Aston Villa qualify, Unai Emery to contest sixth Europa League final | OneFootball

Aston Villa reached the Europa League final on Thursday, giving Unai Emery the chance to pursue a fifth title in the competition. According to L'Équipe, the Spaniard has long been a specialist in the tournament.

Villa advanced at the expense of Nottingham Forest, overturning a 0-1 first-leg defeat with a 4-0 victory in the return. The aggregate win booked their place in the showpiece.

Emery has already lifted the trophy four times, three with Sevilla in 2014, 2015 and 2016, then with Villarreal in 2021. He also reached the 2019 final with Arsenal, losing 1-4 to Chelsea. No one betters that record.

Nicknamed Mr Europa League by some supporters and media, Villa will start as favourites against Freiburg on 20 May in Istanbul. He has made a habit of winning the competition, yet he remains cautious.

Emery said German teams are very difficult to beat and that their coaches and players are excellent, adding that focus must now be on the final.

Source: L'Équipe