Aston Villa’s Unai Emery Set to Forge a ‘New Era’ in Europe as Nottingham Forest Await

The two Premier League sides are set to face off in Thursday’s first leg at the City Ground, with both clubs just one step away from a long-awaited return to a continental final.

Nottingham Forest clinched the Champions League, formerly known as the European Cup, in 1979 and 1980, while Aston Villa lifted the trophy in 1982 during a glorious period for English football.

Since his appointment as manager in 2022, Emery has rejuvenated the Birmingham club, yet they have not secured a significant trophy in 30 years.

Villa experienced heartbreak in the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League last season, losing to Olympiakos, and were eliminated in the FA Cup semi-finals by eventual champions Crystal Palace.

Heading into Thursday’s match against Forest, Villa are firmly in contention for a spot in next season’s Champions League, with the top five teams in the Premier League guaranteed places in Europe’s elite competition.

Emery reiterated his ambition to write a “new chapter” with the club.

“We will aim to draw on our past experiences to improve and perform better in this match,” the Spaniard stated at his pre-match media briefing on Wednesday.

“However, I am fully aware of the challenges posed by a semi-final, as it can be a 50/50 contest between both teams, and Nottingham Forest possess quality players and an experienced coach with a strong European background.”

“They also seem to be enjoying good momentum and confidence at this time.”

Emery boasts a notable record in the Europa League, having secured four titles with Sevilla and Villarreal.

“I bring my own experiences into this competition, and while I have had success, the context is always different,” he shared.

“In football, everything you have done in the past—whether exceptional or otherwise—is history; now we face a new chapter, and I am eager to write it here.”

Emery anticipates a challenging encounter against Forest, who are unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions, a streak that has alleviated any relegation concerns.

“Nottingham Forest has a rich European history, having won the Champions League,” he remarked. “We also have our own history, albeit not a recent one, and both teams are striving to achieve something significant in Europe.”