Aston Villa stars rose to the occasion of the Europa League final with Youri Tielemans and Emiliano Buendia scoring two stunning goals to put Unai Emery’s side on the brink of glory.
With the final against Freiburg goalless heading towards half-time in Istanbul, Tielemans broke the deadlock in stunning fashion from an Aston Villa set piece.
A short corner was worked to Morgan Rogers, who crossed to the edge of the box with the unmarked Tielemans.
The midfielder, who had ghosted into space, caught the ball perfectly on the volley to fire into the bottom corner of the Freiburg net.
‘My goodness, what a goal and what a strike,’ said Ally McCoist, TNT sports co-commentator.
‘Everything about it, believe me, is absolutely rehearsed.
‘You watch his movement when the ball is played. He pulls away from it and runs into an area 25 yards out.
‘Look at the technique. Everything is worked to perfection.’
Aston Villa fans, including Prince William, were still celebrating in the stands as Emery’s side doubled their advantage in first half stoppage time.
Buendia produced a strike equal to Tielemans’ opener, cutting onto his left foot from the edge of the box and curling a shot into the top corner of the Freiburg net.
‘I don’t think I’ve had a better view of a top level goal in my life than what I’ve just seen,’ McCoist said on commentary.
‘We’re right behind it, we know exactly what he wants to do, and he executes it with perfection.
‘It starts at least a yard outside the post and curls beautifully.
‘I thought Tielemans’ execution was beautiful, that’s certainly on a par, if not better.’
The goals gave Aston Villa a 2-0 cushion at half-time as Emery’s side aimed to end the club’s 30-year trophy drought.
