has banished so many of our demons. Perhaps the most important one was banished yesterday - I never want to hear another player say they have to leave to 'win things'.
We have not been in such a good place since the mid 90s.
Up The Villa!
We're in a much better place than the 90's as we haven't got Ellis in charge.
I know what you mean but in the 90s we seemed like a truly massive club that could challenge to win the league, won trophies, could win a trophy while finishing top 4 also. Could go out and spend big money in fairness (just the wrong players - Curcic and Collymore). We fell away because of Ellis but we are absolutely back
2000 final was a huge turning point in our history. It took basically 25 years to recover from that defeat as back then us and Chelsea were fairly level pegging. Three years later they got Abramovich and never looked back until the chaos of their current ownership while we had a bit of optimism briefly under Lerner but there was no infrastructure there compared to what we have now.
I think the next step for us is to win a domestic cup at Wembley. That would top what we've achieved in last few days so that should keep the current squad motivated.
Post by: Tuscans on May 22, 2026, 01:06:41 AM
Went straight from New Street Station, Villa fans getting on the train at all the stops from South Wales, hit a pub for a beer and burger, walked up to Centenary Street at 3:30pm....bus didn't arrive til after 6pm, sang, danced, smelt some flares, right next to the ITV cameras, met a cute Brummie bird in head to toe 1874 gear, drained my phone battery, had a laugh, the sun was out, welled up when the King spoke, wanted the bus to stay 10 minutes longer, bought 3 beers for £7 in Tesco, train back, whatsapp'd my mates we're the fucking best, same time next year, Up the Fuckin VILLA!
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 22, 2026, 01:25:45 AM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 22, 2026, 01:26:12 AM
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16kXTvECNG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Post by: olaftab on May 22, 2026, 01:56:25 AM
And total, utter respect to the Freiburg supporters for their behaviour during and after the match.Yes absolutely amazing fans. Very decent outside the ground in town and very respectful at the end. About 80% stayed back to see the trophy presented and a very large majority waited for a good 15 mins past that. I thought our team missed a trick by not going up towards them for appreciation like Olympiakos team did with us a couple of seasons ago.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 22, 2026, 06:52:59 AM
Post by: wince on May 22, 2026, 06:57:55 AM
Post by: CT on May 22, 2026, 07:20:09 AM
Amongst all the carnage, my lad said some words to me after the final whistle that brought tears to my eyes. I’ll never forget it. I’m not sure that will ever be topped for me. It’s been a rough 18 months, it was time to let it all out.
The stories, the people, the whole thing was mind blowing. Even losing my flag didn’t dampen any spirits!
UTFV.
Post by: Clampy on May 22, 2026, 07:55:02 AM
Post by: jimmygreen on May 22, 2026, 08:31:16 AM
I'm so pleased for us all. UTV.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 22, 2026, 09:05:19 AM
Post by: FrankyH on May 22, 2026, 09:22:49 AM
And total, utter respect to the Freiburg supporters for their behaviour during and after the match.Yes absolutely amazing fans. Very decent outside the ground in town and very respectful at the end. About 80% stayed back to see the trophy presented and a very large majority waited for a good 15 mins past that. I thought our team missed a trick by not going up towards them for appreciation like Olympiakos team did with us a couple of seasons ago.
We had a drink and a Kebab at a bar round the corner from the Dubliner after the game. Two young Freiberg supporters sat on our table and were very gracious in defeat . They really don't like Saltzberg. I told them I'm ashamed to admit it , but I wouldn't have stopped and watched the Trophy presentation if Villa lost . " No surely not" was the response. They were fantastic fans even crongratulating us in the airport Thursday morning. Will definitely keep an interest in them now.
Post by: LeeS on May 22, 2026, 09:28:47 AM
And total, utter respect to the Freiburg supporters for their behaviour during and after the match.Yes absolutely amazing fans. Very decent outside the ground in town and very respectful at the end. About 80% stayed back to see the trophy presented and a very large majority waited for a good 15 mins past that. I thought our team missed a trick by not going up towards them for appreciation like Olympiakos team did with us a couple of seasons ago.
We had a drink and a Kebab at a bar round the corner from the Dubliner after the game. Two young Freiberg supporters sat on our table and were very gracious in defeat . They really don't like Saltzberg. I told them I'm ashamed to admit it , but I wouldn't have stopped and watched the Trophy presentation if Villa lost . " No surely not" was the response. They were fantastic fans even crongratulating us in the airport Thursday morning. Will definitely keep an interest in them now.
I think that not staying around after you lose is a new thing. In 2000 most Villa stayed to watch Dennis Wise carry his baby up the steps. Maybe we dont have the attention spans anymore. Or we are all just a little less gracious. Either way, credit to Freiburg. They seem like a really nice club.
Post by: Smithy on May 22, 2026, 09:28:54 AM
Post by: LeeB on May 22, 2026, 09:40:13 AM
I am very much looking forward to the social media clips of the players arriving for training today...
Sunglasses all round.
Post by: PeterWithe on May 22, 2026, 09:43:35 AM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 22, 2026, 09:53:36 AM
On the day of the match, I watched the videos on VillaTV. When McGinn said they didn't want to be a 'nearly team', and wanted something to show for it, I got all emotional thinking of everything that has happened since those two league cups, all the times we've failed at the last hurdles and had to watch others go on and lift a trophy.
Istanbul was amazing, everywhere you turned it was Villa. I didn't even mind when a guy grabbed me in the street for looking too angry and told me to smile! Or the people in front of me giggling every time I booed the opposition (apparently, when I boo I sound like a baying hound).
Hats off to the Freiburg fans. They came early and loudly (teehee), with a plan to drown out the Villa. But as we got closer to kick-off I think it dawned on them that our end stretched all the way to theirs and it was going to be an uphill battle. They kept going though. And quite a few congratulated us in the street after, which was classy.
We watched the match again after with beers in the Eylul Cafe, on that corner near the Dubliner. Everyone was celebrating every goal as if it were live, and when wee John McGinn lifted that trophy again we fucking roared!
We didn't land at Stansted till 1620, and raced through the airport to get to the car in time to watch/listen to the parade on Villa TV. It was awesome seeing everyone celebrating who couldn't be there on the night. I think we've made quite a few young people Villa fans this week. Even my fella donned one of my Villa shirts and went off to join the party!
Got in, ordered a curry, and sat and watched the goals again and the coverage / celebrations with the fella.
Don't think it has fully sunk in yet. I haven't been alone since Sunday, so I am looking forward to this weekend, sitting down on my own with some bourbon, a few Villa vids, and fucking off thirty years of frustration!
UTV. 8)
Post by: FrankyH on May 22, 2026, 09:55:28 AM
Post by: kipeye on May 22, 2026, 10:13:35 AM
Big shout out to travelling villains.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 22, 2026, 10:16:20 AM
Did anyone else in the fan park see the ticketless lad find out his dad had gotten them tickets? He was absolutely made up, hugging his dad and over the moon.
What football is about.
Post by: Dave on May 22, 2026, 10:23:56 AM
Oh, and despite my being a heartless, angry mongrel, there was another bit that tugged at my heartstrings before the game.
Did anyone else in the fan park see the ticketless lad find out his dad had gotten them tickets? He was absolutely made up, hugging his dad and over the moon.
What football is about.
Hope the chap who posted earlier in the week regarding his son's expired passport and his family still had a great night.
Post by: Beard82 on May 22, 2026, 10:28:00 AM
I fucking love the Villa!!!
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 22, 2026, 10:33:23 AM
Post by: Ads on May 22, 2026, 10:40:55 AM
Flicking through the stamps in the passport putting it away- an awful lot of memories over 3 seasons now culminating in that. The 2nd half was a blur and we knew, so a long build up to one of the best feelings I've ever had seeing McGinn lift the trophy. A bit like the last time I saw us winning one, aged 9, battering the daylights out of Leeds.
I really hope it's the first of many.
Post by: Smithy on May 22, 2026, 11:15:43 AM
It appeared in my feed, and now I can't find it again, sorry!
Post by: dr.chekov on May 22, 2026, 11:24:46 AM
Its still not really sunk in yet.
Flicking through the stamps in the passport putting it away- an awful lot of memories over 3 seasons now culminating in that. The 2nd half was a blur and we knew, so a long build up to one of the best feelings I've ever had seeing McGinn lift the trophy. A bit like the last time I saw us winning one, aged 9, battering the daylights out of Leeds.
I really hope it's the first of many.
Yeah, it really reminded me of the 96 final. Like then, we were simply a much better side than they were and they just couldn’t cope with us.
Post by: saunders_heroes on May 22, 2026, 11:28:42 AM
COME ON!!!!!!!!
Post by: RamboandBruno on May 22, 2026, 11:30:48 AM
My first post since we won the Cup. Got home 2.30 this morning. WHAT A FUCKIN WIN!!Fair play burnsie. Really pleased you got over there, first of many I hope
COME ON!!!!!!!!
Post by: saunders_heroes on May 22, 2026, 11:32:11 AM
My first post since we won the Cup. Got home 2.30 this morning. WHAT A FUCKIN WIN!!Fair play burnsie. Really pleased you got over there, first of many I hope
COME ON!!!!!!!!
Damn right it’s gonna be. This is just the start!!
Post by: DennisHodgetts on May 22, 2026, 11:41:25 AM
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 22, 2026, 11:45:39 AM
I am very much looking forward to the social media clips of the players arriving for training today...
Sunglasses all round.
And one pair of Ski Goggles.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 22, 2026, 11:46:00 AM
Super Cup next...
12th August. Nice Preseason friendly.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 22, 2026, 11:49:58 AM
Now they can go into matches walking past one they have earned. If that doesn't give em a little boost each home game, I don't know what will!
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on May 22, 2026, 11:56:35 AM
Another great thing about this trophy, is that for years our players have walked down the tunnel past the trophies of other eras.Quite right too!
Now they can go into matches walking past one they have earned. If that doesn't give em a little boost each home game, I don't know what will!
I want a picture taken of me with the trophy now to have as phone wallpaper. Wonder when the club will announce the photo-sessions?
Post by: Tuscans on May 22, 2026, 12:03:56 PM
Another great thing about this trophy, is that for years our players have walked down the tunnel past the trophies of other eras.
Now they can go into matches walking past one they have earned. If that doesn't give em a little boost each home game, I don't know what will!
Seen Tyrone ( online ) walking past saying something along the lines of, "c'mon get it up", pointing at the blank part of the wall waving his hand in a painter style.
Post by: ez on May 22, 2026, 12:06:05 PM
And total, utter respect to the Freiburg supporters for their behaviour during and after the match.Yes absolutely amazing fans. Very decent outside the ground in town and very respectful at the end. About 80% stayed back to see the trophy presented and a very large majority waited for a good 15 mins past that. I thought our team missed a trick by not going up towards them for appreciation like Olympiakos team did with us a couple of seasons ago.
Nice people indeed. I must say though, if I had a seat behind all those big flags I would be well pissed off. I wasn't though so no matter.
Post by: Charlie8182 on May 22, 2026, 12:39:57 PM
And total, utter respect to the Freiburg supporters for their behaviour during and after the match.Yes absolutely amazing fans. Very decent outside the ground in town and very respectful at the end. About 80% stayed back to see the trophy presented and a very large majority waited for a good 15 mins past that. I thought our team missed a trick by not going up towards them for appreciation like Olympiakos team did with us a couple of seasons ago.
We had a drink and a Kebab at a bar round the corner from the Dubliner after the game. Two young Freiberg supporters sat on our table and were very gracious in defeat . They really don't like Saltzberg. I told them I'm ashamed to admit it , but I wouldn't have stopped and watched the Trophy presentation if Villa lost . " No surely not" was the response. They were fantastic fans even crongratulating us in the airport Thursday morning. Will definitely keep an interest in them now.
I think that not staying around after you lose is a new thing. In 2000 most Villa stayed to watch Dennis Wise carry his baby up the steps. Maybe we dont have the attention spans anymore. Or we are all just a little less gracious. Either way, credit to Freiburg. They seem like a really nice club.
The first time I saw Villa at Wembley (other than the Makita tournament!) was the Coca Cola Cup final in 1994 and recall the Man Utd half of the ground was virtually empty when we lifted the trophy, not sure if was around that time when fans of the losing team disappeared quickly.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 22, 2026, 12:43:56 PM
Post by: Goldenballs on May 22, 2026, 01:16:29 PM
Loved it in the square after, some blokes with a drum, flares and fireworks on top of a van with the Onana/Kamara chant. Probably a bit naughty but all good fun.
I thought both sets of fans were class, shared a taxi with some of them from one of the airports, can't recall which airport, think we went through at least 4.
I didn't see any trouble so fingers crossed looks like 99.9% behaved themselves. There were some empty seats where I was, and loads of locals, do UEFA offer a certain amount to the host city fans?
Post by: rob_bridge on May 22, 2026, 01:21:46 PM
And total, utter respect to the Freiburg supporters for their behaviour during and after the match.Yes absolutely amazing fans. Very decent outside the ground in town and very respectful at the end. About 80% stayed back to see the trophy presented and a very large majority waited for a good 15 mins past that. I thought our team missed a trick by not going up towards them for appreciation like Olympiakos team did with us a couple of seasons ago.
We had a drink and a Kebab at a bar round the corner from the Dubliner after the game. Two young Freiberg supporters sat on our table and were very gracious in defeat . They really don't like Saltzberg. I told them I'm ashamed to admit it , but I wouldn't have stopped and watched the Trophy presentation if Villa lost . " No surely not" was the response. They were fantastic fans even crongratulating us in the airport Thursday morning. Will definitely keep an interest in them now.
I think that not staying around after you lose is a new thing. In 2000 most Villa stayed to watch Dennis Wise carry his baby up the steps. Maybe we dont have the attention spans anymore. Or we are all just a little less gracious. Either way, credit to Freiburg. They seem like a really nice club.
The first time I saw Villa at Wembley (other than the Makita tournament!) was the Coca Cola Cup final in 1994 and recall the Man Utd half of the ground was virtually empty when we lifted the trophy, not sure if was around that time when fans of the losing team disappeared quickly.
Their players came over to clap us as I recall whereas 2 years later Leeds didn't.
Post by: waringpongo on May 22, 2026, 01:35:46 PM
Post by: Nev on May 22, 2026, 01:36:10 PM
The buzz in the airport pre flight.
Just how huge Istanbul is (got lost numerous times).
Being served "cappuccinos" by a cafe owner who didn't have an alcohol licence.
Looking for a fez without success until we found a tiny alleyway shop while 3 parts pissed the night before the game.
The atmosphere on the first day, the sun shining and a Turkish holiday with families everywhere.
The smell of pyro.
The smell of the toilets in the fan park.
The rain.
The cats.
The stunning buildings.
Eating a kebab then buying a burger half an hour later.
Meeting the bloke off of Central News and asking if he was a 'Nose.
That hill.
One of ours having his vape confiscated then being asked if he had a fag 10 minutes later by the same steward.
Being (almost) sober at the game.
Crying when Emery was hoisted up onto Emi's shoulders in front of us.
Crying at various other points post match.
The Germans, Turks and us being so friendly and respectable to each other.
Dashing through Krakow Duty Free wearing aforementioned Fez to just make our connecting flight back to Brum.
And finally, having carried a heavy cold throughout the trip I went home and didn't go to the parade but as I drove along the Hagley Road just out of 5 Ways a young Mom and (presumably) her son were walking towards Town, him sporting a Villa top and big beaming smile. I could see the helicopter above the parade in the distance, a beautiful spring sky as the backdrop over my City.
Well done Villa, well done everyone.
Post by: villadelph on May 22, 2026, 01:37:07 PM
MIND AND SENSES PURIFIED
NA NA NA NA NA NA NAA
Post by: Dogtanian on May 22, 2026, 01:41:26 PM
FREE FROM DESIREEEEEE
MIND AND SENSES PURIFIED
NA NA NA NA NA NA NAA
Sick of that song! 8) 8) 8)
Post by: Ads on May 22, 2026, 01:42:36 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on May 22, 2026, 02:18:19 PM
We were absolutely incredible. So proud of the fans players and everyone associated with the club.
God what a night. One of the best of my life
Post by: Pete3206 on May 22, 2026, 02:44:27 PM
Post by: astonvilla82 on May 22, 2026, 02:54:38 PM
Got in at 5am this morning, what a trip.The nephew was in a cafe or shop and some one come in and one lad was slashed on the arms, luckily he held his arm up to stop lost of blood till the ambulance came
Loved it in the square after, some blokes with a drum, flares and fireworks on top of a van with the Onana/Kamara chant. Probably a bit naughty but all good fun.
I thought both sets of fans were class, shared a taxi with some of them from one of the airports, can't recall which airport, think we went through at least 4.
I didn't see any trouble so fingers crossed looks like 99.9% behaved themselves. There were some empty seats where I was, and loads of locals, do UEFA offer a certain amount to the host city fans?
Post by: Olneythelonely on May 22, 2026, 03:05:02 PM
The food, atmosphere, drinking, singing, cats and the city in general, made it all the more memorable.
Post by: DrGonzo on May 22, 2026, 03:07:40 PM
FREE FROM DESIREEEEEE
MIND AND SENSES PURIFIED
NA NA NA NA NA NA NAA
Sick of that song! 8) 8) 8)
Sick of that song more than 20 years ago, keep up.
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on May 22, 2026, 03:50:01 PM
Hasn't sunk in yet. What a turnaround under Emery. What a likeable set of players. I honestly think we could win the Champions league next season with a few shrewd signings.
Post by: dr.chekov on May 22, 2026, 04:06:55 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 22, 2026, 04:20:54 PM
Post by: Stu82 on May 22, 2026, 05:02:13 PM
No one can say we didn’t win it in style.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 22, 2026, 05:07:59 PM
Wow, nearly every goal was a peach.
No one can say we didn’t win it in style.
Buendia so involved. Player of the tournament surely?
Also, that comeback v Salzburg was vital to our success I think.
Post by: Dave on May 22, 2026, 05:08:21 PM
Kamara tackling their guy before it can be cleared, laying it off straight to Buendia who curls it in.
Also - watching them back, Rogers has obviously had some spectacular moments but the overall player of the tournament should have clearly been Buendia.
Post by: olaftab on May 22, 2026, 05:27:27 PM
Buendia so involved. Player of the tournament surely?Yes but would you believe it UEFA have gone and given it someone called Mor Ganro Gers🤷🏽♂️
Post by: olaftab on May 22, 2026, 05:29:38 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/m57hLDd8/98aed3ae-099b-4980-87ec-477030459f89.jpg) (https://ibb.co/m57hLDd8)
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 22, 2026, 05:29:39 PM
Buendia so involved. Player of the tournament surely?Yes but would you believe it UEFA have gone and given it someone called Mor Ganro Gers🤷🏽♂️
Haha! I know who you mean, but is that official?
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 22, 2026, 05:30:18 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 22, 2026, 05:30:37 PM
Buendia so involved. Player of the tournament surely?
Yes but would you believe it UEFA have gone and given it someone called Mor Ganro Gers🤷🏽♂️
It's the only thing 'Gers' will win this season.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 22, 2026, 05:33:21 PM
Quote
The UEFA Technical Observer Group has named Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers as the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League Player of the Season.
And the team of the season
(https://editorial.uefa.com/resources/02a5-20ada329b386-1da29e3fb67b-1000/format/free1/uel_tots_20260521133341.png?imwidth=988)
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 22, 2026, 05:34:00 PM
I had some dirt on the Imam in charge of Taksim Mosque and he was happy to oblige with this:
(https://i.ibb.co/m57hLDd8/98aed3ae-099b-4980-87ec-477030459f89.jpg) (https://ibb.co/m57hLDd8)
Ha! Beautiful!
Post by: Dave on May 22, 2026, 05:34:52 PM
QuoteThe UEFA Technical Observer Group has named Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers as the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League Player of the Season.
And the team of the season
(https://editorial.uefa.com/resources/02a5-20ada329b386-1da29e3fb67b-1000/format/free1/uel_tots_20260521133341.png?imwidth=988)
Not sure what that Forest guy did to be in over Konsa either.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 22, 2026, 05:59:51 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on May 22, 2026, 06:05:09 PM
I m in no way a royalist in anyway, but to be fair he comes across well in that
Post by: Dogtanian on May 22, 2026, 06:06:14 PM
Post by: Ian. on May 22, 2026, 08:29:16 PM
I’ve dressed one of our shop dummy’s today.I had two old boys, down on holiday, come in my print shop to buy my top yesterday! Told them, it’s not for sale!
(https://i.ibb.co/RTJhQqx9/IMG-2709.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RTJhQqx9)
It’s been really lovely seeing so many Villa fans the last couple of days, amazing feeling.
Post by: Crown Hill on May 22, 2026, 08:41:20 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 22, 2026, 08:42:42 PM
Just before McGinn lifts the cup Emi runs to the officials and collects a medal and then puts it round someone’s neck. Who is this? I noticed this in the stadium at the time and just seen the footage again. Did they forget someone?
Alysson
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 22, 2026, 08:42:58 PM
Post by: Lizz on May 22, 2026, 08:51:19 PM
I had some dirt on the Imam in charge of Taksim Mosque and he was happy to oblige with this:
(https://i.ibb.co/m57hLDd8/98aed3ae-099b-4980-87ec-477030459f89.jpg) (https://ibb.co/m57hLDd8)
Ha! Beautiful!
Seconded.
Post by: Crown Hill on May 22, 2026, 09:05:04 PM
Just before McGinn lifts the cup Emi runs to the officials and collects a medal and then puts it round someone’s neck. Who is this? I noticed this in the stadium at the time and just seen the footage again. Did they forget someone?
Alysson
Thank you. My other puzzle is what shape were the flags supposed to make? I can see a V but otherwise it looks a bit random. Unless they just had a job lot left after the Forest match!
Post by: olaftab on May 22, 2026, 11:12:30 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 22, 2026, 11:36:23 PM
Post by: Matt C on May 22, 2026, 11:51:03 PM
Just before McGinn lifts the cup Emi runs to the officials and collects a medal and then puts it round someone’s neck. Who is this? I noticed this in the stadium at the time and just seen the footage again. Did they forget someone?
Alysson
Thank you. My other puzzle is what shape were the flags supposed to make? I can see a V but otherwise it looks a bit random. Unless they just had a job lot left after the Forest match!
It was a nod to that early 80s home shirt I think?
Post by: Pat McMahon on May 23, 2026, 02:05:26 AM
I had some dirt on the Imam in charge of Taksim Mosque and he was happy to oblige with this:
(https://i.ibb.co/m57hLDd8/98aed3ae-099b-4980-87ec-477030459f89.jpg) (https://ibb.co/m57hLDd8)
Ha! Beautiful!
Seconded.
I can confirm this as I stashed the evidence for Aftab
Post by: HolteL4 on May 23, 2026, 08:41:40 AM
When we fielded a depleted team and surrendered to a terrible spurs side at home the whole media piled on to both the team and the manager - that selection by the manager has been thoroughly vindicated. If we'd played a full strength side and tired players had picked up a few injuries here and there the outcome could have been massively different. Instead we came out with a virtually full strength side with the throttles wide open. We obliterated Forest, obliterated Liverpool and obliterated Freiburg in a major final. Emerys strategy over what was the crucible of our season was borderline genius and bravery in action. I've long believed that Ron Saunders was our greatest manager - certainly in my time - increasingly I am now not so sure.
Although if we'd have fielded a strong and won vs Spurs the main players would have only had to play 1 game between then and the final whereas because of the Spurs game they had to play 3. Luckily it's not important now but it was far more risky going weak then it would have been had we gone strong vs Spurs
Post by: Dave on May 23, 2026, 08:43:14 AM
When we fielded a depleted team and surrendered to a terrible spurs side at home the whole media piled on to both the team and the manager - that selection by the manager has been thoroughly vindicated. If we'd played a full strength side and tired players had picked up a few injuries here and there the outcome could have been massively different. Instead we came out with a virtually full strength side with the throttles wide open. We obliterated Forest, obliterated Liverpool and obliterated Freiburg in a major final. Emerys strategy over what was the crucible of our season was borderline genius and bravery in action. I've long believed that Ron Saunders was our greatest manager - certainly in my time - increasingly I am now not so sure.
Although if we'd have fielded a strong and won vs Spurs the main players would have only had to play 1 game between then and the final whereas because of the Spurs game they had to play 3. Luckily it's not important now but it was far more risky going weak then it would have been had we gone strong vs Spurs
I'd argue that given the whole thing played out perfectly, the risk was judged completely correctly.
Post by: Dave on May 23, 2026, 08:53:03 AM
If, like me, you enjoy hearing non-Villa fans waxing lyrical about us and showing how much other fans wanted us to win, listen to the Times podcast “The Game”. It was lovely to hear.
Nice one, I think there’s a shortage of good football pods.
On The Continent is always excellent, but this in particular is a smashing listen:
https://shows.acast.com/on-the-continent/episodes/emery-makes-it-five
It's rare that you find someone who is able to talk about Villa as well as most Villa fans can, but also knows the same amount about Freiburg.
Post by: nick harper on May 23, 2026, 10:03:58 AM
Real Madrid (Spain) – 15 European Cups / 2 UEFA Cups
Liverpool (England) – 6 European Cups / 3 UEFA Cups
Bayern Munich (Germany) – 6 European Cups / 1 UEFA Cup
Ajax (Netherlands) – 4 European Cups / 1 UEFA Cup
Inter Milan (Italy) – 3 European Cups / 3 UEFA Cups
Man United (England) – 3 European Cups / 1 UEFA Cups
Juventus (Italy) – 2 European Cups / 3 UEFA Cups
Chelsea (England) – 2 European Cups / 2 UEFA Cups
FC Porto(Portugal) – 2 European Cups / 2 UEFA Cups
Feyenoord (Netherlands) – 1 European Cup / 2 UEFA Cups
PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands) – 1 European Cup / 1 UEFA Cup
Aston Villa (England) – 1 European Cup / 1 UEFA Cup
Post by: dorsetvillian on May 23, 2026, 10:41:28 AM
Post by: Pete3206 on May 23, 2026, 10:45:21 AM
https://x.com/JGC_77/status/2057875736287932447?s=20
Post by: Ger Regan on May 23, 2026, 11:05:59 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 23, 2026, 11:07:55 AM
Does anyone know if this will get us into the club world cup in a few years?
It makes no difference. Qualification for that is entirely based on coefficient points gained in the Champions League, not the other two cups.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 23, 2026, 11:13:30 AM
Alan Partridge commentary
https://x.com/JGC_77/status/2057875736287932447?s=20
Can't get it to play with sound.
Post by: Holte132 on May 23, 2026, 12:20:43 PM
Alan Partridge commentary
https://x.com/JGC_77/status/2057875736287932447?s=20
Have you enabled sound on your device and also on the video?
Can't get it to play with sound.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 23, 2026, 12:23:00 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 23, 2026, 12:25:26 PM
Don't have the option. Think is because I no longer have a Twitter account. Never mind.
How much do you love me?
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uuDo0iCWyKc
Post by: Somniloquism on May 23, 2026, 12:27:05 PM
https://xcancel.com/JGC_77/status/2057875736287932447?s=20
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 23, 2026, 12:32:48 PM
Post by: olaftab on May 23, 2026, 12:46:41 PM
Post by: luke95 on May 23, 2026, 01:09:33 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 23, 2026, 01:18:44 PM
Was there any coverage of the fans park or the centre of Istanbul during the game anywhere at all ?
I didn't see any. No alcohol there meant people couldn't throw beer over each other, so the news outlets didn't bother covering it.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 23, 2026, 01:20:34 PM
Post by: Nev on May 23, 2026, 01:22:35 PM
Was there any coverage of the fans park or the centre of Istanbul during the game anywhere at all ?
I didn't see any. No alcohol there meant people couldn't throw beer over each other, so the news outlets didn't bother covering it.
We had four pints in the fan park pre-match.
Post by: exigo on May 23, 2026, 01:24:21 PM
In every season, there are certain goals that hit different.
In 2024, it was Leon Bailey’s late smash into the Arsenal goal away at the Emirates. Not so much limbs, as bodies, phones, glasses, small children and grown adults contorting in all directions. And we were just settling back down in glee when Ollie turned prime Poborsky, lifting the ball over a hapless keeper and we did it all again with bells on. We roared, we left our own bodies and we believed. Champions League awaits for me. Villa is a big club mate.
In 2025, it was Jhon Durán. That’s a good ball played in by Pau Torres, oh and it must be, and it is. Bayern Munich. One-nil. It’s happened again. The visceral roar. The mad-as-a-box-of-frogs Columbian, capable one week of frustrating you tripping over his own feet, the next of lifting the ball into the net with his first touch from halfway back to Moseley. We left with smiles on the Holte End steps that wouldn’t be wiped off faces for weeks.
And in 2026, it was on the banks of the Bosphorus, that the floods of tears broke through. The first goal had brought celebrations of belief. This one brought celebrations of disbelief. Limbs flailing. Eyes wide with wonder. Heads shaking at what glory thine eyes had just seen. Falling forward in the tidal wave, hauled back upright by friends who were there with me in Rotherham, Barnsley and Ipswich. And were there again in Rotterdam, Bologna and now Istanbul. Dozens of us together through thin and thinner, now lifted by the certainty of a trophy lift on its way. Fire up the engraver, our name will be forever etched in this glorious moment.
There are lots of things that can make you cry. And when they’re all mixed into one moment, it’s a glorious release. The joy of this 25-yard curler for a start. The 30 years of hurt. The echoes of the Holte Enders in the sky. We all have them, the people who turned us claret and blue. They say you don’t choose Villa, that Villa chooses you. But it’s not just the club, it’s the people who help make that choice for you. The neighbour, for example, who used to pile us into his van every other Saturday to go and visit his mate who just happened to live in a Witton Lane terraced house. ‘Didn’t realise there was a match on today, officer, we’re just parking on his drive to say hello’, John would say, alongside me in my Villa shirt. Or my great-grandad, whose ashes were scattered on the Villa Park pitch, the day after a game in the late 60s on what was described to me as being ‘like a potato field’. Not like the bowling green pitches of today. And most of all, my Dad. Claret and blue mad. The scarf doesn’t fall far from the Holte End.
My second-ever Villa memory was 26 May 1982. Wednesday night, wisely Mom was out. The novelty of a live football match on the telly in the corner of the living room. A glorious shin finds the net, and there’s a visceral roar I hadn’t heard before as a seven-year-old. I turned to my Dad’s favourite armchair, only to wonder where he was. Why was it empty? Where was that guttural noise coming from? And then he came back in to land. Arms aloft, mimicking the mass of bodies in De Kuip, Rotterdam. Dennis lifting the big one. I didn’t know any better, I just assumed This Is What We Did.
I’ve done both sides of my family tree. And throughout the 1800s on my Dad’s side, there were whole generations hatched, matched and dispatched in Aston church. Too poor to have a gravestone in the churchyard, but listed forever for this Villan to find in the census records. I think of them whenever I turn the church corner now, to see the Holte pub and ground rising up into the sky. What would they think, to see that now? My ancestors who might have gathered to see Queen Victoria open the Aston Lower Grounds in 1858, or visited on a rare day off to see the boating lakes. Hard workers who could only dream of spending the little money they had left on the ice skating rink in the bitterly long winter months. People who caught wind of how the Lower Grounds cricket pitch was going to be turned into a football pitch. And who would have been there when Aston Villa F.C. moved in from Perry Bar in 1897. They’d have seen the horses going past their windows as the Holte End banking was first formed and the Trinity Road stand first rose from the foot of the Aston Hall hill. They’d have spoken of Villa’s founders Jack Hughes, Frederick Matthews, Walter H. Price, and William Scattergood. They’d have heard of William McGregor’s plans to launch a first-ever football league. They’d have been stirred by George Ramsey’s successes.
And in Taksim Square’s torrential rain, they were all there. Not just 20,000 Brummies drinking the place dry, but every single one who came before us. Chose us. Raised us claret and blue. And your badge Dad, pinned to my scarf. Yippee Aye Ay, yippee aye oh, this one’s for you Holte Enders in the Sky. This Efes from a bin filled with ice. This claret pyro that isn’t so bothered by health and safety. This jagerbomb, sunk at four in the morning.
We were there. We drank to you, for you, facetimed with you. We were there. Hugging mates, familiar faces, total strangers. We were there. When Meatball and Mings raised the Europa League trophy, when Amadou lifted his little lad quietly to a sea of beaming faces, when Unai, Nas and Wes showed us there really is no limit to our dreams. We. Were. There.
As Benjamin said, form is temporary, boys and girls, but class? That is permanent. And do you know what, we have class. In what we’ve built at home, and in the way we’ve travelled away. In the friendships formed in Mostar. In the mind of the Brugge chocolate shop owner who told me ‘Villa fans are different, not like the other countries, not even like the other English fans we’ve had here. You have respect, you have courtesy.’ In the beers, scarves and stories swapped with fans of Go Ahead Eagles, Bologna, SC Freiburg and all the rest.
These are memories forged forever. That pulse through us all, those who’ve shared the journey in person and from afar. That were built from endless website refreshing, plane planning and hotel room scouring. Challenged by getting to Bosnia ten days before Christmas, Deventer’s tiny slither of an away end or Italian air traffic control’s love of a strike.
But we made it. And we were there. For Youri’s strike. For Emi’s Beşiktan banger. For Morgan’s prod home.
And now we’re home. Broken. Broke. Buzzing.
Europa League Champions, 2026.
Post by: Monty on May 23, 2026, 01:29:20 PM
Post by: luke95 on May 23, 2026, 01:29:24 PM
There was alcohol being served in the fans park during the day .Was there any coverage of the fans park or the centre of Istanbul during the game anywhere at all ?
I didn't see any. No alcohol there meant people couldn't throw beer over each other, so the news outlets didn't bother covering it.
Post by: trinityoap on May 23, 2026, 01:40:56 PM
Post by: Scratchins on May 23, 2026, 01:59:45 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 23, 2026, 02:00:00 PM
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYo9T70MhZA/?igsh=MWNrN2F2Y2M0bmc5ZA==
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 23, 2026, 02:02:33 PM
Was there any coverage of the fans park or the centre of Istanbul during the game anywhere at all ?
I didn't see any. No alcohol there meant people couldn't throw beer over each other, so the news outlets didn't bother covering it.
There was alcohol being served in the fans park during the day .
Fair enough, pretty sure it was posted on here that it would be alcohol-free.
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 23, 2026, 02:08:30 PM
We were there.
Post by: Olneythelonely on May 23, 2026, 02:17:31 PM
Was there any coverage of the fans park or the centre of Istanbul during the game anywhere at all ?
I didn't see any. No alcohol there meant people couldn't throw beer over each other, so the news outlets didn't bother covering it.
There was alcohol being served in the fans park during the day .
Fair enough, pretty sure it was posted on here that it would be alcohol-free.
Think that was the UEFA one on the Tuesday.
Post by: Brend'Watkins on May 23, 2026, 02:32:02 PM
What we have done, for a fan base and club alike is won some silverware. It’s not as immediately financially as profitable as a season in the CL but winning the thing long term might well prove to be. Would Newcastle swap places with us on Wednesday night? Too right they would.
Post by: Stu82 on May 23, 2026, 02:38:59 PM
It sounded a wonderful trip.
Post by: Hillbilly on May 23, 2026, 02:42:18 PM
Marvellous stuff by some random Italians.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYo9T70MhZA/?igsh=MWNrN2F2Y2M0bmc5ZA==
That Lancia in the martini racing colours - beautiful.
Post by: Pete3206 on May 23, 2026, 02:51:32 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 23, 2026, 03:21:46 PM
Post by: olaftab on May 23, 2026, 03:33:39 PM
Post by: CT on May 23, 2026, 04:06:17 PM
I have set aside today to catch up with what was happening at home and TV coverage on the day of the match. The full re run of the TNT programme is on the box and read back the match thread and this one. It's making the experience out there even better.
It was a pretty average few days wasn’t it?! 😉
Post by: Godfrey Brian on May 23, 2026, 04:23:26 PM
Fantastic post Exigo, I have the same family history so, you struck a chord with me.Beautifully and thoughtfully written Exigo. The connection with our club threads through generations, friendships and chance encounters with strangers. I've had so many random discussions and joy filled moments this week with people I've only met since Wednesday- the power of the Villa.
It sounded a wonderful trip.
Reading Stu82's post ,and knowing my own family history, it struck me that many of our ancestors christened, married or buried in Aston Churchyard probably had their own connections with each other through Villa so we are all echoing what went before. I like that.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 23, 2026, 04:32:46 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 23, 2026, 04:35:30 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 23, 2026, 05:32:29 PM
Post by: robleflaneur on May 23, 2026, 05:50:18 PM
One of his best passes of the season.
Kudos to Bailey and Abrahams for their fond grabbing of Emery.as he went to get his medal.
Then there was Bouba 's enthusiasm and dancing on the bus which lead to him being pulled back before he had a catastrophic fall.
Team Spirit.Pure Nirvana.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 23, 2026, 10:16:11 PM
This has some angles of the it all
Noticed Emi M running to the bench to celebrate with them after the first goal.
Post by: olaftab on May 23, 2026, 10:28:07 PM
Run of the mill stuff really. :DI have set aside today to catch up with what was happening at home and TV coverage on the day of the match. The full re run of the TNT programme is on the box and read back the match thread and this one. It's making the experience out there even better.It was a pretty average few days wasn’t it?! 😉
Post by: caster troy on May 23, 2026, 10:37:46 PM
The match itself reminded me of 1996, a comfortable win with a wonder goal from a player I’d harshly criticised. Hopefully Rogers won’t do a Dwight Yorke.
It hasn’t quite sunk in yet really. Just a surreal mix of joy, relief and hope for the future.
Post by: Pat McMahon on May 24, 2026, 01:33:19 AM
Something dawned on me earlier, had it not been an awful decision by the referee in the final game of last season we wouldn’t be having this moment. We may well have gone on to win the CL but probably unlikely. We may have made the final and ended up unlucky losers who knows what could have happened.
What we have done, for a fan base and club alike is won some silverware. It’s not as immediately financially as profitable as a season in the CL but winning the thing long term might well prove to be. Would Newcastle swap places with us on Wednesday night? Too right they would.
I had a random chat in a Hammersmith supermarket today after seeing a bloke in a Villa shirt and he said exactly the same thing. I hadn’t actually clocked that myself but he was spot on, just like Bow. All hail shit OT refereeing decisions.
Post by: Pat McMahon on May 24, 2026, 01:34:51 AM
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on May 24, 2026, 07:32:41 AM
Post by: Astral Weeks on May 24, 2026, 07:41:55 AM
I know it’s been talked about before but when we look back at footage of the two European finals we’ve played in and won, it will always be that funny bit of trivia that it’s been against German teams in red, we are wearing white, in a game where we didn’t concede a goal and officiated by a French ref.And our keeper started the game with an injury ( though he was able to finish the game this time).
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 24, 2026, 08:03:01 AM
Something dawned on me earlier, had it not been an awful decision by the referee in the final game of last season we wouldn’t be having this moment. We may well have gone on to win the CL but probably unlikely. We may have made the final and ended up unlucky losers who knows what could have happened.
What we have done, for a fan base and club alike is won some silverware. It’s not as immediately financially as profitable as a season in the CL but winning the thing long term might well prove to be. Would Newcastle swap places with us on Wednesday night? Too right they would.
I had a random chat in a Hammersmith supermarket today after seeing a bloke in a Villa shirt and he said exactly the same thing. I hadn’t actually clocked that myself but he was spot on, just like Bow. All hail shit OT refereeing decisions.
I meant to post this on the "where are you right now" thread but forgot. On Friday afternoon, I found myself on the same Manchester Victoria platform as post Old Trafford last season, nearly a year to the day but in a very different mood.
Post by: john e on May 24, 2026, 09:21:24 AM
And you are right we were all there, even if we weren’t actually there
In my case the local Football Club had opened up specially for us 30 or so Villa fans and a few interested non-Villa fans to watch things unfold
I’m old enough to have seen us win everything apart from the you know what, but this was the first time i ever saw us win silverware with my four kids, grandchild, son-in-law, and even the Mrs. popped in for a bit
What does it mean to me, it means when the time comes hopefully a long time from now i can die a happy man maybe by then with more memories of lifting trophies
Because one way or another no matter where we found ourselves when McGinn lifted the Cup
We were all there
Post by: ez on May 24, 2026, 09:46:27 AM
Marvellous stuff by some random Italians.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYo9T70MhZA/?igsh=MWNrN2F2Y2M0bmc5ZA==
That Lancia in the martini racing colours - beautiful.
That is excellent.
Post by: ez on May 24, 2026, 09:52:41 AM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 24, 2026, 10:00:25 AM
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on May 24, 2026, 10:03:20 AM
Tony Morley was in a coffee shop in Walmley, he didn’t have his Villa top on though!
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 24, 2026, 10:05:29 AM
I like Ally McCoist as co commentator on our games.
I've always liked him as a co-commentator (in general, I mean), him and that 'Fletch' bloke are the best commentary pairing around, IMO.
Post by: Godfrey Brian on May 24, 2026, 10:22:20 AM
Lovely post exigoNice post John E. I've bored my kids and grandkids silly with my Rotterdam and glory days stories for decades. It was wonderful to be together on Wednesday night and share the victory. Feels like we've positively passed the baton on to a new generation or two somehow. (Shan't stop telling them of Rotterdam, Highbury, Mansfield etc- they won't escape that easily!)🙂
And you are right we were all there, even if we weren’t actually there
In my case the local Football Club had opened up specially for us 30 or so Villa fans and a few interested non-Villa fans to watch things unfold
I’m old enough to have seen us win everything apart from the you know what, but this was the first time i ever saw us win silverware with my four kids, grandchild, son-in-law, and even the Mrs. popped in for a bit
What does it mean to me, it means when the time comes hopefully a long time from now i can die a happy man maybe by then with more memories of lifting trophies
Because one way or another no matter where we found ourselves when McGinn lifted the Cup
We were all there
Post by: john e on May 24, 2026, 10:35:23 AM
Lovely post exigoNice post John E. I've bored my kids and grandkids silly with my Rotterdam and glory days stories for decades. It was wonderful to be together on Wednesday night and share the victory. Feels like we've positively passed the baton on to a new generation or two somehow. (Shan't stop telling them of Rotterdam, Highbury, Mansfield etc- they won't escape that easily!)🙂
And you are right we were all there, even if we weren’t actually there
In my case the local Football Club had opened up specially for us 30 or so Villa fans and a few interested non-Villa fans to watch things unfold
I’m old enough to have seen us win everything apart from the you know what, but this was the first time i ever saw us win silverware with my four kids, grandchild, son-in-law, and even the Mrs. popped in for a bit
What does it mean to me, it means when the time comes hopefully a long time from now i can die a happy man maybe by then with more memories of lifting trophies
Because one way or another no matter where we found ourselves when McGinn lifted the Cup
We were all there
Wow Mansfield away 1-1 (my first Villa match I lived in Mansfield at the time)
Geoff Vowden God rest his soul
I said to my kids you’ve heard me bang on about Gary Shaw and Paul McGrath. When you’re my age you’ll be telling your kids and grandkids about John McGinn and Emi Martinez
They will live with you forever
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 24, 2026, 10:38:03 AM
I like Ally McCoist as co commentator on our games.
I've always liked him as a co-commentator (in general, I mean), him and that 'Fletch' bloke are the best commentary pairing around, IMO.
I agree generally but I also think sometimes they lean in to the bantz side a bit too much.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 24, 2026, 10:42:24 AM
Starmer urges TNT to make Champions League final free-to-air - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/clypgywjwywo
Post by: Luffbralion on May 24, 2026, 11:26:30 AM
Ten years ago I watched Villa lose at home to Bournemouth in that dreadful relegation season. Yet another meek capitulation. I felt appalled by the ineptitude of the team, the management and the hierarchy.
One word sums how I now feel: PRIDE. Proud of our brilliant manager and our outstanding owners, our city, our amazing fans (those who were in Istanbul and those watching at home, wherever they were in the world) and proud of all our players and the journeys they have been on in order to lift a major trophy.
Unai has created such a culture with his relentless drive and acumen and has achieved that progress largely with an inherited team (such an exception to the model of the so called big six and their transfer budgets).
We cherish these moments.
Post by: Tuscans on May 24, 2026, 11:32:17 AM
Post by: olaftab on May 24, 2026, 12:19:08 PM
Nice of the racist twat to bother his arse complaining after Villa's final.I am ashamed of his obvious bias in many areas. No way he deserves the Labour shirt.
Starmer urges TNT to make Champions League final free-to-air - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/clypgywjwywo
Anyway the CL final is not a national interest event and TnT have shelled out lot of money to cover European games, it’s only right that they protect their investment.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 24, 2026, 12:54:03 PM
https://x.com/MatKendrick/status/2058471269633253468/video/1?s=46
Post by: rooboy316 on May 24, 2026, 01:54:03 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on May 24, 2026, 02:01:56 PM
Had Emi scored this it would have been our goal of the season. What a move from start to almost finish.It would of been ‘the’ goal of the season. If only the little big man had squared to Watkins. Such incredible football from our incredible team.
https://x.com/MatKendrick/status/2058471269633253468/video/1?s=46
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on May 24, 2026, 02:36:33 PM
Born and raised in B44, I was at Highbury in '81, age 15, then Rotterdam in '82. I was also at Wembley in '94 and '96 and at god knows how many final and semi-final defeats over the last 40-odd years.
I've lived in Bristol for over 30 years and what made Wednesday night really brilliant was being at the game with my eldest son. He's a Bristolian, living in London, and he absolutely gets what it means to be part of the Villa family.
Our unique name, our colours, our history, and the proud but self-depracating Brummie outlook. He'll be 30 in October, so the other night was the first time in his life he's been there to witness something that I've had the privilege to enjoy over the years.
I hope, possibly even expect, we are set for more of the same for the next few years. Maybe not, but right now, I could not be happier. UTV.
Post by: Jane on May 24, 2026, 03:20:09 PM
This is a funny ‘un:
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16kXTvECNG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Only just seen this - thank you!! ❤️
Post by: Somniloquism on May 24, 2026, 06:27:10 PM
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/video/moments/
Post by: Exeter 77 on May 24, 2026, 08:47:19 PM
Post by: exigo on May 25, 2026, 10:36:28 AM
Beautiful writing Exigo. Have you published that anywhere else? I was looking for a link to an article at the bottom of your post before realising it was actually your work. Really well written.
Thanks for all the lovely comments, glad it struck a chord with so many of you.
I'm hoping to get it published soon on Terrace Edition, but I wanted it here first and foremost. We were there, all of us.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 26, 2026, 03:51:17 PM
Post by: dcdavecollett on May 27, 2026, 12:59:54 AM
The precision in the McPhee-inspired corner was really something else. I make that four goals from corners in the last four games of the season.
Well done, those who were there!
Post by: Somniloquism on May 27, 2026, 01:10:51 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 27, 2026, 01:11:56 PM
Post by: Matt C on May 28, 2026, 02:38:58 AM
https://youtu.be/l6UHm-CnUDw?si=5tz5Fs2H0CXDV9r3
Post by: Somniloquism on May 28, 2026, 11:03:41 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 28, 2026, 05:53:36 PM
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2026/may/28/uel-postmatch-interesting-facts-behind-villa-s-europa-league-success/
I particularly liked the bolded bits.
Quote
Overall, the Villans won 13 matches in the Europa League proper this campaign, the joint-most of any winning team in the tournament's 17-year history under its current guise, with the exception of qualifiers.
This record saw them ensure they still have the most wins of any side in European competitions since start of the 2023/24 campaign (27), which will be levelled by Paris Saint-Germain this weekend should they defeat Arsenal in Saturday's Champions League final. Villa's 17 clean sheets in that time is bettered only by the Gunners.
For those one person who will be supporting Arse on Saturday, we need to hope PSG don't win to go level with us.
Post by: LeeB on May 28, 2026, 06:10:12 PM
Some good facts on the game on Pravda.No, we'll beat them in Salzburg in few months anyway to get it back, plus we make ground on the clean sheets.
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2026/may/28/uel-postmatch-interesting-facts-behind-villa-s-europa-league-success/
I particularly liked the bolded bits.QuoteOverall, the Villans won 13 matches in the Europa League proper this campaign, the joint-most of any winning team in the tournament's 17-year history under its current guise, with the exception of qualifiers.
This record saw them ensure they still have the most wins of any side in European competitions since start of the 2023/24 campaign (27), which will be levelled by Paris Saint-Germain this weekend should they defeat Arsenal in Saturday's Champions League final. Villa's 17 clean sheets in that time is bettered only by the Gunners.
For those one person who will be supporting Arse on Saturday, we need to hope PSG don't win to go level with us.
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on May 28, 2026, 06:45:56 PM
Well done mate and be proud.
Strikes a strong chord because of the family connections etc...Uncle Frank was born in Aston and two of his three boys, Frank Jnr and Amos, also played for The Villa and were born in the same house as their Dad! We lived round the corner, so saw them regularly, especially at family functions. It goes without saying that the whole family was Villa. I was christened at St Peter and St Paul's and attended my first away game, making my own way, when I was 14. I was hooked! It's in the blood. Just got off the phone with my 90 year old cousin John, who could hardly control his absolute delight in what The Villa have achieved in the last few weeks.
Thank you so much for putting my feelings, and so many of us, into the words that I could only dream of.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on June 02, 2026, 07:51:00 PM
Post by: KevinGage on June 03, 2026, 12:52:05 AM
There was alcohol being served in the fans park during the day .Was there any coverage of the fans park or the centre of Istanbul during the game anywhere at all ?
I didn't see any. No alcohol there meant people couldn't throw beer over each other, so the news outlets didn't bother covering it.
Heard rumours before the day of the game the Fanzone in Taskim was due to be a dry one.
But they were serving overpriced pints of Efes before during and after.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on June 05, 2026, 05:16:45 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on June 07, 2026, 02:38:38 PM
Heard rumours before the day of the game the Fanzone in Taskim was due to be a dry one.
But they were serving overpriced pints of Efes before during and after.
I think a lot of people were confusing the "Fanzone" on the day with the UEFA event on the Tuesday north of the stadium which was alcohol free.
Post by: Dogtanian on June 10, 2026, 06:24:35 PM
I did grin.
Post by: Coop on June 10, 2026, 08:14:43 PM
P.S. Got my Winners mag today as well. Over-priced like everything, but nice.
Post by: Dogtanian on June 14, 2026, 12:30:01 PM
I know it's unlikely, but has anyone here got a spare programme? I ordered one from European Nights via ebay, but they failed to deliver, and closed my order when I took issue with them. A family member then ordered one from the club online shop when it reappeared (for some reason, it won't accept my own payment details), but they received an email today telling them that there's none left. Bollocks!
P.S. Got my Winners mag today as well. Over-priced like everything, but nice.
I was at the Villa Park store this morning, and there were a couple of dozen Final programmes there. They’re at the end of the shelves people queue along, facing the shirt printing area.
Post by: Coop on June 14, 2026, 04:09:15 PM
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on June 14, 2026, 04:12:03 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on June 24, 2026, 07:04:06 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cly79e29l3ro (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cly79e29l3ro)
Fined and a suspended ban for our fans?
Post by: olaftab on June 24, 2026, 07:14:54 PM
Post by: ajmant on June 24, 2026, 07:16:33 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on June 24, 2026, 07:18:20 PM
Quote
Aston Villa have been fined €10,000 (£8,625; $11,359) and handed a suspended one-match ban on selling tickets to away fans by UEFA after supporters displayed a “discriminatory banner” during the Europa League final against Freiburg.
The ban, which would have applied to their first Champions League away game of the 2026-27 season, is suspended for a probationary period of two years.
UEFA, European football’s governing body, announced on Wednesday that its Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) had reached the decision.
A UEFA source, speaking anonymously as they weren’t authorised to do so publicly, told The Athletic the banner in question referenced the traveller community.
UEFA rules dictate that “the match organiser, together with the police commander for the match and the safety and security officer, must prevent any provocative action being taken by spectators inside or in the immediate vicinity of the stadium (unacceptable levels of verbal provocation from spectators towards players or opposing fans, racist behaviour, provocative banners or flags, etc.).
“Should such action arise, the match organiser, the police commander for the match and the safety and security officer must intervene over the public address system or remove any offensive material.”
Post by: Dogtanian on June 24, 2026, 07:21:53 PM
Post by: German James on June 25, 2026, 05:14:40 PM
Post by: Villan82 on June 27, 2026, 07:26:04 PM
Apparently derogatory to the travelling community. I assume as fine has been imposed and Club have agreed and accepted the punishment it’s all kosher. So why the f*** would a group of our fans do that?
If you wander around social media you quickly discover we do have some wrong 'uns among us
Post by: Beard82 on June 27, 2026, 07:53:38 PM
We spend so much of our lives (and money) in the blind hope of nights like those. And since we've had the current owners - and particularly Unai - we have had so many special nights - ones I never truly thought would happen.
Here's to the journey and the people we share it with
Post by: Coop on June 28, 2026, 05:23:32 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on June 28, 2026, 05:30:36 PM
Post by: Coop on June 28, 2026, 05:33:01 PM
Post by: Coop on July 07, 2026, 10:15:59 PM
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/uefatv/vod/961059?bucketId=b3fA