Unai Emery cemented his reputation as the Europa League’s greatest manager after guiding Aston Villa to a commanding 3-0 victory over SC Freiburg in Wednesday’s final in Istanbul.
The win secured Emery a record-extending fifth Europa League title, drawing him level with coaching legends Carlo Ancelotti, Giovanni Trapattoni and José Mourinho for the most major European final victories by a manager.
Youri Tielemans opened the scoring with a stunning volley before Emiliano Buendía curled home Villa’s second in first-half stoppage time. Morgan Rogers added a third before the hour mark as the Premier League side cruised to victory.
The triumph marked Villa’s first major trophy since winning the League Cup in 1996 and their first European title since lifting the European Cup and Super Cup in 1982.
Emery, who previously won the competition three consecutive times with Sevilla FC and again with Villarreal CF, said he remained especially grateful for the Europa League.
“We fought strongly in this competition and tried to give it our best,” the Spaniard said after the match.
Villa’s rise under Emery has been dramatic since his appointment in 2022, when the club sat just above the relegation zone. He has since guided them back into the Champions League and restored the club among Europe’s elite.
Captain John McGinn hailed the victory as the proudest moment of his career, while striker Ollie Watkins praised Emery’s calm presence on the touchline during the final.
Since Emery’s arrival, only Real Madrid CF have recorded more wins in UEFA competitions than Aston Villa.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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