The truth behind Aston Villa's Champions League blueprint as 'crucial' point explained Aston Villa are targeting a top five finish this season to return to the Champions League Aston Villa are targeting Champions League qualification again After enjoying a taste of the Champions League this season, Aston Villa are hungry for more. Unai Emery’s side exited the competition at the quarter-final stage on Tuesday night, losing 5-4 on aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain. ‌ But Villa fans were treated to an unforgettable evening at Villa Park, as their team came back from two goals down to win 3-2 on the night. Youri Tielemans started the comeback with a goal in the 34th minute, before two strikes in quick succession - just three minutes apart - from John McGinn and Ezri Konsa turned the game around before the hour mark. Three more big chances followed, but went begging, before Ian Maatsen’s goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Willian Pacho in the third and final minute of second-half stoppage time. Article continues below Villa will now turn their focus to securing a return to UEFA’s elite club competition as they host Newcastle United at Villa Park on Saturday (5:30pm), followed by a clash with another Champions League contender, Manchester City, on Tuesday night. Emery’s side can close the gap to third-placed Newcastle to just two points with a win this weekend, and they currently sit only one point behind City. Villa’s revenue is projected to grow by around £100 million this season, after reporting a 27 percent increase last season to £275.7 million, up from £217.7 million the previous year. ‌ A significant portion of that growth was driven by a fourth-place Premier League finish - compared to seventh the year before - and a cup run to the semi-finals of the Conference League. Despite having to sell key players like Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby last summer, after qualifying for the Champions League, Villa’s squad is now deeper and stronger than ever. Although the club has lost hundreds of millions of pounds in recent years, they are strategically prepared for the financial challenges posed by Profit and Sustainability Rules and squad cost rules, relying on player sales to some extent. ‌ Last summer, Youri Tielemans was signed on a free transfer a year before Luiz was sold, while Ross Barkley was acquired for a minimal fee. When Jhon Durán was sold to Al-Nassr for £65 million plus add-ons, a loan move for Marcus Rashford was swiftly lined up. Qualifying for Champions League football would give Villa their best chance to continue building the strongest possible squad this summer. However, the club has not based its long-term project on qualifying for UEFA’s top competition every season. Article continues below Playing in the Champions League every year is not essential to the club’s business model. That said, competing in Europe remains crucial. It enables Villa to maintain a large, competitive squad capable of challenging in the league, domestic cups, and continental tournaments. Will Villa qualify for the Champions League? Tell us here