Unai Emery is prepared for an intense emotional experience as he approaches the match against Bayern Munich.

**Aston Villa Set to Make European History Against Bayern Munich**

Unai Emery has boldly stated that Aston Villa can “build a new history” by establishing themselves as a consistent competitor in the UEFA Champions League. This declaration comes ahead of a monumental clash against Bayern Munich, a team he regards as “one of the favourites” to lift the trophy this season.

Villa Park will host the German giants on Wednesday night, a match that will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+. This encounter marks a significant milestone, as it will be the first time in 41 years that the Birmingham club has played in Europe’s elite competition at their home ground.

The last time Villa graced this level was during the 1983/84 season, when they made a memorable run to the quarter-finals of the then-European Cup. This was just two years after they triumphed over Bayern in the final, securing the prestigious trophy for the first and only time in their history. That historic night still resonates deeply within the club’s rich legacy.

Emery, speaking to TNT Sports, expressed his desire for Villa’s return to the top tier of European football to be more than just a fleeting moment. “We are starting to build, and playing in the Champions League is one of the consequences,” he said. “The work we are doing since I arrived here is aimed at making it natural for us to compete against the best teams.”

The Villa manager acknowledged that while they face formidable opponents in the Premier League, the Champions League presents an entirely different challenge. “Last season, we played in the Conference League against very good teams, but it wasn’t the best competition for the top clubs in the world. This year, we are up against the best,” he added.

For the Villa faithful, the prospect of facing Bayern Munich is particularly poignant, given the club’s storied past with the German side. “There is a lot of emotion surrounding this match,” Emery noted. “While we respect our history, we are focused on building a new one—one that involves consistent participation in Europe and the Champions League.”

Since taking the reins in October 2022, Emery has made a significant impact at Villa Park. After replacing Steven Gerrard, he guided the club to its first European campaign in 13 years with a commendable seventh-place finish. Last season saw even greater success, as the Villans secured an unexpected fourth-place finish, earning their place in the Champions League while also reaching the semi-finals of the Conference League.

Despite these achievements, Emery, who boasts an impressive European track record with three Europa League titles to his name, is keen to ensure that this level of success becomes the norm. “I’ve been coaching in Europe for over 16 years, and there is pressure in every competition because it’s Europe,” he explained.

“I’m proud of the work we’re doing at Aston Villa. We are being consistent, and that is the objective I want to maintain for a long time. In the Champions League, we aim to enjoy the experience and create positive energy at Villa Park, but we must also be clinical in our preparations.”

Facing Bayern Munich is undoubtedly a daunting task, especially after the German side opened their campaign with a staggering 9-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb, where England captain Harry Kane netted four goals. However, Emery remains resolute in his ambition to take the game to the Bavarians.

“They are one of the favourites for the trophy, alongside clubs like Real Madrid, PSG, and Manchester City,” he acknowledged. “But my aim is to win. We will face them with our own identity and style, and the players must feel comfortable in the duels and strive for success over the full 90 minutes.”

Villa kicked off their European campaign with a strong 3-0 victory against Young Boys of Switzerland, but with seven matches remaining in the revamped league phase, Emery knows there is no time to waste. “Our objective is to compete and secure the best position in the table. Tomorrow, we aim to win and claim three points,” he stated.

“This competition is tough, and we will face eight challenging teams. Tomorrow’s match is one of the most difficult we can encounter, but we are determined to fight for every point. Against Bayern Munich, we cannot afford to waste any opportunities.”