BIRMINGHAM – Aston Villa staged a huge second-half fightback at Villa Park, beating RB Salzburg 3-2 after trailing by two goals soon after halftime. The win confirmed Unai Emery’s side finished second in the Europa League, a boost that brings home advantage for the knockout rounds. The only sour note was an early injury to Ollie Watkins, who had to come off with what looked like a hamstring problem.
In front of 37,457 fans, Villa showed their never-say-die spirit, but there were warning signs at the back. Salzburg, already out of the running, played with freedom and took advantage when Villa switched off.
A Slow First Half, Then Trouble
Villa controlled the ball early but couldn’t find a clean way through a tight Salzburg shape. The biggest setback before the break came when Watkins pulled up and was forced off, adding to Emery’s injury worries.
Salzburg then went ahead after a costly mistake. Tyrone Mings lost the ball in a risky area, and Edmund Baidoo pounced inside the box before cutting it back for Karim Konaté. Konaté’s effort took a touch off Victor Lindelöf and spun into the net for an own goal, sending Salzburg in 1-0 at the break.
Salzburg Strikes Again Right After the Restart
The second half started badly for Villa. Four minutes after halftime, Kerim Alajbegovic drove through the defense and squared the ball to Moussa Yeo. Yeo finished with a clever flick past the keeper to make it 2-0. Salzburg looked sharp on the break, and Villa suddenly had a mountain to climb.
Rogers Pulls Villa Back Into It
Emery turned to his bench, and the changes lifted the tempo. Morgan Rogers made the difference. In the 64th minute, he picked up the ball after quick play in the box and finished well to cut the gap to 2-1. The noise inside Villa Park changed right away, and the comeback felt possible.
Mings made amends in the 76th minute. He attacked a corner, rose above everyone, and smashed a header home to level it at 2-2. The celebration said it all, Villa were fully back.
Jimoh-Aloba Wins It Late With a First Senior Goal
Villa saved the best for last. In the 87th minute, academy winger Kadan Young sent a low cross from the right. Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, a 19-year-old sub, arrived on cue and guided the finish into the net for his first senior Aston Villa goal. The Holte End erupted as Villa completed a comeback that looked unlikely not long before.
The final whistle sealed a 3-2 win, kept Villa perfect at home in Europe this season, and capped a wild spell where they scored three goals in 23 minutes.
Match Highlights
- 33′: Salzburg lead, Konaté’s shot deflects off Victor Lindelöf for an own goal after pressure from Edmund Baidoo.
- 49′: Salzburg make it 2-0, Moussa Yeo flicks in after a square pass from Kerim Alajbegovic.
- 64′: Villa respond, Morgan Rogers finishes from close range after slick play.
- 76′: Villa level it, Tyrone Mings powers in a header from a corner.
- 87′: Villa win it, Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba taps in Kadan Young’s low cross for his first senior goal.
Aston Villa Player Ratings and Key Stats
| Player | Position | Key Contribution | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emiliano Martínez | GK | Strong saves after the break | 7/10 |
| Matty Cash | RB | Worked hard defensively, got forward well | 7/10 |
| Tyrone Mings | CB | Made up for his error and scored the equalizer | 8/10 |
| Pau Torres | CB | Calm in possession | 7/10 |
| Ian Maatsen | LB | High energy down the left | 7/10 |
| Youri Tielemans | CM | Added creativity in midfield | 7.5/10 |
| Boubacar Kamara | CM | Competed well, covered ground | 7/10 |
| Morgan Rogers | AM/FW | The goal that changed the mood | 8.5/10 |
| Ollie Watkins | FW | Went off injured in the first half | N/A |
| Leon Bailey | RW | Carried a threat with direct runs | 7/10 |
| Sub: Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba | FW | Late winner, first senior goal | 9/10 |
| Sub: Kadan Young | Winger | Assist for the winner | 8/10 |
Villa had around 58% possession and created their best chances after the hour mark, finishing with more shots and stronger expected goals during the comeback.
RB Salzburg Player Ratings and Key Stats
| Player | Position | Key Contribution | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Schlager | GK | Made saves but couldn’t stop the turnaround | 6.5/10 |
| Amar Dedić | RB | Defended well for long spells | 7/10 |
| Samson Baidoo | CB | Led the back line early on | 7/10 |
| Strahinja Pavlović | CB | Tough in challenges | 7/10 |
| Aleksa Terzić | LB | Supported attacks with overlaps | 6.5/10 |
| Maurits Kjaergaard | CM | Set the tempo early | 7/10 |
| Mads Bidstrup | CM | High work rate | 6.5/10 |
| Karim Konaté | FW | Played a role in the opener | 7.5/10 |
| Moussa Yeo | FW | Took his goal well | 8/10 |
| Edmund Baidoo | Winger | Created the first goal with quick reactions | 7.5/10 |
| Kerim Alajbegovic | AM | Strong run and pass for the second | 7/10 |
Salzburg punished Villa on the counter and finished their early chances. They couldn’t hold off the pressure once Villa raised the pace.
For Villa, the result highlighted how well Emery’s squad mixes youth and experience on big European nights. Watkins’ injury will worry fans, but the response after going 2-0 down sets a strong tone for the knockout rounds.
