Former European champions Ajax, Chelsea, and FCSB all secured their places in the group stages of European competitions on Thursday. Ajax dominated their Europa League tie, while Chelsea survived a scare in the Conference League. FCSB, meanwhile, edged past their Austrian opponents.
Chelsea will face Servette FC of Switzerland in the Europa Conference League playoffs, with the first leg taking place at Stamford Bridge on August 22nd. Servette qualified for the playoffs after losing to Braga in the Europa League third qualifying round.
Aston Villa’s hopes of a historic European trophy were dealt a major blow as Olympiakos stunned them 4-2 in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final. Ayoub El Kaabi’s hat-trick proved too much for Unai Emery’s side, who now face a daunting task in Greece next week.
Aston Villa have announced that head coach Unai Emery has signed a one-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2027. Emery has led Villa to an unexpected push for Champions League football, with the team currently sitting fourth in the Premier League table. The Spaniard’s success at Villa Park has attracted the attention of Bayern Munich and Liverpool, but he has snubbed outside interest to commit his future to the Lions.
Unai Emery has committed his future to Aston Villa by signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2027. The Spaniard has been a huge success at Villa Park, guiding them to fourth place in the Premier League and the Europa Conference League semi-finals during his time in charge. Despite interest from Bayern Munich and Liverpool, Emery has opted to remain with Villa, where he has been given significant autonomy and backing from the owners.
Unai Emery has solidified his long-term commitment to Aston Villa by signing a new one-year contract extension. This move has quashed speculation of his departure to Bayern Munich or other European giants. Under Emery’s guidance, Villa has enjoyed unprecedented success, rising to fourth place in the Premier League and reaching the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League. Villa’s owners are ecstatic with Emery’s transformative impact and are considering further extending his deal, recognizing him as one of the elite managers in Europe.
Unai Emery has signed a new three-year contract with Aston Villa, committing his future to the club amid interest from other European giants, including Bayern Munich. Since joining Villa in October 2022, Emery has transformed the team, leading them to a seventh-place finish and qualification for the Europa Conference League in his first season. This season, Villa is on course to qualify for the Champions League and has reached the Europa Conference League semi-finals. Emery’s impressive record of 44 wins from 77 games has drawn attention from top clubs, but he has chosen to stay at Villa, where he hopes to guide the club to its first trophy since 1996.
Unai Emery has signed a new contract with Aston Villa, extending his stay at the club until 2027. The Spanish manager has enjoyed remarkable success with Villa since taking over in October 2022, guiding them to a Europa Conference League place and now a potential Champions League qualification spot. Emery’s work has reportedly caught the attention of other European clubs, but he has committed his future to Villa, with the club hoping he can replicate the longevity and success of legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Manchester United’s victory over Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final has secured their place in the final against Manchester City. While this provides an alternative route to European competition for the 2024/25 season, United’s league form has raised concerns about their ability to qualify through their Premier League finish. With six league games remaining, United are currently seventh in the standings and face a battle for European qualification.
