Aston Villa’s 1982 season was the most glorious in the club’s modern history, highlighted by their stunning European Cup triumph. Under manager Tony Barton, who succeeded Ron Saunders mid-season, Villa defied the odds to conquer Europe.
After a solid domestic campaign that saw them finish 11th in the First Division, their focus turned to Europe, where they beat Anderlecht, Dynamo Kyiv, and CSKA Sofia to reach the final. On 26 May 1982, in Rotterdam, Villa defeated Bayern Munich 1–0, thanks to Peter Withe’s goal and heroic goalkeeping from substitute Nigel Spink.
The victory crowned Aston Villa as champions of Europe, the pinnacle of their proud history.
