Aston Villa player ratings as immortality secured with sensational Europa League triumph

EMI MARTINEZ

Warm-up fitness concern needn’t have worried Villa faithful. One routine first-half stop. So alert early in second period. Late save to retain clean sheet from offside header but he didn’t know.

Peerless 8

MATTY CASH

Another to pick up an early yellow. Tried to get up in support of McGinn and others where possible. So reliable in almost everything he did throughout the evening.

Reliable 8

EZRI KONSA

Tasked with the physical battle against wily frontman Matanovic but came through the battle with ease. A threat in the opposition box. So solid until the final whistle.

Rock-solid 8

PAU TORRES

Cut a typically cool and composed customer even in opening stages when Freiburg tried to make presence felt. Brilliant piece of defending shortly after break at 2-0 up.

Stately 8

LUCAS DIGNE

Quality of his delivery lacked in opening moments but quick-thinking from corner for opener as he kept going up and down. Great ball down left for Buendia for third.

Influential 8

YOURI TIELEMANS

The man for the big occasion. What a volley it was to get the ball rolling. Stunning technique. So accomplished in everything he did. Fine ball forward for early Rogers effort. Involved in third.

Star man 9

VICTOR LINDELOF

Neat stuff on the ball early on. Kept it moving while trying to marshal livewire Manzambi. Confidence grew and grew with and without ball. Did his job supremely.

Masterstroke 8

JOHN MCGINN

Full of class. At times on the periphery in the first period but every time he got on the ball he made things happen. No surprise he fed Buendia for 2-0. Launched move for three brilliantly and unlucky not to net himself.

Marvel 9

MORGAN ROGERS

Good early shot well parried and another just wide from range. Felt he would have a say and what a stunning cross it was for Tielemans. Capped brilliant team move for three on night to remember for 23-year-old.

Magic 9

EMI BUENDIA

Early booking soft but how he made up for it. What a goal to make it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time. Wonderful class with his left foot. Fine cross for Rogers for three. Should’ve had late fourth from sweeping team move. Sky-high confidence.

Iconic 9

OLLIE WATKINS

At times isolated in the first period with the clash at 0-0 but always kept the Freiburg defenders honest. Worked tirelessly battling for long balls as Villa went direct. Wanted his goal but wouldn’t come.

Grafted 8

SUBS:

Amadou Onana (for Lindelof, 66) Adds so much with his physicality. Made big impact and struck post with header. 7

Jadon Sancho (for Buendia, 81) n/a

Ian Maatsen (for Digne, 81) n/a

Tyrone Mings (for Torres, 88) n/a

Douglas Luiz (for Tielemans, 88) n/a

Subs not used: Bizot (gk), Wright (gk), Bogarde, Elliott, Garcia, Abraham, Bailey.