Aston Villa stages dramatic comeback against RB Salzburg
Aston Villa produced a remarkable fightback at Villa Park on Thursday evening, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat RB Salzburg 3-2 in the Europa League, reports BritPanorama.
Unai Emery’s side appeared to be heading for a damaging defeat after finding themselves trailing by two goals shortly after the interval. Villa’s troubles began in the 33rd minute when Tyrone Mings dwelt on the ball inside his own penalty area, allowing Salzburg to pounce. A misjudgment led to an own goal from Victor Lindelof following a strike by Konate.
The Austrian visitors doubled their advantage early in the second half through substitute Moussa Yeo, who flicked home after a driving run from Alajbegovic. However, the hosts shifted momentum with three unanswered goals, turning the contest entirely during the closing stages.
In the 64th minute, Morgan Rogers, who replaced an injured Ollie Watkins, initiated the recovery by exchanging passes with Buendia and slotting the ball into the bottom corner. Mings atoned for his earlier mistake by heading home from a Cash cross to level the score at 2-2. The decisive moment arrived when 20-year-old Young delivered a cross from the right, finding 19-year-old Jimoh-Aloba at the far post. The teenager demonstrated impressive composure, curling a first-time finish into the corner to complete an extraordinary turnaround for the home side.
The victory means Villa finishes the league phase in the runners-up spot, having won seven of their eight matches in the competition this season. Villa briefly topped the table after Jimoh-Aloba’s winner, but Lyon’s subsequent goal against PAOK saw the French club reclaim first place on goal difference. Despite missing out on top spot, Villa’s second-place finish represents an outstanding campaign, with the club having entered the final matchday level on points with Lyon.
Reflecting on the match’s progression, Emery emphasized his ambition for the evening, stating, “Now we are in the top eight and we want to finish first. And of course to keep going with our mentality here at home with our support and we must play to transmit our energy.” As Villa navigates the complexities of European competition, their resilience in this match highlights the growing confidence within the squad.
