UEFA Europa League League Stage - 8

Aston Villa 3 - 2 FT Red Bull Salzburg

Villa Park

Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching

Futmetrix Verdict
78
FT
Thu, Jan 29
Aston Villa
3-2
Red Bull Salzburg
⚡ Intensity 80
⚖️ Balance 80
🏆 Stakes 0
🎲 Upset 0
Aston Villa complete stunning late comeback.

Villa Park Erupts as Substitutes Spark Sensational Comeback

Highly Entertaining Futmetrix Score: 78/100. A tactical masterstroke from the bench turned a brewing European nightmare into an unforgettable 3-2 triumph for the hosts.

The Early Shock

A stunned silence gripped Villa Park as Red Bull Salzburg ripped up the pre-match script. Despite the hosts controlling the tempo and ultimately dominating possession with 65% of the ball, the visitors struck with ruthless efficiency. K. Konate found the breakthrough in the 33rd minute, capitalizing on a sharp feed from E. Baidoo. The Balance of the tie tilted entirely just after the interval when substitute M. K. Yeo doubled the Austrian side's advantage. Aston Villa were staring down the barrel of a disastrous home defeat, struggling to translate their territorial dominance into meaningful pressure against a stubborn defense.

The Substitutes' Masterclass

The hosts refused to capitulate, turning the match into a high-octane shooting gallery. The Intensity soared as fresh legs entered the fray. M. Rogers, introduced in the first half, sparked the revival in the 64th minute with a clinical finish orchestrated by E. Buendia. The momentum swung violently in Villa's favour, forcing Salzburg into a desperate retreat. Twelve minutes later, the relentless pressure paid off when veteran defender T. Mings powered home the equalizer courtesy of a precise delivery from M. Cash. Suddenly, the Austrians looked utterly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of attacking waves crashing against their penalty area.

A Breathtaking Climax

Both goalkeepers were forced into heroic displays, combining for 12 crucial saves across the evening. Emiliano Martínez stood tall with six massive stops to keep the English side in contention. With the Stakes soaring in the final minutes, another pair of substitutes delivered the ultimate punchline. In the 87th minute, K. Young found J. Jimoh-Aloba, who buried the winner to complete a phenomenal turnaround. This 3-2 victory not only cements Villa's formidable position near the summit of the Europa League standings but also sends a clear message about the lethal depth lurking on their bench.

Key Questions

What caused the 5-goal thriller?

An open tactical approach yielded 28 shots, massive impacts from substitutes, and a ruthless exchange of attacking momentum in the second half.

How dramatic was the late winner by Morgan Rogers?

While Rogers scored the crucial 64th-minute goal to spark the revival, the actual 87th-minute winner was delivered by substitute J. Jimoh-Aloba.

How did Aston Villa complete the comeback from behind?

Trailing by two, their substitutes changed the game. Rogers, Mings, and Jimoh-Aloba scored, backed by assists from the bench to rescue all three points.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.

Match Statistics

Possession
65%
35%
Aston Villa 65%
Red Bull Salzburg 35%
Shots
14
14
Aston Villa 14
Red Bull Salzburg 14
Shots on Target
9
8
Aston Villa 9
Red Bull Salzburg 8
Expected Goals (xG)
1.57
2.38
Aston Villa 1.57
Red Bull Salzburg 2.38
Passes
658
364
Aston Villa 658
Red Bull Salzburg 364
Pass Accuracy
88%
80%
Aston Villa 88%
Red Bull Salzburg 80%
Corners
4
2
Aston Villa 4
Red Bull Salzburg 2
Fouls
8
13
Aston Villa 8
Red Bull Salzburg 13
Yellow Cards
0
1
Aston Villa 0
Red Bull Salzburg 1
Red Cards
0
0
Aston Villa 0
Red Bull Salzburg 0

Match Events

K. Konate (E. Baidoo) 33'
Tim Trummer 🟨 35'
35' 🔄 O. Watkins M. Rogers
HT
46' 🔄 G. Hemmings M. Cash
K. Konate M. K. Yeo 🔄 46'
M. K. Yeo (K. Alajbegovic) 49'
64' M. Rogers (E. Buendia)
66' 🔄 E. Buendia J. Jimoh-Aloba
K. Alajbegovic C. Bischoff 🔄 73'
E. Baidoo K. Onisiwo 🔄 73'
76' T. Mings (M. Cash)
78' 🔄 A. Onana E. Konsa
79' 🔄 J. Sancho K. Young
87' J. Jimoh-Aloba (K. Young)
S. Kitano M. Kjaergaard 🔄 89'
S. Diabate O. Lukic 🔄 89'
FT

Player Cards

Our take on every player in this match

Aston Villa

Goalkeepers
E. Martinez
MAGNET
MAGNET
52
Activity
52
Activity
52
Passes
0
Duels
Defenders
L. Bogarde
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
6
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
V. Lindelof
MAGNET
MAGNET
83
Activity
83
Activity
80
Passes
3
Duels
T. Mings
CLOSER
CLOSER
1
Late Goals
1
Late Goals
0
Late Assists
75
Minute
L. Digne
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
0
Assists
60%
Pass Acc
Midfielders
A. Onana
SWEEPER
SWEEPER
5
Cleanups
5
Cleanups
3
Interceptions
2
Blocks
G. Hemmings
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
J. Sancho
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
11
Late Mins
11
Late Mins
78
Total Mins
79
Entry
H. Elliott
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
3
Shots
3
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
E. Buendia
PROVIDER
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
2
Key Passes
6.5
Rating
Forwards
O. Watkins
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
35
Total Mins
35
Entry
BENCH
M. Bizot
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
J. Wright
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
M. Cash
SUPER SUB
SUPER SUB
1
Assist
1
Assist
45
Minutes
7
Rating
E. Konsa
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
24
Total Mins
Started
Entry
P. Torres
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
I. Maatsen
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Jimoh-Aloba
CLUTCH HERO
CLUTCH HERO
87
Goal Time
87
Goal Time
Goal
Impact
7.3
Rating
M. Rogers
SUPER SUB
SUPER SUB
1
Goal
1
Goal
55
Minutes
8
Rating
K. Young
SUPER SUB
SUPER SUB
1
Assist
1
Assist
12
Minutes
7
Rating

Red Bull Salzburg

Goalkeepers
A. Schlager
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
T. Trummer
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
J. Gadou
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Schuster
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
F. Kratzig
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Midfielders
M. Bidstrup
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
S. Diabate
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
E. Baidoo
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
1
Assists
15%
Pass Acc
S. Kitano
NPC
NPC
88
Minutes
88
Minutes
22%
Pass Acc
6.2
Rating
K. Alajbegovic
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
4
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Forwards
K. Konate
SNIPER
SNIPER
50%
Conversion
50%
Conversion
1
Goals
2
Shots
BENCH
C. Zawieschitzky
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
S. Hamzic
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
J. Rasmussen
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Terzic
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
S. Lainer
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Kjaergaard
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
2
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Diambou
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
O. Lukic
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
2
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. K. Yeo
SUPER SUB
SUPER SUB
1
Goal
1
Goal
45
Minutes
6.5
Rating
C. Bischoff
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
17
Total Mins
Started
Entry
K. Onisiwo
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
17
Total Mins
Started
Entry
E. Aguilar
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry

League Standings

Pos Team P Pts GF GA GD Form
1 Lyon 8 21 18 5 +13 WLyon 4 - 2 PAOK (29-01-2026)WBSC Young Boys 0 - 1 Lyon (22-01-2026)WLyon 2 - 1 GO Ahead Eagles (11-12-2025)WMaccabi Tel Aviv 0 - 6 Lyon (27-11-2025)LReal Betis 2 - 0 Lyon (06-11-2025)
2 Aston Villa 8 21 14 6 +8 WAston Villa 3 - 2 Red Bull Salzburg (29-01-2026)WFenerbahçe 0 - 1 Aston Villa (22-01-2026)WFC Basel 1893 1 - 2 Aston Villa (11-12-2025)WAston Villa 2 - 1 BSC Young Boys (27-11-2025)WAston Villa 2 - 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv (06-11-2025)
3 FC Midtjylland 8 19 18 8 +10 WFC Midtjylland 2 - 0 Dinamo Zagreb (29-01-2026)DBrann 3 - 3 FC Midtjylland (22-01-2026)WFC Midtjylland 1 - 0 Genk (11-12-2025)LAS Roma 2 - 1 FC Midtjylland (27-11-2025)WFC Midtjylland 3 - 1 Celtic (06-11-2025)
4 FC Porto 8 17 13 7 +6 WFC Porto 3 - 1 Rangers (29-01-2026)DPlzen 1 - 1 FC Porto (22-01-2026)WFC Porto 2 - 1 Malmo FF (11-12-2025)WFC Porto 3 - 0 Nice (27-11-2025)DUtrecht 1 - 1 FC Porto (06-11-2025)
5 Real Betis 8 17 13 7 +6 WReal Betis 2 - 1 Feyenoord (29-01-2026)LPAOK 2 - 0 Real Betis (22-01-2026)WDinamo Zagreb 1 - 3 Real Betis (11-12-2025)WReal Betis 2 - 1 Utrecht (27-11-2025)WReal Betis 2 - 0 Lyon (06-11-2025)
6 SC Braga 8 17 11 5 +6 DGO Ahead Eagles 0 - 0 SC Braga (29-01-2026)WSC Braga 1 - 0 Nottingham Forest (22-01-2026)WNice 0 - 1 SC Braga (11-12-2025)DRangers 1 - 1 SC Braga (27-11-2025)LSC Braga 3 - 4 Genk (06-11-2025)
7 SC Freiburg 8 17 10 4 +6 LLille 1 - 0 SC Freiburg (29-01-2026)WSC Freiburg 1 - 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv (22-01-2026)WSC Freiburg 1 - 0 Red Bull Salzburg (11-12-2025)DPlzen 0 - 0 SC Freiburg (27-11-2025)WNice 1 - 3 SC Freiburg (06-11-2025)
8 AS Roma 8 16 13 6 +7 DPanathinaikos 1 - 1 AS Roma (29-01-2026)WAS Roma 2 - 0 VfB Stuttgart (22-01-2026)WCeltic 0 - 3 AS Roma (11-12-2025)WAS Roma 2 - 1 FC Midtjylland (27-11-2025)WRangers 0 - 2 AS Roma (06-11-2025)
9 Genk 8 16 11 7 +4 WGenk 2 - 1 Malmo FF (29-01-2026)WUtrecht 0 - 2 Genk (22-01-2026)LFC Midtjylland 1 - 0 Genk (11-12-2025)WGenk 2 - 1 FC Basel 1893 (27-11-2025)WSC Braga 3 - 4 Genk (06-11-2025)
10 Bologna 8 15 14 7 +7 WMaccabi Tel Aviv 0 - 3 Bologna (29-01-2026)DBologna 2 - 2 Celtic (22-01-2026)WCelta Vigo 1 - 2 Bologna (11-12-2025)WBologna 4 - 1 Red Bull Salzburg (27-11-2025)DBologna 0 - 0 Brann (06-11-2025)
11 VfB Stuttgart 8 15 15 9 +6 WVfB Stuttgart 3 - 2 BSC Young Boys (29-01-2026)LAS Roma 2 - 0 VfB Stuttgart (22-01-2026)WVfB Stuttgart 4 - 1 Maccabi Tel Aviv (11-12-2025)WGO Ahead Eagles 0 - 4 VfB Stuttgart (27-11-2025)WVfB Stuttgart 2 - 0 Feyenoord (06-11-2025)
12 Ferencvarosi TC 8 15 12 11 +1 LNottingham Forest 4 - 0 Ferencvarosi TC (29-01-2026)DFerencvarosi TC 1 - 1 Panathinaikos (22-01-2026)WFerencvarosi TC 2 - 1 Rangers (11-12-2025)DFenerbahçe 1 - 1 Ferencvarosi TC (27-11-2025)WFerencvarosi TC 3 - 1 Ludogorets (06-11-2025)
13 Nottingham Forest 8 14 15 7 +8 WNottingham Forest 4 - 0 Ferencvarosi TC (29-01-2026)LSC Braga 1 - 0 Nottingham Forest (22-01-2026)WUtrecht 1 - 2 Nottingham Forest (11-12-2025)WNottingham Forest 3 - 0 Malmo FF (27-11-2025)DSturm Graz 0 - 0 Nottingham Forest (06-11-2025)
14 Plzen 8 14 8 3 +5 WFC Basel 1893 0 - 1 Plzen (29-01-2026)DPlzen 1 - 1 FC Porto (22-01-2026)DPanathinaikos 0 - 0 Plzen (11-12-2025)DPlzen 0 - 0 SC Freiburg (27-11-2025)DPlzen 0 - 0 Fenerbahçe (06-11-2025)
15 FK Crvena Zvezda 8 14 7 6 +1 DFK Crvena Zvezda 1 - 1 Celta Vigo (29-01-2026)WMalmo FF 0 - 1 FK Crvena Zvezda (22-01-2026)WSturm Graz 0 - 1 FK Crvena Zvezda (11-12-2025)WFK Crvena Zvezda 1 - 0 FCSB (27-11-2025)WFK Crvena Zvezda 1 - 0 Lille (06-11-2025)
16 Celta Vigo 8 13 15 11 +4 DFK Crvena Zvezda 1 - 1 Celta Vigo (29-01-2026)WCelta Vigo 2 - 1 Lille (22-01-2026)LCelta Vigo 1 - 2 Bologna (11-12-2025)LLudogorets 3 - 2 Celta Vigo (27-11-2025)WDinamo Zagreb 0 - 3 Celta Vigo (06-11-2025)
17 PAOK 8 12 17 14 +3 LLyon 4 - 2 PAOK (29-01-2026)WPAOK 2 - 0 Real Betis (22-01-2026)DLudogorets 3 - 3 PAOK (11-12-2025)DPAOK 1 - 1 Brann (27-11-2025)WPAOK 4 - 0 BSC Young Boys (06-11-2025)
18 Lille 8 12 12 9 +3 WLille 1 - 0 SC Freiburg (29-01-2026)LCelta Vigo 2 - 1 Lille (22-01-2026)LBSC Young Boys 1 - 0 Lille (11-12-2025)WLille 4 - 0 Dinamo Zagreb (27-11-2025)LFK Crvena Zvezda 1 - 0 Lille (06-11-2025)
19 Fenerbahçe 8 12 10 7 +3 DFCSB 1 - 1 Fenerbahçe (29-01-2026)LFenerbahçe 0 - 1 Aston Villa (22-01-2026)WBrann 0 - 4 Fenerbahçe (11-12-2025)DFenerbahçe 1 - 1 Ferencvarosi TC (27-11-2025)DPlzen 0 - 0 Fenerbahçe (06-11-2025)
20 Panathinaikos 8 12 11 9 +2 DPanathinaikos 1 - 1 AS Roma (29-01-2026)DFerencvarosi TC 1 - 1 Panathinaikos (22-01-2026)DPanathinaikos 0 - 0 Plzen (11-12-2025)WPanathinaikos 2 - 1 Sturm Graz (27-11-2025)WMalmo FF 0 - 1 Panathinaikos (06-11-2025)
21 Celtic 8 11 13 15 -2 WCeltic 4 - 2 Utrecht (29-01-2026)DBologna 2 - 2 Celtic (22-01-2026)LCeltic 0 - 3 AS Roma (11-12-2025)WFeyenoord 1 - 3 Celtic (27-11-2025)LFC Midtjylland 3 - 1 Celtic (06-11-2025)
22 Ludogorets 8 10 12 15 -3 WLudogorets 1 - 0 Nice (29-01-2026)LRangers 1 - 0 Ludogorets (22-01-2026)DLudogorets 3 - 3 PAOK (11-12-2025)WLudogorets 3 - 2 Celta Vigo (27-11-2025)LFerencvarosi TC 3 - 1 Ludogorets (06-11-2025)
23 Dinamo Zagreb 8 10 12 16 -4 LFC Midtjylland 2 - 0 Dinamo Zagreb (29-01-2026)WDinamo Zagreb 4 - 1 FCSB (22-01-2026)LDinamo Zagreb 1 - 3 Real Betis (11-12-2025)LLille 4 - 0 Dinamo Zagreb (27-11-2025)LDinamo Zagreb 0 - 3 Celta Vigo (06-11-2025)
24 Brann 8 9 9 11 -2 LSturm Graz 1 - 0 Brann (29-01-2026)DBrann 3 - 3 FC Midtjylland (22-01-2026)LBrann 0 - 4 Fenerbahçe (11-12-2025)DPAOK 1 - 1 Brann (27-11-2025)DBologna 0 - 0 Brann (06-11-2025)
25 BSC Young Boys 8 9 10 16 -6 LVfB Stuttgart 3 - 2 BSC Young Boys (29-01-2026)LBSC Young Boys 0 - 1 Lyon (22-01-2026)WBSC Young Boys 1 - 0 Lille (11-12-2025)LAston Villa 2 - 1 BSC Young Boys (27-11-2025)LPAOK 4 - 0 BSC Young Boys (06-11-2025)
26 Sturm Graz 8 7 5 11 -6 WSturm Graz 1 - 0 Brann (29-01-2026)LFeyenoord 3 - 0 Sturm Graz (22-01-2026)LSturm Graz 0 - 1 FK Crvena Zvezda (11-12-2025)LPanathinaikos 2 - 1 Sturm Graz (27-11-2025)DSturm Graz 0 - 0 Nottingham Forest (06-11-2025)
27 FCSB 8 7 9 16 -7 DFCSB 1 - 1 Fenerbahçe (29-01-2026)LDinamo Zagreb 4 - 1 FCSB (22-01-2026)WFCSB 4 - 3 Feyenoord (11-12-2025)LFK Crvena Zvezda 1 - 0 FCSB (27-11-2025)LFC Basel 1893 3 - 1 FCSB (06-11-2025)
28 GO Ahead Eagles 8 7 6 14 -8 DGO Ahead Eagles 0 - 0 SC Braga (29-01-2026)LNice 3 - 1 GO Ahead Eagles (22-01-2026)LLyon 2 - 1 GO Ahead Eagles (11-12-2025)LGO Ahead Eagles 0 - 4 VfB Stuttgart (27-11-2025)LRed Bull Salzburg 2 - 0 GO Ahead Eagles (06-11-2025)
29 Feyenoord 8 6 11 15 -4 LReal Betis 2 - 1 Feyenoord (29-01-2026)WFeyenoord 3 - 0 Sturm Graz (22-01-2026)LFCSB 4 - 3 Feyenoord (11-12-2025)LFeyenoord 1 - 3 Celtic (27-11-2025)LVfB Stuttgart 2 - 0 Feyenoord (06-11-2025)
30 FC Basel 1893 8 6 9 13 -4 LFC Basel 1893 0 - 1 Plzen (29-01-2026)LRed Bull Salzburg 3 - 1 FC Basel 1893 (22-01-2026)LFC Basel 1893 1 - 2 Aston Villa (11-12-2025)LGenk 2 - 1 FC Basel 1893 (27-11-2025)WFC Basel 1893 3 - 1 FCSB (06-11-2025)
31 Red Bull Salzburg 8 6 10 15 -5 LAston Villa 3 - 2 Red Bull Salzburg (29-01-2026)WRed Bull Salzburg 3 - 1 FC Basel 1893 (22-01-2026)LSC Freiburg 1 - 0 Red Bull Salzburg (11-12-2025)LBologna 4 - 1 Red Bull Salzburg (27-11-2025)WRed Bull Salzburg 2 - 0 GO Ahead Eagles (06-11-2025)
32 Rangers 8 4 5 14 -9 LFC Porto 3 - 1 Rangers (29-01-2026)WRangers 1 - 0 Ludogorets (22-01-2026)LFerencvarosi TC 2 - 1 Rangers (11-12-2025)DRangers 1 - 1 SC Braga (27-11-2025)LRangers 0 - 2 AS Roma (06-11-2025)
33 Nice 8 3 7 15 -8 LLudogorets 1 - 0 Nice (29-01-2026)WNice 3 - 1 GO Ahead Eagles (22-01-2026)LNice 0 - 1 SC Braga (11-12-2025)LFC Porto 3 - 0 Nice (27-11-2025)LNice 1 - 3 SC Freiburg (06-11-2025)
34 Utrecht 8 1 5 15 -10 LCeltic 4 - 2 Utrecht (29-01-2026)LUtrecht 0 - 2 Genk (22-01-2026)LUtrecht 1 - 2 Nottingham Forest (11-12-2025)LReal Betis 2 - 1 Utrecht (27-11-2025)DUtrecht 1 - 1 FC Porto (06-11-2025)
35 Malmo FF 8 1 4 15 -11 LGenk 2 - 1 Malmo FF (29-01-2026)LMalmo FF 0 - 1 FK Crvena Zvezda (22-01-2026)LFC Porto 2 - 1 Malmo FF (11-12-2025)LNottingham Forest 3 - 0 Malmo FF (27-11-2025)LMalmo FF 0 - 1 Panathinaikos (06-11-2025)
36 Maccabi Tel Aviv 8 1 2 22 -20 LMaccabi Tel Aviv 0 - 3 Bologna (29-01-2026)LSC Freiburg 1 - 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv (22-01-2026)LVfB Stuttgart 4 - 1 Maccabi Tel Aviv (11-12-2025)LMaccabi Tel Aviv 0 - 6 Lyon (27-11-2025)LAston Villa 2 - 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv (06-11-2025)