Villa ease past Freiburg to lift the Europa League | OneFootball

Aston Villa ended a 30-year wait for major silverware after beating Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final in Istanbul.

Unai Emery’s side arrived as favourites and fully lived up to that billing with a dominant display against the Bundesliga outfit, who struggled to cope once Villa found their rhythm.

After a fairly even opening spell, Villa took control late in the first half through a brilliant strike from Youri Tielemans. The Belgian midfielder met Morgan Rogers’ clever lofted pass with a superb volley that flew beyond Noah Atubolu.

Things got even better for the Premier League side in stoppage time when Emi Buendia curled a wonderful left-footed effort into the far corner after Freiburg failed to clear their lines.

Any hopes of a comeback disappeared shortly after the break. Buendia turned provider this time, drilling a low cross towards the near post where Rogers reacted sharply to guide home Villa’s third.

Villa could easily have added more, with Amadou Onana hitting the post and Buendia wasting another good opportunity late on.

Still, it did little to dampen the celebrations as Emery lifted a fifth Europa League trophy and Villa claimed their first European title since 1982.