Aston Villa outclass Freiburg to win Europa League

Dominant Aston Villa dispatched Freiburg to win the Europa League and end a 30-year trophy drought. First-half stunners from Youri Tielemans and Emi Buendia gave Villa control before Morgan Rogers’ strike sealed a second major European title 44 years after they won the European Cup. After falling short in the Conference League semi-finals and Champions League last-eight over recent times, Unai Emery brought European success back to Villa Park at the third time of asking.

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André Onana joins Trabzonspor on loan from Man United

Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana has completed a season-long loan move to Trabzonspor, the Premier League club confirmed on Thursday. Onana makes the move to the Turkish Super Lig after an inconsistent two-year spell at Old Trafford and a poor start to this season that saw the Cameroon international usurped by Altay Bayindir as United’s No. 1.

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Osimhen inspires Galatasaray to victory in thriller with Spurs

Victor Osimhen scored twice to inflict a first Europa League defeat on 10-player Tottenham and earn a 3-2 victory for wasteful Galatasaray. Spurs conceded 28 shots and had just five of their own yet escaped from Istanbul with a respectable scoreline despite having Will Lankshear sent off in the second half. Galatasaray stormed into a sixth-minute lead when Yunus Akgun’s stunning volley from the edge of the box crashed into the top-right corner but Spurs responded through 19-year-old striker Lankshear.

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Netherlands fight back to crush Turkish dreams

The Netherlands came from behind to see off Turkey and set up a semi-final against England at Euro 2024. An own goal from Mert Muldur, bundling the ball over his goalline under pressure from Cody Gakpo, meant the Dutch clawed back the lead having trailed at the break. Centre-back Samet Akaydin had deservedly put Turkey in front when he headed in Arda Guler’s dinked cross, capping an impressive first-half display.

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Turkey hang on to edge out Austria in pulsating clash

Merih Demiral scored twice – including the quickest knockout-stage goal in European Championship history – as Turkey stunned Austria to set up a quarter-final with the Netherlands. This was arguably the best game of the tournament so far, a thrilling winner-takes-all tie played in pouring rain at a frenetic pace, with both teams roared forward by their fervent support. From Demiral’s first goal in the first minute to a stunning save by Turkey goalkeeper Mert Gunok to deny Austria an equaliser in the last, there was barely time for the crowd to draw a breath.

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