When Aston Villa tasted glory in Istanbul in May, it was described as their first European silverware for 44 years. Which was true in a sense, and certainly their first major continental trophy since the 1982 European Cup. But not in another: the 1982 Super Cup was not played until January 1983. Tony Barton’s side showed their capacity for upsetting the continental aristocracy was not confined to Bayern Munich by sweeping Barcelona aside 3-0 at Villa Park.
But, even though it came eight months after they beat Bayern, there was a continuity. Nine of the starters in the first leg had begun the European Cup final. Villa’s second Super Cup final, however, will come with distinct differences from the game that secured their participation in it.
