Aston Villa defeated SC Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final at the Vodafone Arena in Istanbul on Wednesday, cementing Villans’ boss Unai Emery as one of Europe’s all-time great managers.
The legacy-securing victory is Emery’s fifth as a manager – three with Sevilla, one with Villarreal, and now another with Aston Villa.
Two spectacular first-half finishes from Youri Tielemans and Emi Buendia set the Villans’ trophy charge in motion.
Morgan Rogers’ neatly tucked away goal in the 58th minute sealed Freiburg’s fate and highlighted Aston Villa’s dominant victory and performance.
Victory proof of progression
Emery told TNT Sports that his side’s stunning victory was a result of all the hard work and steps forward they’ve taken in his three-and-a-half years with the historic club.
“It’s really something fantastic,” Emery said.
“We played in a very serious way this year. So, so focused. I was telling them, ‘we need desire in this competition and to show on the pitch that you are the protagonist’. And they did it.
“This final is the confirmation of how we are progressing.”
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Everything coming together
Aston Villa captain John McGinn, who put in a commanding showing in midfield, emphasised the growth and togetherness among everyone at the club until this point.
“I can’t believe it,” McGinn said. “This club was close to being in a right bad way seven years ago.
“Nassef Sawiris bought the club and had one remit: to get the club back to the Premier League and then try to compete at the levels it had before.
“Tonight was everything we have built coming together.
“It’s the proudest night of my career so far. I’m going to try to enjoy it. I like to party sometimes. I’ll try to take it easy and soak it all in.
“I watched my mates win trophies – Andy Robertson, Jack Grealish – so it’s my turn tonight. Maybe not the big one they’ve won but to me it’s so, so special.
“I’ll treasure every minute,” McGinn added.
A history-making moment
The victory marks the Villans’ first in Europe since 1982 – a 44-year wait for fans to see their club back among Europe’s elite teams.
For Emery, he is now the only manager to have won five major European titles behind the legendary Carlo Ancelotti.
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SportJustSport writers 
Ella Magyar