Unai Emery Sets Sights on FA Cup Glory and Champions League Spot for Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery eyes FA Cup triumph and Champions League qualification after Wembley semi-final against Crystal Palace.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is aiming for a successful end to the season, targeting both FA Cup glory and Champions League qualification. Villa face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley on Saturday, with Emery seeking to end the club's 29-year trophy drought.

“When you start the season you are trying to set objectives through four competitions - the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup,” Emery said, highlighting the club's ambitions. A win in the FA Cup would mark Villa's first title since 1996 and their first FA Cup triumph since 1957.

“We have an opportunity because we are in the semi-final, but there is a lot of work to do.

“When you are getting experiences and getting trophies, the most important thing I learned and I enjoyed, was the way and not the end.

“I want to enjoy the semi-final, everything we are going to do. Travelling to London, being together, preparing the match, the atmosphere in Wembley.”

🗣️ Unai on our opponents tomorrow: "They’re a team playing fantastic football, and I respect this coach because he’s a winning coach."

Read The Boss' match preview below ⬇️

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 25, 2025

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is set to return to Wembley Stadium, a venue he's familiar with from his time at Arsenal. Emery expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming match, saying, “I like it, and tomorrow I will enjoy it. Of course, I have a huge responsibility to try to respond in good way with the players.”

Emery looks forward to the challenge, adding, “But I'm so excited playing matches like tomorrow, and the possibility we will have." He'll lead Aston Villa against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals.