To give them a little more rest, the two players could see some minutes later in the match if necessary. Maghnes Akliouche and Warren Zaïre-Emery will replace them.

This will be Luis Enrique’s starting XI: Matvey Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Warren Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Maghnes Akliouche, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

PSG’s fate will be determined by whether they win, draw, or lose against Unai Emery’s side. Aston Villa will also be missing key players, as Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa will not play.

Fighting for another UEFA Super Cup title

Paris Saint-Germain will fight for their second UEFA Super Cup title, looking to add another European trophy to their collection after winning their first back in August 2024. In that historic edition played at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Italy, the newly crowned Champions League winners mounted an agonizing late comeback to draw 2–2 against Tottenham Hotspur before triumphing 4–3 in a tense penalty shootout.

Now returning as the reigning champions of Europe, the French powerhouse aims to duplicate that success and secure another Super Cup for their growing cabinet.

Dembele’s importance to the team

Ousmane Dembele enjoyed an explosive 2025–26 campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, emerging as one of the club’s most dangerous attacking weapons. Across 40 appearances in all competitions, the dynamic winger tallied 20 goals and 11 assists in 2,200 minutes of play.

His impact was felt most heavily on the biggest stages, where he registered 10 goals and 7 assists in 22 Ligue 1 matches, alongside 8 goals and 2 assists in 13 UEFA Champions League appearances to help propel PSG to continental glory.

To add historical weight to the matchup, it is worth noting that despite being two historic European clubs, PSG and Aston Villa, which are without Emiliano Martinez, have only met twice in official competition.

Both matches took place in the 2024-25 Champions League quarterfinals. In the first leg, PSG earned a 3-1 victory in Paris, while Aston Villa secured a 3-2 win in England in the second leg. The aggregate score finished 5-4 in favor of PSG, sending the French club to the semifinals. That leaves each team with one win in their head-to-head history, though PSG claimed the overall tie.

What happens if PSG win vs Aston Villa?

If PSG win, the French team claims the trophy and is crowned Super Cup champion, as this single-game showdown features the winners of Europe’s top competitions in the Champions League and the Europa League. It would mark the first title of the season for Luis Enrique’s squad, while Aston Villa would walk away empty-handed.

What happens if PSG and Aston Villa tie?

The rule is straightforward. If the score remains level after 90 minutes, the match goes straight to a penalty shootout to decide the champion. No extra time will be played, meaning there will not be 30 additional minutes of play in the event of a draw—a rule fans have seen before.

This rule applies for a second consecutive season, after last year’s UEFA Super Cup was decided directly by penalties following a tie, with Paris Saint-Germain claiming the title against Tottenham.

What happens if PSG lose vs Aston Villa?

If PSG lose to Aston Villa, the French team will leave without the title, allowing Unai Emery’s squad to capture the trophy in an unexpected upset over the two-time Champions League winners. Furthermore, over the last 26 finals, the Europa League champion has won on only eight occasions.

“They are not here – Konsa, Watkins and Martinez because they finished their season on 19th July and I gave them four weeks to rest, it’s completely necessary,” the manager said via the team’s official website.

In his comments, Emery also mentioned his goalkeeper, as Emiliano Martinez will also miss this match for the same reason. The manager lamented their absences: “Of course, if they were here, maybe we could have more chances.”

Aston Villa’s predicted XI

With new faces such as recently signed Alejandro Garnacho, alongside several of the heroes from that historic final against Freiburg, these are the 11 players Unai Emery would field to face PSG.

Marco Bizot; Ian Maatsen, Pau Torres, Victor Lindelöf, Matty Cash; João Gomes, Boubacar Kamara; Alejandro Garnacho, Emiliano Buendía, John McGinn; Tammy Abraham.

The absence of Watkins and Konsa

The absence of both Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa severely undermines Aston Villa’s backbone ahead of the Super Cup clash. Missing Watkins deprives Unai Emery’s side of its main focal point in attack, as the striker tallied 19 goals and 5 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions during the 2025–26 season.

Meanwhile, Konsa’s absence leaves a massive void in Villa’s central defense, where the English defender logged over 3,000 minutes as the defensive anchor throughout the campaign. Without their top goalscorer and defensive leader, Villa will face an uphill battle to contain PSG’s dynamic attack while generating enough counter-attacking threat to claim the trophy.

Seeking their second UEFA Super Cup title

Aston Villa enter the 2026 UEFA Super Cup seeking to add a second Super Cup to their continental cabinet, building upon a proud European heritage that began with their famous 1981–82 European Cup triumph and their subsequent 1982 UEFA Super Cup victory over Barcelona.

Following decades of European campaigns—which also included a UEFA Intertoto Cup title in 2001—the Villans reached new heights by claiming the 2025–26 UEFA Europa League. Now boasting four major UEFA honours, Unai Emery’s side aims to further cement its historic international legacy by lifting the trophy once again.

How to watch PSG vs Aston Villa in the USA

PSG vs. Aston Villa will be available to watch on CBS Sports Network, TUDN USA and Univision in the United States, giving viewers with a participating TV provider access to the UEFA Super Cup.

Fans have additional streaming options. Fubo, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, the TUDN App and ViX are also among the available streaming services for soccer coverage, while Paramount+ remains the direct option.

Can I watch PSG vs Aston Villa for free?

Eligible new Fubo subscribers can watch PSG vs. Aston Villa for free through Fubo‘s 5-day free trial. It currently offers a free trial on select plans, and its CBS Sports Network page specifically provides access through a free trial.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa meet in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup with European silverware on the line at Stadion Salzburg in Austria. PSG qualified as the reigning Champions League winners after beating Arsenal on penalties in the 2025/26 final, while Aston Villa earned their place by defeating Freiburg in the Europa League final in May.

For PSG, the match offers a chance to start the new European season by adding another trophy to an already historic run. Luis Enrique‘s side is looking to become only the second team in the modern era to win consecutive UEFA Super Cups, following Real Madrid’s back-to-back triumphs in 2016 and 2017.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, are returning to the Super Cup for only the second time in club history. Their previous appearance came in 1982/83, when they defeated Barcelona 3-1 on aggregate to lift the trophy. Unai Emery‘s team will now try to add another European title after winning the 2025/26 Europa League, which was Villa’s first European trophy since 1983.

The matchup also carries extra intrigue because these teams already produced a dramatic Champions League quarter-final in 2025. PSG advanced 5-4 on aggregate, winning the first leg 3-1 in Paris before Aston Villa won the return 3-2 at Villa Park. Villa’s comeback attempt ultimately fell short, but the tie demonstrated how competitive the matchup can be.

PSG vs Aston Villa: Predicted Lineups

PSG (4-3-3): Matvey Safonov; Illia Zabarnyi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha, Dro Fernández; Ibrahim Mbaye, Senny Mayulu, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Marco Bizot; Matty Cash, Victor Lindelöf, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen; João Gomes, Boubacar Kamara, McGinn; Emiliano Buendia, Alejandro Garnacho, Tammy Abraham.

Aston Villa head into this clash with notable absentees. Emiliano Martinez isn’t playing against PSG today as the Argentine goalkeeper was given time to rest after making it all the way to the World Cup final. Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa aren’t playing for Aston Villa either, as both were also given more time off after playing the third-place game with England.

What time is the PSG vs Aston Villa match?

The PSG vs. Aston Villa match in Austria kicks off on Wednesday, August 12, at 3:00 PM ET. The game will be played at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria, with UEFA confirming a 9:00 PM local kickoff.

• Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
• Central Time: 2:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 12:00 PM

In his last outing for Aston Villa, Martinez kept a clean sheet as the Villains thrashed Freiburg 3-0 to crown themselves Europa League champions. During warmups for that final, “Dibu” suffered a fracture to the ring finger on his right hand, which prevented him from being at 100% during the 2026 World Cup. However, that’s not why Martinez will miss the UEFA Super Cup against PSG.

Instead, Martinez is still away from the team on vacation after reaching the World Cup final on July 19. Far from being controversial for the team, however, it was agreed upon with head coach Emery, who confirmed that “Dibu” won’t be part of Aston Villa’s starting lineup against PSG—and won’t even be on the squad for the Super Cup.

Emery confirms Martinez is unavailable for Super Cup

“Emiliano Martinez is wrapping up his holidays this week,” Emery admitted about Martinez’s status during Aston Villa’s press conference ahead of the UEFA Super Cup matchup against PSG. The Argentine goalkeeper won’t be the only notable absentee, either.

In addition, English internationals Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins are also on holiday after being part of the Three Lions’ squad that won bronze at the 2026 World Cup. As Emery explained, the three players who reached the latter stages of the tournament were given a four-week break. Aston Villa expect the trio to be back next week.

Maybe it will come back to bite the Villains, who need all the help they can get against European kings PSG. Still, Villa were always going to be underdogs, and this may serve as even more fuel for them.

Who will replace Martinez in goal?

With Martinez unavailable to Emery and his staff, all signs point to Marco Bizot protecting the net for the Villains against the Parisiens. The Dutch goalkeeper appeared in four games for Villa during the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League, all of them during the league phase, and conceded only one goal in a 2-1 win over FC Basel.

Home of FC Salzburg in the domestic league, it will be the first time in history that this stadium hosts a UEFA club final. The venue has a capacity of approximately 30,000 spectators, and a sellout is expected.

This will be the 14th time this final is played between the UEFA Champions League winners and the UEFA Europa League winners. The 2025 edition was held at Stadio Friuli, home of Udinese, in Udine.

How does PSG come into this match?

Paris Saint-Germain punched their ticket to the 2026 UEFA Super Cup after capturing the UEFA Champions League title in dramatic fashion. The French giants secured their spot in the showdown by defeating Arsenal in a tense penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw through extra time in the 2026 Champions League final.

Aston Villa’s historic title

Aston Villa etched their name into European soccer history by capturing the 2026 UEFA Europa League title in dominant game. The English side claimed the trophy with a resounding 3–0 victory over German club SC Freiburg in the final played at Tüpraş Stadium in Istanbul on May 20, 2026.

The most recent precedent

Prior to their 2026 UEFA Super Cup clash, Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa have met just twice in official European competition, locking horns in the quarter-finals of the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League.

PSG took the first leg 3–1 at the Parc des Princes before Villa pulled off a thrilling 3–2 comeback win at Villa Park in the return leg. Though the English club claimed a memorable home victory, the French giants advanced 5–4 on aggregate, leaving the all-time head-to-head record perfectly balanced at one win apiece.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs Aston Villa in the USA

The match will air on CBS Sports Golazo Network and FOX Deportes on television. Fans who prefer to stream it can watch it live on Fubo, Fox One and Paramount+, giving viewers several legal ways to follow the action from the United States.

Can I watch Bayern Munich vs Aston Villa for free?

Fans in the United States can watch Bayern Munich vs Aston Villa for free by signing up for Fubo‘s 5-day free trial, provided they are eligible new subscribers. The trial includes access to the channels carrying the match.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Bayern Munich are entering the decisive phase of their preseason, making this one of their most demanding warm-up matches before the start of the 2026-27 Bundesliga campaign.

Vincent Kompany has confirmed that the coaching staff is increasing players’ workloads after the 2-1 win over Jeju SK, with several starters expected to play longer stretches as Bayern moves closer to full match fitness.

The manager has emphasized that the focus is not only on conditioning, but also on maintaining a winning mentality ahead of the competitive season.

For Aston Villa, the clash is a valuable measuring stick against one of Europe’s elite clubs. Unai Emery‘s side are using their Asian tour to fine-tune tactics and build chemistry before returning to Premier League action, and facing Bayern provides one of the toughest tests of the summer.

The match is expected to feature strong lineups from both teams, giving each manager a final opportunity to evaluate combinations and individual performances before their domestic campaigns get underway.

What time is the Bayern Munich vs Aston Villa match?

The match will be played on Friday, August 7, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 AM ET. Here are the kickoff times across the United States:

• Eastern Time (ET): 8:00 AM
• Central Time (CT): 7:00 AM
• Mountain Time (MT): 6:00 AM
• Pacific Time (PT): 5:00 AM

However, that’s still a ways ahead in the calendar. Coming off the win over Arsenal, Many players on PSG will now be headed to the 2026 World Cup. When they get back from the biggest tournament in international soccer, they’ll have more than enough time to rest and gear up for the UEFA Super Cup.

The 2026 UEFA Super Cup will be held on Wednesday, August 12th. Just as it did in the Champions League, PSG will vie to repeat as Super Cup champions, as well. Last year, Les Parisiens defeated Tottenham in a penalty shootout after coming back from down 2-0. As for Aston Villa, they have won an European Super Cup before. The Villains will chase their first under the UEFA format.

2026 UEFA Super Cup details

On August 12, PSG and Aston Villa will meet at Stadion Salzburg in Austria. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 pm (Eastern Time) and 9:00 pm (Central European Time). Stadion Salzburg, home of FC Salzburg, will host a club final for the first time.

In the country that cradled renowned musicians like Mozart and Beethoven, PSG and Aston Villa have been treated to pleasant tunes. The two sides were victorious in their last visits to Austria. PSG defeated Red Bull Salzburg by a score of 3-0 in a league-phase match during the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League. As for Villa, they took down Red Bull Salzburg in January 2026 in an electric 3-2 showdown, en route to their latest continental conquest.

PSG’s road to Super Cup

PSG finished 11th in the league-phase standings of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. They eliminated AS Monaco in the play-off round by an aggregate score of 5-4. In the round of 16, Les Parisiens knocked Chelsea out in dominant fashion by an aggregate score of 8-2. PSG also steamrolled Liverpool in the quarterfinals with back-to-back 2-0 wins at Parc des Princes and Anfield.

In the semifinals, the reigning champions took down Bayern Munich in a final before the final by an aggregate score of 6-5. In the final, PSG needed a penalty shootout to take down Arsenal, who finished as runner-ups without losing a game, and have nothing to show for but a silver, second-place medal.

Aston Villa’s path to UEFA Super Cup

Aston Villa finished second in the league-phase standings of the UEFA Europa League, securing 21 of a possible 24 points. In the round of 16, the Villains knocked out LOSC Lille by an aggregate score of 3-0. In the quarterfinals, Aston Villa routed Bologna by an aggregate score of 7-1.

A 4-0 win in the second leg against Nottingham Forest was more than enough to overcome the 1-0 loss in the first leg, and the Villains were off to the final. In the championship match, the Villains dominated from start to finish, defeating Freiburg by a score of 3-0. Aston Villa scored 17 goals and allowed just 2 during the knockout stages, en route to one of the most dominant performances in UEFA Europa League history.

How to watch Manchester City vs Aston Villa in the USA

Fans in the United States looking to watch this highly anticipated matchup will need Peacock Premium, as the streaming platform will be the exclusive home for the live broadcast.

With plenty of excitement surrounding this clash and key points at stake, supporters won’t want to miss a minute of the action.

Can I watch Manchester City vs Aston Villa for free?

Viewers in the United States hoping to watch this highly anticipated matchup will need a Peacock Premium subscription, as the platform holds exclusive streaming rights for the live broadcast.

Unlike other streaming services, Peacock does not currently provide a free trial, meaning fans will need an active subscription to catch every minute of this crucial clash.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The 2025-26 Premier League season comes to a close with a marquee showdown between Aston Villa and Manchester City, two clubs that have spent the year among England’s elite. Although neither side enters the finale with a trophy still on the line, both remain determined to secure the strongest finish possible.

Villa arrive riding the momentum of a landmark Europa League triumph, adding another major international title to the club’s growing legacy and looking to cap off a memorable campaign with one more statement result. City, meanwhile, lifted the FA Cup and Carabao Cup but still viewed the season as one that fell below their lofty standards.

Sunday’s clash will carry extra emotion at the Etihad, as it marks the final game in charge for legendary manager Pep Guardiola, who is expected to close out his remarkable era with one last victory.

Manchester City vs Aston Villa: Predicted Lineups

Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Trafford: Nunes, Stones, Ake, Ait-Nouri; Rodri, Bernardo; Savinho, Foden, Doku; Marmoush.

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Bogarde, Lindelof, Mings, Maatsen; Luiz, Onana; Bailey, Rogers, Sancho; Abraham.

What time is the Manchester City vs Aston Villa match?

The match kicks off today, May 24, at 11:00 AM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 11:00 AM
Central Time: 10:00 AM
Mountain Time: 9:00 AM
Pacific Time: 8:00 AM

It has a legacy that stretches back to the 19th century and includes one of the sport’s biggest international achievements. It became one of England’s early soccer powerhouses after winning multiple First Division championships.

Their greatest moment arrived in 1982, when the club defeated Bayern Munich 1-0 to win the European Cup. Although the club later endured difficult periods, it has reemerged as a major force under Unai Emery.

How many Premier League/First Division titles have Aston Villa won?

Aston Villa have won seven English top-flight titles in their history. All seven championships came before the creation of the Premier League in 1992, during the old Football League First Division era. Their league titles came in:

• 1893-94
• 1895-96
• 1896-97
• 1898-99
• 1899-1900
• 1909-10
• 1980-81

They were one of England’s dominant clubs during the late 19th century, winning five league titles in just seven seasons. That early success helped establish the Birmingham side as one of the foundational powers of English soccer.

The club’s most recent top-flight championship came in 1980-81 under manager Ron Saunders. That title set the stage for Aston Villa’s historic European Cup triumph the following season.

Although they have never won the Premier League era title, they have remained one of the most decorated traditional clubs in England thanks to their historic success before 1992.

How many FA Cups have Aston Villa won?

Aston Villa have won the FA Cup seven times. That total places them among the most successful clubs in the history of England’s oldest domestic cup competition. Their FA Cup victories came in:

• 1887
• 1895
• 1897
• 1905
• 1913
• 1920
• 1957

Their first-ever major trophy was the 1887 FA Cup, when the club defeated West Bromwich Albion in the final. The victory helped launch Aston Villa into the elite level of English soccer during the sport’s early professional era.

Their most recent FA Cup title dates back to 1957 after beating Manchester United 2-1 at Wembley Stadium. That United team became famously known as the “Busby Babes”, making the victory one of the most significant finals.

When did Aston Villa win the European Cup?

Aston Villa won the European Cup in 1982. The club secured the title on May 26, 1982, by defeating Bayern Munich in the final at De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam.

Peter Withe scored the only goal of the match in the second half, while backup goalkeeper Nigel Spink became a club legend after replacing the injured Jimmy Rimmer early in the game and producing several crucial saves.

They qualified for the tournament after winning the 1980-81 First Division title under Ron Saunders. Although Saunders resigned late in the European campaign, assistant manager Tony Barton guided the club through the final stages.

What was Aston Villa’s last major trophy?

Aston Villa’s last major trophy came in 2026, when they beat Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League final and lifted the trophy thanks to a 3-0 win, with goals scored by Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rogers.

Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa reemerged as a serious contender in both England and Europe. Their run to the 2026 Europa League title saw them return to glory after years of wait.

How many League Cups have Aston Villa won?

Aston Villa have won the League Cup six times. They remain one of the competition’s most successful clubs historically. Their League Cup victories came in: 1961, 1975, 1977, 1994, 1996 and 2026.

The 1975 triumph was particularly memorable because they won the competition while still outside England’s top division. The club defeated Norwich City in the final shortly before returning to the First Division.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s 1994 League Cup victory over Manchester United was one of the biggest surprises of the early Premier League era. The team defeated Sir Alex Ferguson’s heavily favored side 3-1 at Wembley.

Which managers won the most trophies with Aston Villa?

George Ramsay won the most trophies in Aston Villa history. The legendary Scottish manager, known as the club secretary during that era, helped transform Villa into one of the dominant teams in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

During Ramsay’s tenure, they won 6 First Division titles and 6 FA Cups. His influence on Aston Villa is so significant that many historians still consider him one of the most important figures in the development of English soccer itself.

Other iconic Aston Villa managers include:

• Ron Saunders — led Villa to the 1980-81 league title
• Tony Barton — guided Villa to the 1982 European Cup
• Brian Little — won the 1996 League Cup
• Unai Emery — led Villa back into Europe and to the 2026 Europa League title

What is Aston Villa’s most successful era?

Aston Villa’s most successful era came between the late 1890s and early 1900s. During that stretch, they won multiple league titles and FA Cups while becoming one of the sport’s first powerhouse clubs.

Between 1894 and 1900 alone, they captured five First Division titles and two FA Cups. Their dominance during soccer’s formative years helped establish the club as one of England’s traditional giants.

Another iconic era arrived in the early 1980s. Under Ron Saunders and Tony Barton, they won the First Division title in 1981 before conquering Europe with the 1982 European Cup victory over Bayern Munich.

The Spanish coach built his legendary reputation in Europe through an extraordinary run with Sevilla before adding another continental crown years later with Villarreal. His relationship with the league has become almost mythical.

Now managing Aston Villa, he arrived at yet another Europa League final with the chance to extend not only Aston Villa’s trophy cabinet, but also his own record even further. In 2026, the Villa boss prepared himself for his sixth final as a manager and led the club to victory.

Which teams did Unai Emery win the Europa League with?

Unai Emery has won the UEFA Europa League with Sevilla, Villarreal and Aston Villa. The Spanish coach first built his legacy with Sevilla FC before later guiding Villarreal CF to the biggest European title in club history.

Emery’s dominance with Sevilla became one of the defining eras of the modern Europa League. Between 2014 and 2016, the club won three consecutive titles under his leadership, a feat no manager had previously achieved in the competition’s modern format.

He later returned to the top of the tournament with Villarreal in 2021, defeating Manchester United in a legendary penalty shootout final. That victory gave him his fourth Europa League title overall and officially established him as the competition’s most successful manager.

In 2026, he extended that legacy even further by winning the Europa League with Aston Villa in a match against Freiburg, completing a rare achievement of lifting the trophy with multiple clubs across different leagues and eras.

When did Unai Emery win each Europa League title?

• 2014 — Sevilla defeated Benfica
• 2015 — Sevilla defeated Dnipro
• 2016 — Sevilla defeated Liverpool
• 2021 — Villarreal defeated Manchester United
• 2026 — Aston Villa defeated Freiburg

The 2016 victory against Liverpool remains especially memorable because Sevilla came from behind to win 3-1 and complete an unprecedented Europa League three-peat. The 2021 final became one of the most dramatic in European history.

Villarreal defeated Manchester United 11-10 in penalties after every outfield player converted their spot kick before goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli scored and then made the decisive save.

Has any manager won more Europa League titles than Unai Emery?

No manager has won more Europa League titles than Unai Emery. With five Europa League trophies, he holds the all-time managerial record in the competition.

Before his rise, legendary coaches such as Giovanni Trapattoni were considered the gold standard in the UEFA Cup and Europa League era. Trapattoni won the competition three times, but Emery surpassed that mark through his success.

How many Europa League finals has Unai Emery coached in?

Unai Emery has coached in six Europa League finals, including the 2026 final with Aston Villa. UEFA confirmed ahead of the Freiburg matchup that the Spanish manager is preparing for his sixth Europa League final appearance as a coach.

His Europa League finals are:

• 2014 — Sevilla vs Benfica
• 2015 — Sevilla vs Dnipro
• 2016 — Sevilla vs Liverpool
• 2019 — Arsenal vs Chelsea
• 2021 — Villarreal vs Manchester United
• 2026 — Aston Villa vs Freiburg

Very few managers in European history have reached six finals in the same continental competition. His repeated success in knockout soccer has made him synonymous with the Europa League itself.

What is Unai Emery’s record in Europa League finals?

Unai Emery has a 5-1 record in Europa League finals entering the 2026 final with Aston Villa. The only Europa League final he lost came in 2019 while managing Arsenal against Chelsea.

His four victories came with Sevilla and Villarreal, giving him the best finals record of any modern Europa League manager. His ability to prepare teams for high-pressure knockout matches has become one of his defining characteristics.

The 2019 defeat against Chelsea remains the lone blemish on an otherwise extraordinary European résumé. Chelsea defeated Arsenal 4-1 in Baku, denying Emery a fourth consecutive Europa League final victory.

Why is Unai Emery called “Mr. Europa”?

Unai Emery is called “Mr. Europa” because of his unmatched success in the UEFA Europa League. The nickname emerged after his dominant run with Sevilla and has followed him throughout his managerial career.

Between 2014 and 2016, he transformed Sevilla into the defining club of the competition, winning consecutive Europa League titles. Later, he added another trophy with Villarreal and guided Aston Villa to the 2026 final.

The nickname has become so widespread that fans across social media frequently joke that the tournament should be renamed after him. One viral thread ahead of the 2026 final featured fans calling the competition the “Unai Emery League”.

Even so, Emery himself has repeatedly rejected the “king of the Europa League” label, insisting that every final is a completely different challenge.

Did Unai Emery ever win the UEFA Champions League?

No, Unai Emery has never won the UEFA Champions League as a manager. Despite his Europa League dominance, Europe’s biggest club trophy has remained out of reach throughout his coaching career.

He came closest during his time with Villarreal in 2022, when the Spanish club reached the Champions League semifinals after eliminating Juventus and Bayern Munich. Villarreal were eventually knocked out by Liverpool.

His spell with PSG also carried enormous Champions League expectations because of the club’s superstar roster. However, PSG suffered painful knockout exits during his tenure, including the famous collapse against Barcelona in 2017.

What was Unai Emery’s most famous Europa League victory?

Unai Emery’s most famous Europa League victory is widely considered Villarreal’s 2021 triumph over Manchester United. The final instantly became one of the most memorable matches in modern soccer because of its penalty shootout.

After a 1-1 draw, the match went to penalties, where all 20 outfield players converted their attempts before Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli scored and then saved David de Gea’s shot to secure an 11-10 victory.

That title delivered Villarreal’s first major European trophy and gave Emery his record-breaking fourth Europa League crown. The victory also cemented his reputation as the greatest manager in the history of the competition.

How has Unai Emery performed with Aston Villa in Europe?

Unai Emery has transformed Aston Villa into one of Europe’s biggest surprise stories since taking charge of the club in 2022. Under Emery, the club returned to continental relevance and reached its first major European final since 1982.

When he arrived at Villa Park, Aston Villa were struggling near the bottom of the Premier League table. UEFA highlighted this week that the club sat 17th in England when he took over in November 2022.

Since then, he has completely changed the trajectory of the club. Aston Villa qualified for European competitions again, reached the Conference League semifinals in 2024 and advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals in 2025.

Villa’s run to the 2026 Europa League final included victories over Lille, Bologna and Nottingham Forest, further strengthening the coach’s reputation as one of soccer’s elite knockout managers as Aston Villa claimed the Europa League’s prize money.