- SC Freiburg 0-3 Aston Villa
- Youri Tielemans (41′), Emi Buendía (45+3′), Morgan Rogers (58′)
Unai Emery and Aston Villa cement their legacy in the club’s history books as they win their first major trophy in 30 years, by brushing aside SC Freiburg 3-0.
The atmosphere and build-up to kick-off was incredible with the two sets of supporters singing their absolute hearts out. When the first whistle was blown, the game began as you expected, with both teams working the other out.
An early chance fell the way to Morgan Rogers, who struck a powerful shot at Noah Atubolu, but it was comfortably saved.
Then, Villa began to control possession, however, the man-to-man press of Freiburg was forcing them to play long balls into Ollie Watkins.
Julian Schuster’s side also had some spells on the ball, but ultimately lacked quality in the final third, being dispossessed numerous times.
Neither team though were able to create many chances and the first half seemed to be approaching the break in a stalemate. That was until, the Villans produced two moments of sublime magic.
The first, saw an Austin MacPhee corner routine give Villa the lead. Lucas Digne played it short to Morgan Rogers, who then played an incredible floating pass to Youri Tielemans on the edge of the box, with the Belgian meeting it on the volley to rifle it into the back of the net.
Moments later, Emi Buendía created his own phenomenal piece of play. Freiburg failed to get out of their box, after successive corners, which allowed Villa to recycle. John McGinn played it into the Argentinian, who had space to take a touch and whip a fantastic effort with his weaker foot into the far corner.
The Villa supporters were sent into raptures and they took a two goal lead into the break.
Freiburg started the second half dictating the tempo of the game, but wasn’t able to penetrate Villa’s defence. Unai Emery’s side was happy to let them have the ball, as it was played in front of their midfield, giving them some sense of comfort.
But, Villa then showed their class once again. A sweeping move, built up from the back, allowed them to transition quickly. They broke down the left, with Buendía having space to run into, he collected the ball, displayed some quick feet, and drilled it across goal for Rogers to flick past Atubolu from a tight angle.
3-0. Calm was set among the players, and Villa was walking their way to a European trophy.
It was a comfortable night from then on. Villa created a few more chances and sapped all the life out of Freiburg. In the end, the Villans had too much quality for the German side and they swept them aside to win their first major trophy in 30 years, and become Europa League champions.
Here are ReadAstonVilla’s full-time ratings.
Emi Martínez – 7
Comfortable night for the Argentinian. Wasn’t tested too much, and his distribution was good as Villa looked to go long for the majority of the game.
Matty Cash – 7
Patrolled well down the right, having been given space to get forward. Didn’t face too much difficulty when defending.
Ezri Konsa – 8
Classy as ever. Makes it look so easy on the ball, and coped very well with a tenacious Igor Matanovic running around.
Pau Torres – 8
Like Konsa, he put in an effortless performance. Relaxed on the ball, despite being put under some pressure, and mopped up when needed.
Lucas Digne – 7
All round solid game. Didn’t need to defend too much and was composed on the ball. For a European final, he will be please with lack of trouble he faced.
Victor Lindelöf – 8
Cool as ice from the “Iceman.” Another superb performance, really classy on the ball, and screened in front of the back four very well. Villa’s best signing of the season.
Youri Tielemans – 8
Simply sublime volley to give Villa the lead. Much better display when his team needed it most. Midfield maestro shining bright once again.
John McGinn – 8
No one more deserving to the lift the trophy than him. Used his body so well to buy time to get Villa up the pitch, and displayed some amazing first touches. Cements his legacy as one of the club’s greatest every captain.
Morgan Rogers – 9
Due to the way Villa went forward, he didn’t need to get on the ball too much. But the times he did he drove them forward. Played an incredible weighted pass to set up Tielemans for the opener, and produced a centre-forward run to get ahead of the defender to score Villa’s third.
Emi Buendía – 9
Big game player. Fantastic performance once again. Superbly taken goal with his weak foot, and showed delightful foot work and vision to pick out Rogers for the third. Outstanding.
Ollie Watkins – 7
Worked his socks off as usual. Will be frustrated he didn’t do better given the positions he got himself in, but overall his recent form is the reason Villa was in the final.
