Aston Villa they ended their 30-year wait for major silverware after the defeat SC Freiburg win the UEFA Europa League final in Istanbul.
The Premier League side produced a dominant display at Besiktas Park, securing a convincing win with goals from Youri Tielemans, Emi Buendia and Morgan Rogers.
The win also marked Villa’s second major European title, 44 years after winning the European Cup in 1982.
Emery carries European glory
Manager Unai Emery continued his outstanding 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. They are now champions of the Europa League and firmly established among England’s elite clubs.
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 lead in first-half stoppage time with a brilliant strike from outside the penalty area that left Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu with no chance.
Rogers scores a comfortable victory
Villa continued their dominance after the break and Rogers added a third just before the hour mark, turning Buendia’s low cross at the near post.
The Bundesliga side struggled to respond as Villa controlled the game.
Amadou Onana later hit the post, while Buendia missed another chance as Emery’s side threatened to extend the lead.
Villa at the end of a long wait for silverware
The win gave 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 squad, who witnessed another unforgettable 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 remarkable run under Emery.
