Tielemans starts party as Aston Villa outclass Freiburg to claim Europa League glory

Where would you like your statue, Mr Emery? Even before this emphatic Europa League triumph, Aston Villa supporters could hardly have held their manager in greater esteem. But now Emery, in winning the competition for a record fifth time, has delivered the thing he always wanted, a trophy to show for his transformative body of work.

Those who were not around for Rotterdam in 1982 will always cherish Istanbul in 2026. Thomas Tuchel had it right a few years ago when he suggested Uefa might as well rename the Europa League the Unai Emery trophy. Was there a better image on an unforgettable night than the sight of Emiliano Martínez giving his manager a piggyback as Villa got the celebrations under way? Villa’s squad formed a guard of honour for Freiburg , game but ultimately overpowered opponents, and then set about giving Emery the bumps as he walked on to the podium erected on the pitch. John McGinn, Villa’s superb captain, was the last to collect his medal from Uefa’s president, Aleksander Ceferin, before lifting the handleless trophy. Before long McGinn was darting towards the sea of delirious Villa fans crooning to We Are the Champions, showcasing the prize in all its glory, the engraving still raw. Quick Guide Race for Europe: what does Villa's victory mean? Show Aston Villa's victory in the Europa League final means that six Premier League teams could play in next season's Champions League – but only if Villa finish fifth in the table. Villa would qualify as Europa League winners, with the extra league phase place awarded to the team in sixth (currently Bournemouth ). Liverpool have all but secured fifth place, but could climb to fourth with a win over Brentford on the final day, if Villa are beaten at Manchester City (who, like Arsenal and Manchester United , have secured a top-four finish). That would open up a sixth Champions League spot for Bournemouth or Brighton . If Villa stay above fifth, the team who finishes sixth will go into the Europa League.

Key points

• Those who were not around for Rotterdam in 1982 will always cherish Istanbul in 2026.
• Thomas Tuchel had it right a few years ago when he suggested Uefa might as well rename the Europa League the Unai Emery trophy.
• Was there a better image on an unforgettable night than the sight of Emiliano Martínez giving his manager a piggyback as Villa got the celebrations under way?
• Villa’s squad formed a guard of honour for Freiburg , game but ultimately overpowered opponents, and then set about giving Emery the bumps as he walked on to the podium erected on the pitch.
• John McGinn, Villa’s superb captain, was the last to collect his medal from Uefa’s president, Aleksander Ceferin, before lifting the handleless trophy.