Johan Manzambi (foto: Getty Images)
Johan Manzambi scored another stunning goal as Freiburg overturned Braga, while Aston Villa crushed Nottingham Forest to reach the Europa League final.
Aston Villa and Freiburg both completed dramatic turnarounds tonight to book their places in the Europa League final.
The semi-finals delivered goals, red cards, and standout individual performances, with young Swiss talent Johan Manzambi once again stealing headlines in Germany.
Europa League semi-final, second leg:
ASTON VILLA 4:0 NOTTINGHAM FOREST (4:1 agg.)
Nottingham Forest, where sporting director Miran Pavlin works, had no answer to Aston Villa tonight. Forest arrived with a 1:0 advantage from the first leg, but completely collapsed in Birmingham.
Ollie Watkins opened the scoring early, while Emi Buendia played a major role in Villa’s attacking moves with several excellent passes and combinations.
In the 58th minute, Buendia calmly converted a penalty to double Villa’s lead on aggregate. Then John McGinn ended the contest with two quick goals in just three minutes to seal a dominant 4:0 victory.
The final score gave Unai Emery another European final in the competition where he built his legendary reputation.
FREIBURG 3:1 BRAGA (4:3 agg.)
There was another comeback in Germany, where Freiburg overturned the tie against Braga.
The visitors suffered a huge blow in the sixth minute when Mario Dorgeles received a red card for stopping a dangerous attack as the last defender.
Shortly after, Freiburg took advantage. Lukas Kubler opened the scoring in fortunate fashion after a free-kick situation, bringing the aggregate score level.
The biggest moment arrived before half-time.
Johan Manzambi, the 20-year-old Swiss talent attracting attention from Europe’s biggest clubs, scored another brilliant long-range goal. After recently impressing against Bayern Munich, he once again showed why scouts across Europe are following him closely.
Freiburg now faces a difficult battle to keep the versatile youngster beyond this season.
Kubler added his second goal in the 72nd minute, while Pau Victor scored a late consolation goal for Braga.
Freiburg are through to the Europa League final, where they will face Aston Villa in a clash between Germany and England.