Aston Villa ended their 30-year wait for major silverware after defeating SC Freiburg to win the UEFA Europa League Final in Istanbul.
The Premier League side produced a dominant performance at Besiktas Park, securing a convincing victory through goals from Youri Tielemans, Emi Buendia and Morgan Rogers.
The win also marked Villa’s second major European title, 44 years after lifting the European Cup in 1982.
Emery delivers European glory
Manager Unai Emery continued his remarkable Europa League record by guiding Villa to continental success in just over three years after replacing Steven Gerrard in November 2022.
When Emery arrived, Villa were hovering above the relegation zone. Now, they are Europa League champions and firmly established among England’s elite sides.
Villa took control shortly before half-time when Tielemans produced a superb volley from a short-corner routine to break the deadlock.
Buendia doubled the advantage in stoppage time of the opening half with a brilliant curling effort from outside the area that left Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu with no chance.
Rogers seals comfortable victory
Villa continued their dominance after the break and Rogers added a third goal just before the hour mark, turning home Buendia’s low cross at the near post.
The Bundesliga side struggled to respond as Villa controlled the game.
Amadou Onana later struck the post, while Buendia missed another opportunity as Emery’s side threatened to extend the scoreline further.
Villa end long wait for silverware
The victory handed Villa their first major trophy since winning the League Cup in 1996 and their first European title since the club’s famous European Cup triumph in 1982.
Among those present in Istanbul were nine members of Villa’s historic 1982 side, who witnessed another memorable night in the club’s history.
Prince William, a well-known Villa supporter, was also seen celebrating passionately at full-time as the Midlands club completed a landmark achievement under Emery.
