Aston Villa Aston Villa are UEFA Europa League champions after a stunning 3-0 dismantling of SC Freiburg in Istanbul on Wednesday evening. Goals from Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rogers gave Unai Emery his fifth Europa League title as Villa lifted their first major European trophy since the 1982 European Cup.
It was a performance that belied the occasion. Villa were shaky in the opening 20 minutes as Freiburgs aggressive press disrupted their build-up play, but once they settled, they were relentless. The Bundesliga side had no answers from the 41st minute onwards.
How the Goals Went In
Villa broke the deadlock five minutes before half-time through a training-ground corner routine. Morgan Rogers floated the ball to the far post where Youri Tielemans ghosted in completely unmarked and volleyed cleanly into the net.
The second arrived in first-half stoppage time. Emiliano Buendia — cast out of the club just a year ago — picked up the ball outside the area, shifted onto his left foot, and curled a stunning effort into the top corner. Noah Atubolu went full stretch and did not get close.
The game was over just before the hour. Buendia turned provider on the left, delivering a low cross to the near post where Morgan Rogers slid in to make it 3-0. Freiburgs first European final in their history had turned into a comprehensive defeat.
Match Stats
| Stat | Freiburg | Aston Villa |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 4 | 17 |
| Shots on Target | 2 | 6 |
| xG | 0.22 | 2.08 |
| Possession | 51% | 49% |
| Corners | 1 | 8 |
Emery Makes History
This was Emery fifth Europa League title — won with Sevilla three times, Villarreal, and now Aston Villa — equalling Carlo Ancelotti and Giovanni Trapattoni for the most European trophies won as a manager. He has transformed Villa from a mid-table Premier League side to European champions in under three years.
Champions League Next Season
Aston Villa will compete in the UEFA Champions League in 2026-27. It completes one of the most remarkable turnarounds in English football. Villa were 14th when Emery arrived. They are now Europa League champions.
Freiburg 0-3 Aston Villa — Tupras Stadium, Istanbul. Goals: Tielemans (41 mins), Buendia (45+3 mins), Rogers (58 mins). Referee: Francois Letexier (FRA).
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