The EFL Championship playoff final took centre stage this weekend, with Aston Villa defeating Derby County to secure a return to the English Premier League after three seasons away, while there were mixed fortunes for Africa's stars as Serie A and Ligue 1 were concluded.

No Championship side has leaned as heavily on African talent this season as Villa, whose squad of bright young things and experienced heads defeated the Rams 2-1 at Wembley in Monday's final.

There was a 'Made in Chelsea' feel about...

LONDON -- Aston Villa are back in the big time. Three seasons after being relegated from the Premier League, one of English football's aristocrats are back where many believe they belong after defeating Derby County in the EFL Championship playoff final, 2-1, to reclaim their place among the elite.

Of course, the reality is that no club has a divine right to play and succeed at any level of the game, but some clubs really should be too big to fail and Villa -- seven times champions of England...