Aston Villa mark Champions League return with 3-0 victory over Young Boys

Aston Villa marked their long-awaited return to the Champions League with a commanding 3-0 victory over Young Boys in Bern on Tuesday. 

This was Villa’s first appearance in the tournament in 41 years, making the win particularly significant.

Manager Unai Emery dedicated the victory to the late Gary Shaw, a former Villa striker and key figure in the club’s 1982 European Cup triumph. Shaw tragically passed away on Monday at the age of 63, after suffering injuries from a fall.

The players honored his memory by wearing black armbands, and Youri Tielemans fittingly opened the scoring while wearing Shaw’s iconic number eight shirt.

Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana added to Villa’s lead, sealing the victory. This win not only paid tribute to Shaw but also highlighted the club’s resurgence under Emery, who led them to a surprise fourth-place finish in the Premier League last season.

Villa now faces tough challenges ahead, with clashes against Bayern Munich and Juventus in the revamped league stage of the Champions League.

However, this victory will remain a special moment for the fans, symbolizing the club’s remarkable return to European football.

Just five years ago, Aston Villa were battling in the second tier of English football, and the prospect of competing against Europe’s elite seemed like a distant dream.

Fast forward to today, and Villa’s remarkable transformation under Unai Emery has seen them return to the Champions League for the first time since 1983.

Anticipation had been growing for months among Villa supporters, and their excitement was palpable.

When the Champions League anthem echoed around the Wankdorf Stadium, the traveling Villa fans erupted in joy, celebrating their club’s long-awaited return to the grandest stage of European football.

This moment not only highlights Villa’s resurgence but also serves as a reminder of the club’s incredible journey back to prominence.

A night to remember

Prince William, an avid Aston Villa supporter, sent Unai Emery’s side a good luck message ahead of their “European adventure,” and the team delivered with a well-executed 3-0 victory over Young Boys.

Emery, known for his meticulous approach, ensured Villa were well-prepared by flying the team to Bern early for training on the artificial pitch of the Wankdorf Stadium, a decision that proved valuable.

Young Boys came out strong, with Ebrima Colley forcing a sharp save from Emiliano Martinez early on. Villa, however, struck first in the 27th minute with a brilliantly orchestrated short corner routine.

Lucas Digne found John McGinn, who delivered a cross to an unmarked Youri Tielemans, and the Belgian calmly drilled the ball into the bottom corner from 12 yards out.

Austin MacPhee, Villa’s set-piece coach, celebrated as Tielemans secured Villa’s first Champions League goal since 1983.

The lead was doubled in the 38th minute when Young Boys’ Mohamed Ali Camara made a costly back-pass, allowing Jacob Ramsey to slot home after a mix-up with goalkeeper David von Ballmoos.

Villa maintained control in the second half, with Amadou Onana capping off the night in style by smashing a 20-yard drive past the goalkeeper in the 86th minute.

The emphatic victory was a fitting start to Villa’s European campaign and a performance to make their supporters—and Prince William—proud.