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Aston Villa win first trophy in 30 years as Unai Emery extends Europa League record

ASTON VILLA 3-0 FREIBURG: Goals from Youri Tielemans, Emi Buendia and Morgan Rogers in Istanbul earn Villa their first major trophy since 1996 and Unai Emery's fifth Europa League title

[Emi Buendia of Aston Villa celebrates ]

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Emi Buendia curled in Aston Villa's second goal just before half-time(Image: Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Aston Villa have won their first major trophy in 30 years after a fantastic performance earned them victory over Freiburg in the Europa League final. Youri Tielemans' volley and Emi Buendia's top-corner effort had them 2-0 up by half-time and Unai Emery's record-extending fifth Europa League title was secured when Morgan Rogers stabbed in at the near post after the break.

Prince William was in Istanbul to witness Villa claim their first piece of silverware since the 1996 League Cup and their first European trophy since the 1982 European Cup. The victory also saw Emery add to his three Europa League triumphs with Sevilla and one with Villarreal to further burnish his reputation as the king of the competition.

Villa's direct approach in going long for Ollie Watkins had some success, but it was a training ground set piece routine that opened the scoring. A short corner was worked to Rogers whose delicate cross to the back post found an unmarked Tielemans, who smashed a low volley into the corner.

Eight minutes later, on the stroke of half-time, and it was 2-0 with Buendia picking out the top corner from the edge of the box as Freiburg's defence once again left too much space. TV cameras showed Prince William celebrating wildly in the stands with thousands of other delirious Villa supporters.

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The occasion was just as momentous for Freiburg, who had never previously been in a major continental final of any kind. But the German side, who finished seventh in the Bundesliga, struggled to get to grips with a dominant Villa side and spurned their best chance when Nicolas Hofler dragged his shot wide in the opening stages.

Rogers had tested Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu early on and he claimed his goal by stealing in at the near post to touch home Buendia's low cross. With the game won, Villa turned to their bench and comfortably saw it out as their fans partied in the stands.

Emery won the Europa League with Sevilla in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and with Villarreal in 2021. And while he did lose the 2019 final with Arsenal against Chelsea, he was already the most successful manager in the competition's history before Villa's perfect night at Besiktas Park.

[ Prince William, Prince of Wales celebrates the first goal ]

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Prince William was there to celebrate Aston Villa's success(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt/Getty Images)

The 54-year-old joined Villa in October 2022 and promised to bring silverware to the club. He has now delivered on that promise, in the competition which has defined his managerial career.

Villa were already assured of a place in next season's Champions League, sitting fourth in the Premier League table ahead of their final game of the season against Manchester City on Sunday. But their win will delight fans of Bournemouth and Brighton, who could now claim a place in the Champions League by finishing sixth, if Villa drop to fifth on the final day.

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Aston Villa - Europa League glory special edition on sale now

Unai Emery and his squad have brought silverware back to Villa Park by lifting the Europa League crown. And to celebrate we have produced this stunning souvenir special edition, charting Villa's path to glory.

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It is full of interviews, features, striking images and celebrations as we look back at a season to remember.

Order your copy HERE

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