Villa, Forest revive European glory days in semi-final showdown

TL;DR

Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, both former European Cup winners, face off in the Europa League semi-finals, aiming for a return to continental glory. Villa is a favorite due to their strong Premier League performance, while Forest seeks to continue their unbeaten streak under manager Vitor Pereira.

Key points

Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest meet in Europa League semi-finals
Both clubs are former European Cup winners
Villa is favored due to strong Premier League performance
Forest is unbeaten in eight games under manager Vitor Pereira
Winning would give Forest Champions League access for first time since 1980

Mentioned in this story

Unai EmeryVitor Pereira

Aston VillaNottingham ForestEuropa LeagueEuropean Cup

Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are both former winners of the European Cup (Darren Staples) (Darren Staples/AFP/AFP) Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, two clubs rich in European history, are one step from a first continental final in decades as they meet in the last four of the Europa League. English clubs dominated the European Cup, now known as the Champions League, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with two triumphs for Forest and one for Villa. But the clubs -- just 50 miles (80 kilometres) apart in the English Midlands -- have had contrasting seasons as they prepare for the first leg on Thursday. Unai Emery's Villa are on course for a return to Europe's top club competition after a strong Premier League campaign. Forest, by contrast, remain at risk of relegation, though the club have turned a corner under Vitor Pereira, who is their fourth manager during a chaotic campaign. The club are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions, reaching a first European semi-final in 42 years. A 5-0 demolition of Sunderland last week followed a 4-1 victory over Burnley, with goals suddenly flowing for a side that had been blunt under Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou and Sean Dyche. "Everyone is scoring, which makes us happy," said Pereira. "It's a good feeling. We're eight games unbeaten now, and it's important to keep this mentality." Forest's heyday came under Brian Clough, who masterminded back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, while Villa were continental champions two years later. But both teams have been starved of success in the decades since, which have included spells in the lower tiers of English football.

Emery pedigree - Villa have flourished since Emery joined the club in 2022 and are favourites to end their 30-year wait for a major trophy, with Freiburg or Braga awaiting the winners in next month's final in Istanbul. Two years ago Villa reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League in their first taste of European competition for 13 years. Last season they gave a scare before bowing out 5-4 on aggregate to the eventual winners in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. And Emery is no stranger to Europa League glory, having won the second-tier competition four times during his spells at Sevilla and . "I know how difficult it is to win a European trophy. European competition is very important to us, and it's given me so much in my career as a coach," said the Spaniard. "Now I'm trying to experience that with the players and supporters at Aston Villa. "Forest have a history in Europe as well, because they won the European Cup like Aston Villa, so it is something special for us and for them." Winning the Europa League would give Forest access to the Champions League for the first time since 1980, when they were the holders. The dreams of a clutch of other Premier League clubs could depend on the performance of Emery's men. Should Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth, the sixth-placed team in the Premier League would qualify for the Champions League. Forest host Villa in the first leg of the semi-final on Thursday, with the second leg taking place a week later. kca/jw/bc

Q&A

When is the first leg of the Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest semi-final?

The first leg of the semi-final will take place on Thursday.

What is the significance of winning the Europa League for Nottingham Forest?

Winning the Europa League would grant Nottingham Forest access to the Champions League for the first time since 1980.

How many times has Unai Emery won the Europa League?

Unai Emery has won the Europa League four times during his coaching career.

What historical achievements do Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest share?

Both Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are former winners of the European Cup, with Villa winning in 1982 and Forest winning in 1979 and 1980.

Villa, Forest revive European glory days in semi-final showdown

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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