The 44-year reason for Prince William's delight as captain fires Aston Villa into Europa League final
Updated . First published at
Captain John McGinn scored twice as Aston Villa routed Nottingham Forest 4-0 in the Europa League on Friday (AEST) to reach their first major European final in 44 years.
McGinn's second half goals were almost identical left-footed shots from the edge of the area to cap a dominant display at Villa Park in the second leg of the all-English semi-final.
The fulltime whistle was met with delight from roaring fans, including Prince William, who joined in dancing and singing Sweet Caroline with great gusto.
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William, Prince of Wales celebrates Aston Villa's second goal. Getty
Villa advanced 4-1 on aggregate and will face German club Freiburg in the May 21 (AEST) final in Istanbul.
Freiburg beat 10-man Braga 3-1 to advance 4-3 on aggregate.
It's Villa's first major European final since they triumphed over Bayern Munich in the European Cup in 1982 - less than a month before Prince William was born.
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Australia's Ange Postecoglou won the trophy with Tottenham Hotspur last year.
Star striker Ollie Watkins scored the opening goal before Argentina's Emi Buendia gave Villa the lead from the penalty spot.
Villa manager Unai Emery has already won the Europa League title four times - three with Sevilla and one with Villarreal.
"In the first leg, we were very passive," Watkins said.
"They deserved the win, but it was always going to be more difficult at Villa Park. After the performance against Tottenham, everyone's mind was on this game."
"There's no better manager than this to get us prepared for this game and take us into the final. His track record speaks for itself."
Crystal Palace also advanced to the final of the third-tier Conference League with a 5-2 aggregate win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Palace will face Spain's Rayo Vallecano in the final on May 28 (AEST) in Leipzig.
"I think everyone saw how good Shakhtar are, but the second goal showed everything about this team. I told the players, this is the reward you can't buy – I said it after the FA Cup final and again tonight," Palace manager Oliver Glasner said.
"They support each other, they work hard, the defenders celebrate together. This is what defines this group, a great mentality. We were tired after the first leg, so I'll let them enjoy it tonight.
"This is what our fans deserve, because they are always behind the team. A ninth away trip in this tournament, and they can enjoy it.
"It was our 55th game (of the season) today, and nobody looked fatigued."
Oliver Glasner gestures to his players. Getty
"For me personally, this final is massive. After I announced I would leave (at the end of the season), my duty was to work even harder, to make our fans proud.
"It'll be a fantastic last game (for me), playing for European silverware. We'll give it everything we have."
Rayo Vallecano beat Strasbourg 2-0 on aggregate.
