Aston Villa 3–2 RB Salzburg: Jimoh-Aloba’s Late Winner Completes Epic Europa League Comeback – Sportsphere24
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| Aston villa with the show as they do a comeback to RB Salzburg |
Aston Villa 3–2 RB Salzburg will go down as one of those unforgettable European nights that define a season, and for Sportsphere24, it was the perfect blend of drama, youth, redemption and belief. Under the lights at Villa Park on 29 January 2026, Unai Emery’s side overturned a 2–0 deficit to secure a thrilling UEFA Europa League victory, capped by a stunning late winner from 19-year-old Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba.
Already assured of qualification, Aston Villa could have coasted. Instead, they produced a comeback that showcased mentality, squad depth and the electric atmosphere that European football brings to Birmingham — a story Sportsphere24 proudly delivers to its global audience.
Match Overview: Salzburg Stun Villa Before the Fightback
The match began with RB Salzburg playing like a side fighting for survival. The Austrian champions pressed aggressively, moved the ball sharply and exploited early sloppiness from the hosts. Aston Villa, rotating but still strong, struggled to settle as Salzburg seized control.
The visitors’ intent paid off when Karim Konaté punished a defensive lapse, capitalising on hesitation at the back to fire Salzburg into a deserved lead. Villa Park was stunned, and the pressure only increased when, shortly after the break, Moussa Yeo finished a slick attacking move to make it 2–0.
For long stretches, Salzburg looked composed and dangerous — but European nights at Villa Park rarely end quietly, something Sportsphere24 readers know all too well.
How the Goals Went In: A Night of Momentum Swings
With Villa facing a shock defeat, Unai Emery rolled the dice. Attacking substitutions changed the tempo, and the momentum swung almost instantly.
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Morgan Rogers ignited the comeback, finishing confidently to pull one back and inject belief into the crowd.
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Tyrone Mings, haunted by his earlier error, rose highest from a set piece to thunder home a header and level the score at 2–2 — a moment of pure redemption.
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Then came the decisive moment. In the 87th minute, teenager Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba showed remarkable composure, calmly slotting home his first senior goal to complete a stunning turnaround.
Villa Park erupted. For Sportsphere24, this was the kind of storyline European football exists for.
Key Players & Turning Points
Jimoh-Aloba Announces Himself
Thrown into a pressure-filled scenario, the 19-year-old did not flinch. His movement, confidence and clinical finish marked a breakthrough moment that Sportsphere24 will continue to track closely as his career unfolds.
Rogers Changes the Game
Morgan Rogers’ introduction shifted Villa’s attacking balance. His direct running and goal gave the hosts belief when they needed it most.
Mings: From Error to Hero
Football can be cruel, but it can also be forgiving. Tyrone Mings’ night summed that up perfectly — culpable for the opener, crucial for the equaliser, and immense in leadership as Villa pushed on.
Watkins Injury Concern
The night was not without worry. Ollie Watkins’ early injury exit casts a shadow over the victory, with bigger Europa League tests ahead.
What the Result Means
For Aston Villa, this victory reinforces their credentials as genuine Europa League contenders. Even when rotating and facing adversity, Emery’s side showed resilience, tactical flexibility and belief — qualities that matter deeply in knockout football.
For RB Salzburg, the defeat is painful. Their first-half performance deserved more, but failing to withstand Villa’s late surge may haunt them. Still, their fearless approach and youthful intensity confirm they remain one of Europe’s most exciting developing sides — a team Sportsphere24 will continue to monitor.
Sportsphere24 Verdict
From a Sportsphere24 perspective, this match delivered everything a top-tier Europa League night should:
a comeback from 2–0 down, a teenage hero, redemption arcs, injury drama, and a roaring Villa Park atmosphere.