Aston Villa ends 13-year European exile after beating Brighton 2-1

Villa secured its highest Premier League finish for 13 years, and with it a route into the Europa Conference League.

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring the side’s second goal against Brighton. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Aston Villa ended its 13-year European exile after a nervy 2-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion 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 for Brighton — 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, is 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.