'Time to celebrate this magnificent leap over the penultimate hurdle'

[BBC]

[Getty Images]

On Thursday night, Unai Emery and his group of players solidified themselves firmly into Aston Villa history.

A jubilant 4-0 victory over Nottingham Forest sees Villa into their first European final since 1982 - the year they lifted the European Cup.

It was a huge night for the club, no doubt. But it is the fans that will feel the magnitude of this victory most of all.

Ten minutes before kick off, Villa Park was vibrating. Flags, flares and flashing lights galore. It was an atmosphere that will most certainly be etched into Villa folklore. The fans felt the size of the occasion, with decades of disappointment and yearning for success manifesting into a chorus of 42,000 Villans in full voice.

From the whistle, it was a remarkable performance, with Emery's gameplan executed with precision. The introduction of Victor Lindelof into the midfield stalled Forest in the early stages, while the energy of Ollie Watkins, John McGinn and Emi Buendia caused problems for the weakened visitors.