Villa’s date with destiny
1982.
That was the year Aston Villa last got their hands on a European trophy in what is to date the biggest achievement in the club’s history. And not just by a little bit, by a monstrous margin.
1996.
Now, we are jumping forward 14 years, and that was the last time Villa got their hands on any silverware at all. It’s been three decades since they won the League Cup, beating Leeds United 3-0 in the final.
In the 30 years that have passed, the club have been on a rollercoaster reminiscent of the Nemesis Inferno at Alton Towers. Non-stop twists and turns, but hey, it’s been a lot of fun.
The incredible journey since their last trophy has brought them to here, Istanbul, where they are aiming to put their long drought to an end.
They face Freiburg in the Europa League final, in a city where there has been a lot of English joy this century.
Can this Villa side make history?
