Villa now in the big leagues, thanks to their manager

On The Ball | There are doubts about the new Champions League format, its extended group stage and "Swiss model" fixture list. Try telling that to anyone connected with Aston Villa, though.

- john Brewin

Make no mistake: Villa remain one of English football's biggest clubs, the most successful from the West Midlands conurbation of almost 3 million. It's just that most of that success occurred a long time ago.

In 1982, Villa were winners of the old European Cup. Wednesday reunited them with Bayern Munich, their opponents from that year's final.

Just as in 1982, the score was 1-0 to Villa. Their home, Villa Park, a historic ground that retains much of its 20th century charm, rocked with emotion.

Villa have spent long in the wilderness, and even endured spells in the second tier, unable to match ambitions and live up to history.

Now, with finances provided by V Sports, a company owned by the Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris, American billionaire Wes Edens, and American investment company Atairos, Villa are dining at the top table.