While SC Freiburg may not have impressed with their play on the field, they certainly made their mark in the stands. In addition to the on-field action in Istanbul, a new «king» was crowned on this Europa League final night.
SC Freiburg was largely outmatched in their 0-3 loss against Aston Villa. The international press primarily celebrated Villa manager Unai Emery, who achieved his fifth Europa League title. However, they also offered words of praise for the Freiburg supporters.
The Sun declared: ‘VILL IT BE — Unai Emery secures another title as the ‘Villans’ become Europa League champions.’
The Telegraph reported: ‘Villa wins the Europa League, ending a 30-year trophy drought in the presence of a jubilant Prince William.’
The Times noted: ‘Aston Villa dominates a European final like no English team before. Dream goals from Youri Tielemans and Emiliano Buendía end Villa’s 44-year wait for a European trophy, as Europa League specialist Unai Emery strikes again.’
Daily Mail proclaimed: ‘Royal seal of approval! Prince William cheers wildly as his beloved Aston Villa wins the Europa League in Istanbul, ending a 30-year trophy drought.’
SC Freiburg could only match Aston Villa in the Europa League final «from the stands»
La Gazzetta dello Sport commented: ‘The king of cup competitions has struck again. Unai Emery’s Aston Villa claims the Europa League title with a dominant 3-0 victory over Freiburg in the Istanbul final. The coach, who has re-established the Birmingham club at the highest level, delivers their fifth triumph in this competition – following three with Sevilla and one with Villarreal.’
Corriero dello Sport stated: ‘The curtain falls on the Europa League, with Unai Emery’s team, Aston Villa, emerging victorious. English jubilation at the Besiktas Park in Istanbul, a one-sided affair with goals from Tielemans, Buendia, and Rogers. No chance for Freiburg with the Italian Vincenzo Grifo.’
L’Equipe observed: ‘The hurdle was too high, far too high for Freiburg. The German club contested the first European final in its history on Wednesday in Istanbul and could only match Aston Villa and its Spanish ‘magician’ Unai Emery from the stands.’
Marca wrote: ‘Unai Emery won three with Sevilla, one with Villarreal… and tonight, in front of Prince William, he defended his title as ‘Lord of the Competition’ by achieving his personal ‘fiver’ and returning Aston Villa – European champions in 1982 – to glory, who proved their favorite status and defeated Freiburg 3-0.’