Aston Villa return to Champions League for first time in 40 years

Aston Villa will play in the Champions League tonight for the first time in 41 years.

Villa play Young Boys in the Champions League tonight.
Author: Molly HookingsPublished 17th Sep 2024
Last updated 17th Sep 2024

Aston Villa are gearing up to take on Young Boys in Switzerland tonight as they head back to the Champions League for the first time in 41 years.

The club's first step back to Europe's top tier competition since 1983 will see them step out at Wankdorf Stadium in Bern.

Boss Unai Emery said: "It's a good moment for the club. After a long time not playing in the Champions League. It's really our challenge.

"We are going to adapt. We are ready."

The team flew to the Swiss capital early to prepare training on a plastic pitch. Emery said they won't use playing on plastic as an "excuse" to play poorly.

They trained at Wankdorf Stadium yesterday (18 Sept) to get used to the different surface.

It will be the first time Villa face Young Boys in a competitive fixture.

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