Aston Villa confirmed their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League after defeating Liverpool 4-2 in a thrilling Premier League match at Villa Park on May 16, 2026. The victory marked a major achievement for Unai Emery’s side, who capitalized on Liverpool’s late-season slump to secure a top-four finish. Morgan Rogers opened the scoring for Villa before Virgil van Dijk equalized early in the second half. Ollie Watkins then struck twice to restore and extend Villa’s lead, while John McGinn added a late goal. Van Dijk scored again in stoppage time, but Liverpool could not avoid defeat.

The result ended Liverpool’s hopes of comfortably qualifying for the Champions League, leaving them fifth with 59 points after 37 matches. It was their 19th loss in all competitions this season and the first time under Arne Slot that they conceded four goals in a single match. Villa, with 62 points, sit fourth and are guaranteed a top-five finish regardless of their final match result.

Aston Villa will next face Freiburg in the Europa League final, entering the contest with renewed confidence after this decisive win.