Aston Villa ends 13-year European exile after beating Brighton 2-1
Aston Villa's Leon Bailey, left and Brighton's Julio Enciso vie for the ball, during the English Premier League soccer match between Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove, at Villa Park, in Birmingham, England, Sunday May 28, 2023. Credit: AP/Barrington Coombs
BIRMINGHAM. England — Aston Villa ended its 13-year European exile after a nervy 2-1 win over Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday.
First-half strikes from Douglas Luiz and Ollie Watkins ensured Villa finished the season in seventh place.
Villa secured its highest Premier League finish for 13 years, and with it a route into the Europa Conference League. Seventh represents a triumph for Villa manager Unai Emery, having taken over a relegation-threatened side in October following Steven Gerrard’s dismissal.
Deniz Undav pulled one goal back — having also had a goal disallowed for offside — but the Seagulls were unable to find a leveler.
Brighton, in the third tier 12 years ago, are heading to Europe for the first time following its impressive season. Brighton had already sealed sixth and a Europa League place so all eyes were on the hosts.
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