VILLA HAALIDAY
Aston Villa stars and Wags go wild as Emi Martinez soaks team in champagne after Haaland goal secures Champions League
Super Erli finish means super late night as partying Villans celebrate earning place at Europe's top table
ERLING HAALAND sparked raucous joy amongst Aston Villa players and Wags as he booked them an historic Champions League spot.
The striker's double sunk Tottenham to put Manchester City on the brink of a fourth straight Prem title and ensure fourth place for the Villans.
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Villa keeper Emi Martinez led the wild scenes at the club's end of season awards, soaking his fellow stars in champagne after they leapt from their seats to scream in celebration.
But it was defender Lucas Digne who appeared the most ecstatic - dancing and yelling in font of the camera.
Boss Unai Emery raised his arms in delight - knowing for sure now his squad will finish below only City, Arsenal and Liverpool.
There was even royal rejoicing - via an official message from the Prince and Princess of Wales' social media account.
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Villa-mad Prince William was behind it as the club's post confirming qualification for the Champions League earned a regal re-tweeting.
William and wife Kate wrote: "We are Champions League! A historic season and an amazing achievement. Thanks to Unai, the whole squad and everyone at @AVFCOfficial. Can't wait for next season. #UTV! W"
The players were watching City's clash at Spurs on a large screen - in electric scenes shared by Villa on social media.
The room hushed as Haaland lined up a stoppage-time penalty at 1-0 up.
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And when the Norwegian thumped his spot-kick into the top corner to guarantee's City's victory, he became a Villa thriller - as the large indoor gathering 100 miles away exploded into ecstasy.
Amid the back-slapping and whoops of excitement, fans noted the first reaction of many guests was to take pictures of others celebrating!
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"Some party in here tonight!" posted one viewer.
"Wild celebrations of people filming each other," wrote another.
A third observed: "Absolute scenes as everyone films everyone else. "
Others put the achievement of reaching Europe's top club tournament into spectacular context.
Villa have never before qualified for the Champions League - and were last in its predecessor, the European Cup, as long ago as 1982-83, the season after they won that competition.
The club only returned to the Premier League in 2018, via the play-offs, following two terms out.
One fan said: "From Championship to Europe’s elite within 5 years. It’s been quite a journey."
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It was also not lost on many fans that Emery and Martinez are ex-Gunners.
So this message in particular might be painful to Arsenal fans: "Unai Emery and Emi Martinez stopped Arsenal winning a title by taking 6 points off them? Sounds like karma to me."
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