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Aston Villa prepares for Champions League return amid squad changes

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 3:57 PM

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Aston Villa prepares for Champions League return amid squad changes

Summary

Aston Villa is set to compete in the Champions League for the upcoming season after winning the Europa League in May. Under manager Unai Emery, the team aims to maintain competitiveness despite financial constraints and notable player departures, including Morgan Rogers. Villa's recent performance against Paris Saint-Germain showcases their capability to challenge top-tier teams. As the season progresses, their ability to adapt after losing key players, such as Youri Tielemans and potentially Emiliano Martinez, will be pivotal.

Source Links

CBS Sports

Status Watch

•Aston Villa won the Europa League, securing a Champions League spot.
•Manager Unai Emery leads the team into a season of high expectations.
•Financial constraints limit Aston Villa's ability to retain key players.
•Villa lost Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for a record fee.
•Upcoming matches will test Villa's squad depth and resilience.

Latest Updates

3:57 PMCBS Sports — Aston Villa preview: Can Unai Emery's side weather a return to Champions League after selling Morgan Rogers?

What they're saying

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Can Unai Emery continue to defy the analytics and keep Aston Villa competitive in both the Premier League and the Champions League?
— CBS Sportsby James Benge

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Aston Villa Champions League Soccer