John Townley’s Aston Villa player ratings after Unai Emery’s side defeat RB Salzburg in a five-goal thriller
22:00, 29 Jan 2026Updated 22:22, 29 Jan 2026
Jamal Jimoh-Aloba scored the winner for Aston Villa against RB Salzburg
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba completed the comeback for Aston Villa in a five-goal thriller against RB Salzburg, as Unai Emery’s side secured a top-two finish in the Europa League league phase.
Karim Konate opened the scoring for the away side in the first half, before Moussa Yeo doubled the lead early in the second period. Morgan Rogers halved the deficit and Tyrone Mings drew level in the 76th minute, before Jimoh-Aloba bagged by sweeping in Kadan Young’s cross.
Villa’s reward for finishing second in the league phase table is to play at home in the second legs of each knockout round until the final; the round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals.
Harvey Elliott made his first start for Villa in 123 days and almost marked the occasion by scoring inside 30 seconds.
Ollie Watkins’ effort from outside the box was parried by Alexander Schlager, presenting Elliott with a golden opportunity from close range, but the goalkeeper saved the effort with his studs.
That proved to be Villa’s only real threat, with the hosts coming under pressure in the 20th minute as Emi Martínez was twice forced into action to deny Soumaila Diabate and Konate.
Konate would not be denied for a second time, however, scoring in the 33rd minute after Mings was robbed of possession inside his own box by Michael Baidoo. Despite Victor Lindelof’s best efforts to clear the ball off the line, the Swede could only divert it into his own net.
Minutes later, Watkins was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury.
Villa began the second half as they ended the first and were punished for their sluggish display when Yeo flicked Kerim Alajbegovic’s cross from the right past Martínez.
Sota Kitano should have made it three before the hour mark, flashing a shot past the far post after being played onside by Mings.
Rogers, who had replaced Watkins in the first half, breathed life back into Villa Park in the 65th minute when he combined with Emi Buendia before finishing past Schlager.
Mings then restored parity with 15 minutes remaining, heading in Matty Cash’s cross, before Jimoh-Aloba converted Young’s delivery to send Villa Park into raptures.
Emery’s side return to Premier League action on Sunday against Brentford, where Tammy Abraham and Douglas Luiz could make their second debuts for the club.
Player ratings
Emi Martinez
Martinez followed up his outstanding performance against Newcastle by impressing again tonight. Made a couple of key saves despite being beaten twice. 7
Lamare Bogarde
Bogarde was a little sluggish in possession from right-back in the first half. His versatility is a useful tool in the squad, but his best role is in midfield. 5
Victor Lindelof
Lindelof held the line well with Mings in the first half and was furious at the linesman for not raising his flag sooner on a couple of occasions. He improved when he moved into midfield. 5
Tyrone Mings
Mings made a mistake that led to Salzburg’s opener but made up for it by restoring parity later in the second half. Aside from his goal, it wasn’t Mings’ best display. 6
Lucas Digne
Digne was strong in his duels, winning all three on the ground, and played seven passes into the final third. 6
Amadou Onana
Onana was a surprise inclusion from the start, considering Villa’s injury woes. He was physically dominant over his opponents at times. 6
George Hemmings
The 18-year-old made his full debut tonight, playing in the double pivot alongside Amadou Onana. Not everything came off for the youngster, but it would have been a great experience for him. Big future ahead. 6
Harvey Elliott
Elliott came in from the cold tonight, starting for the first time in 123 days. He should have given Villa the lead with his first touch after following up a shot from Watkins. 6
Emi Buendia
Buendia assisted Rogers for his goal and got around the pitch well, as usual. 6
Jadon Sancho
Sancho was brighter in the second half after a poor first 45 minutes. Nice combination play with Elliott in the 67th minute. 5
Ollie Watkins
Watkins lasted only 35 minutes after picking up a suspected hamstring issue. 5
SUBS
Matty Cash (for Hemmings, 46′): The right-back helped Villa improved in the second half. Continues to impress this season. 7
Morgan Rogers (for Watkins, 35′): Rogers halved Villa’s deficit and started the comeback. 7
Jamal Jimoh-Aloba (for Buendia, 66′): Called Schlager into a save moments after coming on, before scoring Villa’s third of the night. What a moment for the 19-year-old! 9*
Ezri Konsa (for Onana, 66′): Settled things down in defence and helped Villa control things in the final 30 minutes. 6
Kadan Young (for Sancho, 79′): Made the assist for Jimoh-Aloba’s winner. Brilliant play from the young winger. 7
Subs not used: Bizot, Wright, Torres, Maatsen.
GOALS
Aston Villa: Rogers (65′), Mings (76′), Jimoh-Aloba (88′)
RB Salzburg: Konate (33′), Yeo (49′)
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