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Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendia, and Morgan Rogers each found the net with spectacular goals as Aston Villa clinched their first major trophy in 30 years by defeating Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final on Wednesday night. Unai Emery’s side entered the match in Istanbul as firm favourites — largely because their Spanish manager had already lifted the trophy four times before — and they showcased their superiority with two superb strikes towards the end of a tense first half.

The opening goal came from Tielemans, who timed his run perfectly to volley home from just inside the box after Villa executed a short corner routine.

Only four minutes later, Villa doubled their advantage in equally stunning fashion when Buendia curled a beautiful shot into the top right corner after being picked out by John McGinn.

The Premier League side sealed the result just before the hour mark as Rogers finished a lovely team move that featured brilliant wing play from Buendia — effectively turning the match into Villa’s very own Goal of the Month contest.

Below are the player ratings for Aston Villa’s stars in their first European triumph since lifting the European Cup back in 1982.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Emiliano Martinez (7/10):

Despite reports of a possible injury in the warm-up, the Argentine goalkeeper started the match and, apart from one nervy moment in the second half, looked completely untroubled in goal.

Matty Cash (6/10):

The right-back was forced to walk a disciplinary tightrope after an early yellow card for a rash tackle but managed the rest of the match well, though some of his passing was inconsistent.

Ezri Konsa (8/10):

Konsa enjoyed a comfortable night, dealing with danger calmly and making key clearances when required. His passing was crisp and accurate, and he even posed a threat on set-pieces at the other end.

Pau Torres (7/10):

The Spanish defender had a relatively easy evening alongside Konsa but made several critical interventions, particularly when he thwarted Philipp Lienhart from getting a clear shot on goal.

Lucas Digne (6/10):

A steady performance from the left-back, who stayed disciplined defensively even though his attacking contribution was limited.

Midfield

Victor Lindelof (7/10):

The former Manchester United defender, now thriving in midfield, delivered another composed performance in Istanbul, shielding the backline effectively and breaking up Freiburg’s attacks.

Youri Tielemans (8/10):

Mixed his usual elegance with grit in midfield and provided the crucial breakthrough before half-time with a brilliantly executed volley.

Attack

John McGinn (8/10):

The Scottish midfielder was his usual energetic self, orchestrating play and setting up Buendia’s goal with a perfectly weighted pass. He remained a constant attacking threat.

Morgan Rogers (8/10):

Sharp from the outset, Rogers nearly scored inside three minutes. His lofted pass assisted Tielemans’ goal, and he later capped off a fine display with a well-taken finish to make it 3-0.

Emiliano Buendia (9/10):

Although booked early for a stray arm on Niklas Beste, the composed Argentine quickly refocused to double Villa’s lead with a superb curling shot from the edge of the box. He later assisted Rogers’ third with some clever dribbling. Loses one point for missing a late chance to score again.

Ollie Watkins (7/10):

Worked tirelessly up front, making intelligent runs and using his strength to unsettle Freiburg’s defence even though he didn’t get much service early on.

Subs & Manager

Amadou Onana (6/10):

Came on for Lindelof midway through the second half and nearly scored with a shot that hit the post.

Ian Maatsen (N/A):

Replaced Digne in the 81st minute without enough time to make an impact.

Jadon Sancho (N/A):

Came on for Buendia with ten minutes remaining.

Tyrone Mings (N/A):

Substituted in during the final minutes of the match.

Douglas Luiz (N/A):

Took over from Tielemans in stoppage time with little opportunity to influence the game.

Unai Emery (9/10):

The Spanish tactician once again proved his mastery of European competition, perfectly balancing his lineup and guiding Villa to their first continental title in decades. In front of the Prince of Wales, Emery demonstrated why he is regarded as the King of the Europa League, lifting the trophy for the fifth time in his managerial career. His transformation of the club since taking over from Steven Gerrard has been extraordinary, and with this triumph, his legacy at Villa Park is now cemented.