Jimoh-Aloba’s late winner against Salzburg sends Aston Villa to the last 16 of the Europa League

Aston Villa completed a 3-2 comeback victory over RB Salzburg at Villa Park to secure their spot in the knockout stage of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.

The hosts almost took an early lead inside the opening 60 seconds after Ollie Watkins’ shot from range was parried into the path of Harvey Elliott, whose effort was kept out by the legs of Alexander Schlager.

In the 20th minute, Emiliano Martinez made two smart saves in quick succession, denying Soumaila Diabate from range and Karim Konate on the rebound to keep the score at bay.

Just past the half-hour mark, Konate broke the deadlock and gave the visitors the lead after Tyrone Mings lost possession in his area and Edmund Baidoo was there to pick up the piece and square the ball to the Ivorian, who finished off Victor Lindelof.

Moments later, Baidoo tried his luck from range, but his effort flew straight into the gloves of Martinez, as the visitors searched for a second.

Four minutes after the restart, Kounfolo Yeo doubled Salzburg’s advantage after Kerim Alajbegovic drilled in a low cross from the right side of the box, and Yeo was there to finish past Martinez.

At the hour mark, the visitors could’ve gone three goals up after Sota Kitano was found by Diabate at the edge of the area, but the Japanese midfielder dragged his effort wide of the far post.

In the 64th minute, Morgan Rogers pulled one back for Villa and halved the deficit after he exchanged a one-two with Emiliano Buendia before finding the bottom corner.

Minutes later, Jamoh Jimoh-Aloba almost restored parity, but his effort from a distance was palmed away by Schlager.

In the 72nd minute, Elliot could’ve drawn the host level, but his effort from a corner flew over the bar.

However, four minutes later, Mings drew the Villans level. Matty Cash played in a cross for the English defender to meet, beating Schlager and heading into an empty net.

In the 87th minute, Jimoh-Aloba fired Villa in front after he was found at the edge of the area, and the 19-year-old curled in a beauty into the far corner.

Salzburg pressed late on, but Aston Villa held on to secure a comeback victory and finished second in the Europa League league-phase standings.