Youri Tielemans reveals one-day training drill behind Villa’s Europa League glory

Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans has disclosed that the stunning volley which set his side on course for Europa League glory was perfected after just a single training session.

Villa ended their 30-year wait for major silverware with a commanding 3-0 victory over SC Freiburg in Wednesday’s Europa League final at the Besiktas Stadium, sealing their first European trophy since 1982 in memorable fashion.

Tielemans opened the scoring late in the first half with a brilliantly executed finish from a rehearsed set-piece routine. The Belgian timed his run perfectly to meet Morgan Rogers’ cross following a short corner before unleashing a powerful volley from just inside the area.

The midfielder later revealed the move had only been worked on once during preparations for the final.

“I feel amazing. My voice is a bit gone but it’s all good. We put in a shift, top performance, we had a great season. To top it off with this, it’s amazing,” Tielemans said.

“We only had one day to practise, we did it on Monday and it went brilliantly tonight. So happy.”

Villa cap remarkable turnaround with European success

The goal gave Villa full control of the contest and they doubled their advantage just before the break through another moment of quality.

Emiliano Buendía curled a superb effort into the far corner from 18 yards after Freiburg struggled to clear their lines, leaving Unai Emery’s men firmly in command heading into halftime.

Rogers then completed the rout in the second half, applying the finishing touch to a dominant performance that capped a remarkable end to Villa’s campaign.

The triumph came only days after the club secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League, completing a dramatic transformation after a difficult opening to the season.

Tielemans admitted Villa’s current success seemed unlikely earlier in the campaign when the team endured a six-match winless run and struggled badly in front of goal.

“It’s amazing. It’s been a season with a lot of ups and downs. We started so so bad. Our standards were very poor,” he said.

“The way we turned things around was a credit to the players and staff.

“We kept working, believing. We got the win in the end, Champions League next season and a trophy.”

Rogers hails historic achievement

Rogers, who played a key role with both an assist and a goal in the final, said the achievement would be remembered for generations by Villa supporters.

“It’s hard to put into words, we’ve worked so hard for this. We’ve delivered and come through,” the England midfielder said.

“It’s a great moment for the fans, great for the club. We’ll go down in history.”

Rogers also revealed manager Unai Emery had challenged him throughout the season to attack the penalty area more often.

“The manager has been banging on at me to get easier goals and get into the box. I’m happy I could get a toe onto it and score.”