Aston Villa overturned a 2-0 deficit to defeat Red Bull Salzburg and confirm second spot in the Europa League league phase standings. The decisive moment came late on when Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba scored his first goal at senior level to secure victory at Villa Park. The home side had already secured qualification for the round of 16 before kick-off.
The visitors initially took control through Karim Konate and Moussa Yeo, putting Villa under heavy pressure. Morgan Rogers later reduced the gap before Tyrone Mings equalised with around 15 minutes remaining. Jimoh-Aloba, aged 19, then found the net in the closing stages from 15 yards to complete the comeback.
Despite securing the win, Villa suffered another setback when striker Ollie Watkins was forced off with a hamstring issue. The forward left the pitch clutching the back of his leg and went straight down the tunnel, adding to the club’s growing list of unavailable players.
Injury concerns grow as squad depth tested
Villa are already without John McGinn and Youri Tielemans through injury, while Boubacar Kamara has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign. The potential absence of Watkins would further stretch the squad during a busy period.
With injuries affecting selection, Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott made his first appearance in nearly four months. He almost scored within half a minute, but goalkeeper Alexander Schlager made a fortunate stop using his heel to prevent an early goal.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez later produced a double save to deny Soumaila Diabate and Konate before Villa conceded in chaotic fashion. Mings lost possession to Edmund Baidoo, and although Konate’s shot looked off target, Victor Lindelof turned it into the net.
Momentum shifts after difficult first hour
Salzburg doubled their advantage shortly after halftime when substitute Yeo flicked home. Villa looked vulnerable, especially after Sota Kitano missed a chance to make it 3-0, which could have put the game beyond reach.
Rogers sparked the fightback shortly after the hour mark, giving the hosts renewed belief. Mings then made amends for his earlier mistake by heading in the equaliser with 14 minutes remaining.
From that point, Villa pushed forward and eventually found the winner when Jimoh-Aloba struck in the 87th minute, extending their unbeaten home European run this season.
Victory could prove costly, however, with Watkins’ condition uncertain ahead of the weekend. Tammy Abraham, recently signed from Besiktas, could be pushed straight into the starting line-up against Brentford depending on the striker’s recovery, while forward Evann Guessand is set to join Crystal Palace on loan.
