Aston Villa’s return to the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the tournament’s rebranding in the 1990s makes a new chapter in the club’s history. The Villans won the competition’s predecessor – the European Cup – way back in 1982, becoming just the fourth English side to do so after Manchester United, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. However, after a four-decade-plus absence, does the West Midlands outfit have any hope of a deep continental run this term? 

Impressive Start to the Campaign 

Many wondered whether Aston Villa could build on their stellar campaign last season, in which they secured a best-ever fourth-place finish in the Premier League. Following an impressive start to the new campaign, many of those questions are being answered already. The Villans picked up four wins in their first six league games, firing them up to fifth in the table and leaving fans full of hope that they may well go back-to-back in qualifying for the Champions League two years in a row. 

It isn’t just the Premier League in which Unai Emery’s side is thriving. They are safely through to the fourth round of the EFL Cup after a 2-1 win away at third-tier Wycombe, a team that the latest online League One odds make a 15/2 outsider for promotion to the Championship this season. They also impressed in their UEFA Champions League return, securing a resounding victory against Swiss champions Young Boys Bern. 

Websites providing online football tips predicted Villa would win that clash, and they duly delivered. However, welcoming German giants Bayern Munich to Villa Park on matchday two is a much sterner task. 

Aston Villa Football Club 💜 pic.twitter.com/cC8LW3G7xC

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 1, 2024

Strength In Depth 

Aston Villa’s qualification for the Champions League was the result of a remarkable transformation under Spaniard Emery. Known for his tactical acumen, the former Arsenal boss has instilled a style of play that is both dynamic and disciplined. The four-time Europa League winner has employed a high-risk, high-reward tactical approach, utilizing a high defensive line and “artificial transitions” to bait the opposition into pressing. 

Now, he has brought in even more players to help fit his style of play and to flesh out his squad in anticipation of the Champions League. Emery brought in no fewer than three players under the age of 23 in the summer, throwing two of them straight into the starting 11. They join more experienced heads such as the likes of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, in form striker Ollie Watkins and midfield playmaker Youri Tielemans, creating a well-rounded squad with a healthy balance of youthful exuberance alongside experienced know-how. 

The addition of Ross Barkley, a seasoned Premier League midfielder, brings further experience to the squad. However, Villa’s defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern. The absence of Tyrone Mings due to injury has exposed gaps in their defense, and should injuries happen to either Ezri Konsa or Pau Torres, then the West Midlands side could be in trouble. 

Champions League Challenge

Villa’s group stage draw presents a formidable challenge. They will face European giants such as Bayern Munich and Juventus, alongside clubs like RB Leipzig and Celtic, with the latter expected to have plenty of support when they head south of the border from Glasgow. But that victory in Bern was certainly a statement of intent, and it has provided Villa with a platform to build upon. 

Their potential to progress beyond the group stage hinges on several factors. Key to their success will be Emery’s tactical flexibility and the squad’s ability to adapt and perform on the European stage. However, should anyone in the squad get continental jitters, all they need to do is take one look at their manager. 

Emery’s track record in European competitions cannot be understated. He led Sevilla to three straight Europa League finals in the 2010s, before helping Villareal to the same trophy in 2021, defeating Arsenal in the semifinals and Manchester United in the final. His ability to guide underdog teams to unexpected heights, suggests that Villa is in safe hands and could defy expectations.