Football/ Aston Villa end 30-year wait with Europa League glory in Istanbul
John McGinn lifted the Europa League trophy on Wednesday as Aston Villa defeated Freiburg 3-0 to claim their first major silverware since 1996.
Goals from Youri Tielemans, Emi Buendia and Morgan Rogers sealed a memorable night in Istanbul, watched by nine heroes from Villa’s 1982 European Cup win. Manager Unai Emery celebrated his fifth Europa League title a competition record.
“We are not going to stop,” said Emery. “This trophy makes us so happy, but the ambition continues.”
Villa had already secured a return to the Champions League after a top-five Premier League finish.
The victory adds a European crown to a remarkable turnaround under Emery, who took over in 2022 with the club just three points above the relegation zone.
Thousands of Villa fans packed Besiktas Park, easily outnumbering Freiburg’s following. Prince William was among the spectators, filming the trophy lift on his phone.
