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LONDON – Forty-two years after being crowned shock European champions, Aston Villa return to the Champions League ready to upset the established order again. Their 1982 European Cup final triumph against Bayern Munich still ranks as one of the most remarkable conquests in the history of the competition. Just five years ago, it was impossible for Villa fans to dream of repeating that kind of iconic victory with their team languishing in English football’s second tier. But, revitalised by boss Unai Emery since his arrival in 2022, the team unexpectedly finished fourth in the English Premier League last season to secure their first Champions League appearance since the 1982-83 campaign. Emery’s side make their long-awaited return to Europe’s elite club competition against Young Boys in Switzerland on Sept 17, before a mouth-watering reunion with Bayern at Villa Park on Oct 2. Villa were holding their annual awards night in May when top-four rivals Tottenham Hotspur lost to Manchester City, triggering wild celebrations as Emery and his players sprayed champagne over one another. “Nobody expected us to be there but we believed in ourselves and believed in our dream,” Villa defender Lucas Digne said, while teammate Diego Carlos added: “After more than four decades, we are back in the Champions League!” Prince William, a Villa fan, gave the royal seal of approval, saying: “We are Champions League! A historic season and an amazing achievement.” Now Emery has to ensure Villa do not suffer the kind of hangover that haunted Newcastle United last term, when their first Champions League campaign for 20 years ended in a group-stage exit that derailed the rest of the season. The former Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla boss will be managing his sixth club in the Champions League, but even a manager of Emery’s quality might struggle to emulate Villa’s astonishing march to European glory in 1982. Just a year after being crowned surprise English champions, the team made a stunning debut in the European Cup, sweeping to the final in Rotterdam with wins over Valur, BFC Dynamo, Dynamo Kiev and Anderlecht. Villa were underdogs against a star-studded Bayern side boasting the likes of forward Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. They had looked doomed when goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer came off with a neck injury, forcing untested Nigel Spink into action. But Spink, who had made only one appearance for the club, produced a series of superb saves before Peter Withe poked in a cross in the 67th minute to send Villa into dreamland. But, while they went on to beat Barcelona in the Super Cup the following season, their bubble quickly burst. And, just five years after conquering Europe, Villa were relegated from the top flight in 1987. After a long road to redemption, in their 150th anniversary season, Villa are finally back among the elite. Bayern, Juventus and the rest of Europe’s superpowers would be wise not to underestimate them. AFP