26 May 1982
Aston Villa 1-0 Bayern Munich — European Cup final 1982
Peter Withe's scrappy near-post finish at the Feyenoord Stadium won Aston Villa their only European Cup — the club's defining international night.
Aston Villa Legendary Matches
Updated June 2026 · Villa Park, Birmingham
Matches that defined Aston Villa. Each entry below summarises a marquee result — full editorial narratives are linked where written.
14 April 2024
Arsenal 0-2 Aston Villa — Premier League April 2024
Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins scored as Villa beat the title-chasing Arsenal at the Emirates, all but ending the Gunners' challenge and sealing Villa's Champions League return.
15 April 2025
PSG 3-1 Aston Villa, agg 5-4 — UCL quarter 2025
Villa's first Champions League quarter-final in 42 years ended in narrow defeat to eventual finalists PSG; the Villa Park leg drew worldwide acclaim.
Frequently asked questions
When was Aston Villa founded?
Aston Villa were founded in 1874 by members of the Villa Cross Wesleyan Chapel in the Aston district of Birmingham. They were one of the 12 founder members of the Football League in 1888.
Who is Aston Villa's current manager?
Unai Emery has managed Aston Villa since October 2022. The Spaniard, a four-time Europa League winner with Sevilla and Villarreal, led Villa to a fourth-place Premier League finish in 2023-24 and a return to the Champions League.
What is Aston Villa's home stadium and what is its capacity?
Aston Villa play at Villa Park in the Aston district of Birmingham, where they have been based since 1897. The ground currently holds 42,918 spectators, with a redevelopment of the North Stand under way.
Who are Aston Villa's biggest rivals?
Aston Villa's principal rival is Birmingham City, with whom they contest the Second City Derby. They share further West Midlands rivalries with Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion.
How many league titles have Aston Villa won?
Aston Villa have won seven English top-flight titles, the last in 1980-81. Two years later, in 1982, Villa won the European Cup — making them one of only five English clubs to lift Europe's top club trophy.