Aston Villa entered the final day with Champions League hopes firmly alive — needing just a point at Old Trafford to cap off a memorable season with a top-five finish. But controversy, frustration, and a sense of injustice defined their afternoon as a narrow moment turned into a massive missed opportunity.
00:00Aston Villa entered the final day with Champions League hopes firmly alive, needing just a point at Old Trafford to cap off a memorable season with a top five finish.
00:12But controversy, frustration and a sense of injustice defied their afternoon as a narrow moment turned into a massive missed opportunity.
00:21The Premier League race for European places ended in dramatic fashion with Newcastle United, Chelsea and Aston Villa all heavily involved on a tense final day of the season.
00:33Newcastle secured a Champions League place despite suffering a 1-0 defeat at home to Everton.
00:40Their qualification was confirmed as neither Aston Villa nor Nottingham Forest, their closest rivals, managed to pick up wins of their own.
00:48It capped off a hugely successful campaign for the Magpies who also lifted the EFL Cup, their first major domestic trophy in 70 years.
00:57Their return to Europe's top competition marks another step forward under Eddie Howe's leadership.
01:03Chelsea also booked their place in next season's Champions League with a vital 1-0 win away at Nottingham Forest.
01:11Levy Colwell scored the winner as Enzo Mareska's side climbed to fifth, finishing level on points with Newcastle but behind them on goal difference.
01:21The Blues, who are also preparing for a UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis, now have the chance to become the first club to win all three major European competitions.
01:33Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
01:37Aston Villa, meanwhile, were left to reflect on what might have been after a controversial 2-0 defeat at Manchester United.
01:46At 0-0, Morgan Rodgers had the ball in the net only for the referee to blow the whistle seconds earlier.
01:51Captain John McGinn described the decision as incredible and hard to take.
01:57Villa needed just a point to finish in the top five but instead dropped to sixth and must settle for the Europa League.
02:04In the end it was joy for Newcastle and Chelsea but frustration for Villa, a thrilling conclusion to a fiercely competitive campaign.
02:14In the end it was joy for Newcastle and Chelsea.
