Villa’s Europa League Victory Keeps Alive English Hopes of Six UCL Spots
Aston Villa's Scottish midfielder #07 John McGinn and his teammates celebrate with the trophy after winning the UEFA Europa League final football match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa at Besiktas Park in Istanbul on May 20, 2026. (Photo by Stefano RELLANDINI / AFP)
Aston Villa‘s Europa League 3-0 win against Freiburg last night ended their 44-year wait for a European trophy – and kept alive the Premier League’s hopes of a sixth Champions League spot next season.
Unai Emery’s men had already confirmed their place in next season’s elite European competition with a top-five finish, but now Bournemouthand Brightonwill know sixth place could earn a place alongside them.
If the Villans finish fifth in the Premier League, Unai Emery’s side will qualify for the Champions League as the Europa League winners.
