On this day in 2013, Aston Villa were able to beat Bradford City 2-1 but failed to progress to the final of the EFL Cup. 11 years on, fans have reacted to the disappointment of the aggregate defeat.
It has been a long time since 1996 when Aston Villa won the League Cup against Leeds United and that was the last trophy won.
In 2013, it looked as if that hoodoo could be over as Villa drew Bradford City in the semi-final of the EFL Cup.
The first leg certainly didn’t go to plan as even with the talents of Christian Benteke, Gabby Agbonlahor and Charles N’Zogbia, Villa didn’t win. This despite plenty of chances which Matt Duke kept out.
Nahki Wells latched onto a deflected shot to open the scoring. After this Rory McArdle went on to double the lead. The away side had one back through Andi Weimann late on. This didn’t count for much as Carl McHugh netted to make it 3-1.
The reverse leg at Villa Park saw the home side needing a big win to secure a place at Wembley against Swansea City.
The Villans did get back into the tie after just 24 minutes as Christian Benteke latched onto a cross. Jim Hansen scored for Bradford from yet another set piece which set the tie in the away side’s favour. Weimann scored late on but it didn’t matter in the end.
The defeat signified one of the most disappointing results in the club’s history. Given that the final was against Swansea, a trophy could have been in their grasp. 11 years on, Villa fans have opened up about the day.
Aston Villa fans react to Bradford City defeat 11 years on
Given that the game was on this day 11 years ago, fans have been discussing the moment on social media. AVFC Faithful on Twitter said: 11 years ago today…still can’t believe we lost that. Greatest chance of a trophy in my lifetime.”
It must be said that the Villans have reached an FA and EFL Cup final since this defeat. Although fans would suggest games against Arsenal and Manchester City were tougher than a potential tie against Swansea City.
This fan summed it up well by saying: “Losing this semi-final to Bradford was the most Villa thing that Villa has ever done.”
It must be said that this was hugely disappointing. Villa fans were the only side on the wrong side of the fairytale narrative.
This fan made the point of the final being an easier clash best. This as they said: “Very true, Swansea were doing ok, but we would have stood a fair chance of beating them in the final.”
The Swans went on to win 4-0 at Wembley which only added to the disappointment of the whole situation. It isn’t something that Villa fans want to recollect upon but it just goes to show how different times are now.
