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This is not the first season that Aston Villa have left things late to secure their place in Europe.
It's Groundhog Day. Just as it was at the end of the 2023-24 season – the last time Villa qualified for the Champions League – the club are four points clear in the qualification places with Liverpool up next. Two years ago, the outcome was a high-scoring draw at Villa Park, followed by a loss on the final day once the following season's footballing fate was already determined.
History is set to repeat itself this week, but with the added jeopardy of a fast-approaching European final.
Consistency in the league has been a challenge for Villa this season, particularly in 2026. Unai Emery's side have been an antithesis of themselves at times. A sublime mid-season spell, climaxing with a brief title charge, has been contradicted with periods of lethargy and underperformance. Sunday's draw against an already relegated Burnley was a prime example – failing to get out of first gear after a blistering showing against Nottingham Forest on Thursday.
However, European form has often been the steadying force for Villa. Despite poor league away returns this year, they have managed to pick up wins on the road across Europe. The club have also registered 10 consecutive home European wins – a feat that puts them amongst the best of the best.
A win against Freiburg guarantees a path to the Champions League and provides the perfect punctuation for a whirlwind season. At the same time, Villa can relieve some pressure for their Champions League hopes with a win against Liverpool on Friday night.
As is often the way in football, Villa have never done things the easy way. The opportunity to execute a historical season in the next 180 minutes of football is right at their fingertips.
Find more from Hannah Gowen at UTV
