Full Breakdown
Aston Villa Secure First Europa League Title in 44 Years with 3-0 Victory over SC Freiburg
5/21/2026, 6:57:47 AM
The Final: Villa’s 3-0 Triumph in Istanbul
On 22 May 2024, Aston Villa defeated SC Freiburg 3-0 at Besiktas Park in Istanbul to win the UEFA Europa League. Goals were scored by Youri Tielemans (40´), Emiliano Buendía (stoppage-time first half) and Morgan Rogers (58´). Unai Emery managed Villa; Julian Schuster managed Freiburg.
Road to the Final
Villa’s previous European final was the 1982 European Cup, which they won. This was their first major final in 44 years. Freiburg reached their inaugural major European final, becoming the 16th German side to do so. The two clubs had never met in a European final before; their last UEFA Europa League encounter was in the 2023-24 group stage, where Freiburg won both matches.
Key Figures and Performances
Emery entered his sixth European final, matching Carlo Ancelotti, Sir Alex Ferguson and José Mourinho for total major-final appearances. Tielemans, Buendía and Rogers each contributed a goal. Villa’s Morgan Rogers led the competition with 27 created chances and 16 clean-sheet matches, the second-most in the tournament. For Freiburg, Johan Manzambi topped possession-won (72) and duels-won (97) statistics, while Vincenzo Grifo recorded five goals and four assists.
Match Statistics and Records
Villa recorded 26 wins in major European competition during the 2023-24 season, the highest total among clubs, and kept 16 clean sheets, second only to Arsenal. Freiburg scored 25 Europa League goals this season, the fourth-most by a German side historically. Villa’s eight goals after the 76th minute were the most by any side in the competition this campaign.
Significance and Impact
The win ends Villa’s 44-year wait for a continental trophy and secures a place in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League group stage. It also marks the first consecutive English Europa League victories since the competition’s inaugural seasons (1971-72, 1972-73). For German football, the final was the first all-German-debutant final since Schalke 04 in 1996-97.
Official Statements & Responses
Villa’s camp highlighted the collective effort, noting the squad’s preparation and execution throughout the tournament. Emery praised the team’s composure, describing the performance as “calm and controlled.” Freiburg’s representatives acknowledged the quality of the opposition and expressed pride in reaching their first final.
On-the-Ground Observations
Prince William attended the match, interacting with players before the game and joining celebrations on the pitch. Fans reported a festive atmosphere, with confetti and chants following each Villa goal. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made a notable save from Johan Manzambi early in the second half.
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
Aston Villa will begin their Champions League campaign in the 2024-25 group stage, while Freiburg returns to the Bundesliga season having concluded their historic European run. Both clubs will assess squad needs ahead of their respective domestic campaigns.
