Aston Villa produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of the Europa League season, recovering from 2-0 down to defeat RB Salzburg 3-2 at Villa Park and secure second place in the league phase standings.
The Austrian visitors appeared to have the match firmly under control after Karim Konaté finished neatly from close range in the 33rd minute, assisted by Edmund Baidoo. Their advantage was doubled just four minutes into the second half when Moussa Yeo fired home a right-footed shot from close range, with Kerim Alajbegovic providing the assist.
However, Unai Emery's side showed the resilience that has characterized their European campaign. Morgan Rogers ignited the comeback in the 64th minute with a precise left-footed strike into the bottom corner, with Emiliano Buendía providing the crucial assist that gave Villa hope.
Tyrone Mings rose highest to power home a header from close range in the 76th minute, directing the ball into the top center of the net. The assist came from Matty Cash, who delivered an inviting cross following a corner kick. Villa Park was now in full voice as the momentum shifted decisively.
The dramatic winner came in the 87th minute when young substitute Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba completed the turnaround, sending the home supporters into raptures and confirming Villa's place in the top two of the Europa League table.
With this result, Aston Villa finish second in the Europa League standings, earning direct qualification to the Round of 16 and avoiding the playoff round in February. RB Salzburg, meanwhile, finish in 28th position and are eliminated from European competition.
The victory extends Villa's impressive European form under Emery, the competition's most decorated manager. They will learn their Round of 16 opponents in Friday's draw, with the two-legged ties scheduled for March 2026.
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