Here we are, hours away from what is most likely Villa’s biggest match since 1982: A European cup final. It’s not the big one, but it’s big enough. And the 30-year wait for silverware of any kind might finally come to an end.

And what a fitting end it would be, the undisputed master of the this tournament taking a side bereft of identity, reshaping them, and leading them step by step back into Europe, to quarter- and semifinals, and now the kind of occasion the grand old club deserves. Another German opponent, as well.

Having gone down as meekly as a team as team could after being teased by Lerner’s arrival and sixth-place finishes under Martin O’Neill, it was Dean Smith who ultimately came to the rescue. A 10-match winning streak. A second consecutive play-off final. Redemption. Never mind an escape from financial calamity. And it was Smith who laid the foundations of this squad: Emi Martinez, Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Ollie Watkins. Emi Buendia, bless his competitive heart. We’ll thank Steve Bruce for Super John McGinn and the cabbage that will live in history. Douglas Luiz might not be starting after returning, but he was as responsible as anyone on the pitch for the miraculous Covid survival run. Ross Barkley was another of Smith’s rolls of the dice, however little he’s actually on the pitch. We’ll forgive him dear old Leon. Didn’t look quite so bad back in the day.

From the heights under Deadly Doug to the nadir under Randy Lerner and Dr. Tony (Xia) and then rescue by Nassef Sawaris and Wes Edens. From Houllier to McLeish, Lambert, Sherwood, Garde, Di Matteo, Bruce and finally Deano. The miserable reign of Steven Gerrard rounds out the list and without his sour ineptitude we’d not have ended up with Unai Emery.

It isn’t the worst or best story in footballing history, but for supporters it’s held just about everything. Except major honours. There’s been loads of heartbreak and resignation, cynicism and optimism. That play-off final was the second-most important victory in my fairly considerable years following the Villa, certainly more meaningful than a League Cup.

And can anyone really believe it’s been 20 years since Lerner bought the club? I know was a lot younger and better looking then.

Now, though, there’s a chance to cap Emery’s Villa revival with an impressive finish. To get the word ‘champions’ back into the club’s vocabulary and mentality.

Anything can happen in a final, of course. I think I speak for most Villans in saying that if we show up like we did against Forest and Liverpool, we’re in with a very good shout. It’s about mentality, players wanting it, believing they’re worthy of it, and knowing they have to leave absolutely everything on the pitch in Istanbul. We know Emery wants it and will have a game plan that gives them every chance. The players have shown they’ve got the necessary resilience.

So come on you Villa boys. It’s right in front of you. Go grab it. For you and for us.

Over to you.