Emery seeks to break Supercup curse with Aston Villa

Aston Villa under Unai Emery face a historic challenge on Wednesday in Salzburg: breaking the curse that has haunted the Europa League champion in the UEFA Super Cup. According to Sport, the team that wins the second continental competition has not lifted this trophy since 2018, when Atlético Madrid achieved it.

Emery, with five Europa League titles on his record —three with Sevilla, one with Villarreal and another with Aston Villa— is the most decorated coach in the competition. However, he has competed in the Super Cup on five occasions and has never won it. The statistics are stark: in nine of the last ten editions since 2016, the Champions League winner has won the first official trophy of the season.

PSG under Luis Enrique arrive as favourites in this clash. Real Madrid dominates the historical record with six titles, while Barcelona and AC Milan complete the podium with five each. Barcelona last won in 2015.