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Emi Martinez pours champagne over Unai Emery's head as soon as Aston Villa secure Champions League football

Emi Martinez pours champagne over Unai Emery's head as soon as Aston Villa secure Champions League football

Brilliant scenes from the Aston Villa players and staff.

Aston Villa secured Champions League football by virtue of Tottenham's 2-0 defeat to Manchester City - and their celebrations were incredible.

All the focus on the Spurs game appeared to surround City, who would go two points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table with a game to play if they won.

But in the background were Villa, who conversely knew that a Spurs defeat would secure them Champions League football for next season.

The Villans are one-time winners of the European Cup, having lifted the trophy in 1982 - but haven't qualified for the competition since then.

After Monday's 3-3 draw with Liverpool, Villa boss Unai Emery spoke of how his side had to maintain their focus on their final day fixture, in case their Champions League battle went down to the final day.

But the Spaniard, his players and coaching staff gathered in a function room at their annual awards evening to watch the Spurs game - and the celebrations were wild once the result was confirmed.

It didn't take long for Martinez, one of the Premier League's biggest characters, to take centre stage - by pouring champagne all over his manager.


Elsewhere, Lucas Digne screamed: "Another one!" into the camera, with other players dancing on the table as the gravity of the club's achievement began to sink in.

Earlier this month, Emery was nominated for the Premier League's Manager of the Season award - and there surely wouldn't be too many fans who would complain if the Spaniard was to scoop the prestigious prize at the end of the campaign.

Villa finish their season with an away trip to in-form Crystal Palace on Sunday, and while they will be desperate to end the season on the perfect high note, the Villans faithful can relax in the knowledge that even a defeat would not ruin their Champions League dreams.

Featured Image Credit: Aston Villa Football Club

Topics: Aston Villa, Emiliano Martinez, Unai Emery, Football, Premier League, Champions League