Aston Villa beat Liverpool to secure a Champions League spot.

Aston Villa secured a Champions League berth after a 4‑2 victory over Liverpool on Friday, a result that leaves the Reds in danger of missing out on Europe’s top competition next season.

Ollie Watkins scored twice as Villa manager Unai Emery was rewarded for selecting a strong lineup just days before the Europa League final.

Liverpool dropped to fifth place and remain only four points ahead of Bournemouth, who still have two games to play.

Even if the Reds manage to qualify for the Champions League, the manner of this defeat has raised new questions about Arne Slot’s future.

Liverpool’s Dutch manager Arne Slot reacts to conceding their fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on May 15, 2026. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP)

Slot has maintained confidence that he will remain in charge next season, despite a disappointing title defence.

He was again hampered by a long injury list, with Alisson Becker, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike unavailable, while Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah were only fit enough to come off the bench.

However, Liverpool collapsed in the second half after regaining the lead with a goal from Virgil van Dijk.

Emery had learned a lesson after a second‑string side was booed off and defeated by struggling Tottenham ahead of Villa’s Europa League semi‑final second leg against Nottingham Forest.

The Spaniard named what many expect to be his starting lineup for Wednesday’s final against Freiburg in Istanbul, as Villa aim to win a major trophy for the first time in 30 years.

A well‑executed short corner routine set up Morgan Rogers, who curled in the opening goal four minutes before half‑time.

Liverpool’s Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah (C) shakes hands with Aston Villa’s Scottish midfielder #07 John McGinn (L) on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on May 15, 2026. Villa won the game 4-2. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP)

Liverpool responded after the break, with Van Dijk heading in from a Dominik Szoboszlai free‑kick.

Moments later, the visitors were inches from taking the lead when Rio Ngumoha struck the inside of the post.

But momentum swung decisively back to Villa when Szoboszlai slipped deep into his own half to allow Rogers to cross for Watkins to tap in.

Villa’s attack then surged, with Emi Buendía’s curling effort rebounding off the crossbar.

Liverpool failed to clear the corner, and Watkins pounced for his second goal after a double save from Giorgi Mamardashvili denied Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres.

A sensational strike from captain John McGinn that found the top corner rounded off a night that will be remembered for Villa, who are set for only a second season in the Champions League since 1982/83.

Van Dijk added another consolation in stoppage time for Liverpool.

Should Bournemouth defeat Manchester City on Tuesday, Liverpool will face a tense final day at home to Brentford to avoid missing out on the Champions League.

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