Wed Mar 12 21:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Aston Villa Aim to Secure Champions League Quarter-Final Spot, Emery Sets Sights on Consistent European Success

**Birmingham, England** – Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has declared his ambition to transform the club into consistent contenders for both major trophies and regular Champions League participation. With a commanding 3-1 lead over Club Brugge from the first leg of their last-16 tie, Villa are poised to advance to the quarter-finals, a feat Emery sees as just the beginning.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s second leg at Villa Park, Emery emphasized his long-term vision: “To play in the Champions League has been fantastic, but my objective is to be consistent, playing in Europe and the Champions League.” He attributed the club’s recent success to a fundamental shift in ambition and approach from ownership to players.

Emery, who boasts a remarkable record in European competitions, including three Europa League titles, highlighted the progress made since his arrival in 2022. He stated that while qualifying for European competition was the initial target, the ambition now extends to challenging for silverware. “This year, we’re in the FA Cup and Champions League,” he said, acknowledging the semi-final loss in last year’s Conference League as motivation. “Everything we are doing is important, but I want more.”

Despite Villa’s strong position against Brugge, Emery stressed the importance of caution. “Nothing changes,” he said. “We are respecting them a lot. Anything can happen tomorrow.” The return of key players Emiliano Martinez and Marco Asensio from injury boosts Villa’s chances, adding to their determination to secure a place in the next round, where they could face either Liverpool or Paris Saint-Germain.

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