The English club delivered a polished and clinical performance as stunning strikes from Youri Tielemans and Emiliano Buendia laid the foundation for a famous European triumph before Morgan Rogers added the finishing touch in the second half. Under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, Villa once again showed why they have become one of England’s most dangerous sides this season. 

The victory secured the club’s first trophy since lifting the League Cup in 1996, while also ending a 44-year wait for major European silverware. 

John McGinn. Photo: AVFC

In ’96 Villa famously beat Leeds 3-0 in the League Cup final, while their last continental title was in 1982 when they beat the German giants, Bayern Munich, 1-0 in the European Cup final in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Villa struck first late in the opening half when Tielemans unleashed a thunderous volley that left the Freiburg goalkeeper with no chance. Moments later, Buendia doubled the advantage with a beautifully curled effort that sent the travelling supporters into celebration mode.

The Germans struggled to cope with Villa’s pace, intensity and attacking quality, and Rogers put the result beyond doubt after the break with a composed finish to complete a dominant display.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has now won the Europa League five times as a coach. Photo: AVFC

For Villa supporters, the victory evoked memories of the club’s greatest night: the ’82 European Cup final triumph over Bayern Munich. Now a new generation of stars, including Tielemans, Buendia, John McGinn and Rogers, have written their own chapter in Birmingham folklore.

There was also a fitting touch to the occasion as Villa wore white shirts in the final, the same colour they famously wore during the ’82 victory over Bayern Munich. The triumph further cemented Emery’s remarkable reputation in the Europa League. 

The Spaniard has now won the competition five times, having previously lifted the trophy three times with Sevilla and once with Villarreal. Although Emery played down suggestions this week that he is the “king” of the Europa League, Villa’s commanding performance only strengthened that reputation.

Youri Tielemans opened the scoring in Istanbul. Photo: UEFA Europa League

Captain John McGinn said winning the Europa League is one of the proudest moments in his career.

“It’s the proudest night of my career, I’ll try to enjoy it,” said McGinn. I like to party, but I’ll take it easy to try and soak it all in. 

“Being 31, in my first European final, I’ve seen my mates Jack Grealish and Andy Robertson win European trophies. It’s my turn. It’s so special, I’ll cherish every minute.”

Morgan Rogers sealed the deal with Villa’s third goal. Photo: UEFA Europa League

Villa’s European success caps a remarkable turnaround to the season. Earlier this month, they also secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League after beating Liverpool.

That achievement seemed highly unlikely earlier in the campaign when Villa endured a miserable six-match winless run and managed to score only twice during that difficult spell.

The Birmingham-based club will wrap up their 2025/26 season on Sunday when they face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, with kick-off at the Etihad locked in at 17:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh