SportFootballAston Villa FCASTON 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 title21:52, 20 May 2026Updated 21:58, 20 May 2026Aston 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.JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook pageREAD MORE: Southampton LOSE Spygate appeal as Middlesbrough set for Championship play-off finalREAD MORE: Why does Prince William support Aston Villa? Reason future King loves Europa League finalistsThe 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.‌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.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Article continues belowChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Aston Villa FCEuropa League finalUEFA Europa LeagueEuropa LeagueUnai Emery