Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Wed 20 May 2026 21:52, UK

Aston Villa have ended their 30-year trophy drought after winning the Europa League final against Freiburg on Wednesday.

The Villans have lifted their first European trophy since 1982 at the Besiktas Stadium on 20 May, beating the Bundesliga outfit 3-0 on a special night.

Youri Tielemans and Emi Buendia sent travelling supporters into dreamland with some brilliant strikes towards the end of the first half.

Morgan Rogers then gave the trophy engraver no doubt about who would end up as the winners with his centre-forward-esque movement in the box, getting his foot at the end of a cross in the 57th minute.

Unai Emery got the better of Julian Schuster in Turkiye as the Spanish manager continues his incredible record in the competition.

Youri Tielemans Aston Villa cup hero vs Freiburg

Tielemans loves a cup final goal and delivered for Villa this time around in the Europa League final.

Austin MacPhee certainly deserves credit for the Villans’ opener at Besiktas Stadium as a short-corner routine led to the Belgium international’s special moment in the 40th minute.

Apart from the goal, the midfielder dictated play in the engine room and contributed defensively when he was called upon.

With the 29-year-old working his socks off for the Lions in the middle of the park and passing Schuster’s team out of the park, he deserves to be the Man of the Match in Turkey.

Emi Buendia with another special moment for Unai Emery

Buendia has been a key player for Emery this season, turning up in some crucial moments for Villa.

After a few disappointing years at Villa Park due to fitness issues, the 29-year-old has got back to his best in the current campaign and now has the Europa League winners’ medal to show for his contributions.

The Argentina international then turned provider as Rogers scored the third at around the hour mark to effectively seal the tie and could’ve secured a brace but missed an opportunity from close range.

Buendia continued to pose a constant threat to Freiburg’s defence despite the three-goal lead and the playmaker has capped off an impressive season with a title.

Rogers also deserves special mention after consistently delivering for the Lions in the big moments this season.

Aston Villa player ratings vs Freiburg

Emi Martinez – 7

Matty Cash – 7

Ezri Konsa – 8

Pau Torres – 8

Lucas Digne – 7

Victor Lindelof – 8

Youri Tielemans – 9

John McGinn – 8

Emi Buendia – 9

Morgan Rogers – 8

Ollie Watkins – 7

Substitutes:

Amadou Onana – 6

Ian Maatsen – 5

Jadon Sancho – 5

Tyrone Ming – N/A

Douglas Luiz – N/A