I know a lot can happen at the end of a final, but as it looks right now, there’s nothing stopping Aston Villa. At least not Freiburg!
Villa went into Wednesday’s big favourite in Istanbul as heavy favourites to secure their first trophy in 30 years against a Freiburg side playing their first European final.
However, Freiburg were not overwhelmed by the opportunity, and Villa had struggled to break them down for much of what was a cautious first half for long periods, with Unai Emery’s men creating few chances after Morgan Rogers tested Noah Atubolu early on.
After 66 minutes in Istanbul, Aston Villa leads 3 – 0 over Freiburg.
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Aston Villa beat Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals, while Freiburg made it past Braga. Now they meet in the final in Istanbul.
There has been tension with Swede Victor Nilsson Lindelöf who seems to have convinced manager Unai Emery. Once again, he starts for Aston Villa. In the official line-up, the Swede is listed as a centre-back, but lately he has mainly played as a defensive midfielder – he also does so in the final.
With Aston Ville, it will mean they are doubly qualified for the Champions League. – With one game left, no one can take away their top five position in the Premier League, which this year means qualification. (Ranked 4th)
The first half offered few big chances. Aston Villa had a golden opportunity to take the lead early on, but Morgan Rogers’ shot was saved by Noah Atubolu.
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Instead, the lead came in the 41st minute, after a nice corner variation that ended with a volley from Youri Tielemans.
And just before half-time, Emiliano Buendia made it 2-0 – with an even more beautiful finish. Instead of getting closer in the second half, Freiburg conceded a third goal, and this time it was Morgan Rogers who scored the goal.
The teams:
Aston Villa: Martinez – Cash, Konsa, Lindelöf, Torres, Digne – McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers, Buendia – Watkins
Freiburg: Atubolu – Kübler, Ginter, Lienhart, Treu – Eggestein, Höfler – Beste, Manzamvi, Grifo – Matanovic
