Europa League Team of the Week: Freiburg Shines in Quarterfinals as Watkins Hits Century Mark

Goalkeeper

Stefan Ortega (Nottingham Forest) – 8.0

In the second leg, Ortega was denied twice by the crossbar, and with Porto reduced to ten men, he found himself with limited work. However, in the initial match, the German goalkeeper was pivotal for Forest.

He made two crucial saves in the opening minute alone and finished the match with a total of seven saves. Statistically, he averted two additional goals for Porto, which was crucial in such a tight tie, ultimately earning Forest a spot in the semi-finals.

Defenders

Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest) – 7.6

Williams’ offensive contributions made a significant impact for Forest in their victory over Porto.

The 25-year-old’s determination assisted Morgan Gibbs-White’s pivotal goal, while Williams himself registered three shots, completed 27 of 28 passes in the final third, won nine duels, and successfully completed all four tackles he attempted.

Matthias Ginter (Freiburg) – 7.7

Although Ginter wasn’t the standout star in the second leg against Celta Vigo, overshadowed by his attacking colleagues, Freiburg’s main centre-back produced a commendable 180 minutes, receiving a 9.0 rating in his first appearance at this level in the Europa League.

He excelled with a solid performance, winning eight duels, executing three interceptions, and making three clearances. Furthermore, despite being one of the most involved passers, he maintained an impressive passing accuracy of over 90 per cent.

This was all leading up to his crucial achievement of scoring Freiburg’s significant third goal, placing Celta in a challenging position.

Lucas Digne (Aston Villa) – 7.5

Digne earned his high rating in the second leg largely due to a long throw that led to Emiliano Buendia’s finish, sealing the tie against Bologna. However, this was merely a fraction of his contributions.

The indefatigable left-back covered the pitch extensively, engaging in battles in both defensive and attacking zones. Occasionally overly aggressive, Digne committed eight fouls across the two legs, but effectiveness in defence outweighs discipline.

Midfielders

Jan-Niklas Beste (Freiburg) – 8.4

Beste was a key player for Freiburg in both fixtures, contributing significantly beyond his usual role on the right flank, with tangible results from his efforts.

He was pivotal in scoring the finishing goal from Igor Matanovic’s pass in the first leg and subsequently provided the assist for Yuito Suzuki’s opener in the second. Whatever statistic you examine, Beste showed no clear weaknesses, contributing quality to two of Freiburg’s six quarter-final goals.

Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa) – 7.6

Tielemans had an inconsistent performance in the second leg—at times, he seemed almost invisible on the pitch. However, the first leg witnessed him helping Villa establish a two-goal lead at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara with his incisive final passes. His precise corners and his consistency from set pieces would be the envy of any player.

Florian Grillitsch (Braga) – 7.6

Following Braga’s remarkable comeback in the second leg against Real Betis, Grillitsch’s goal from the first match remains unforgettable. Despite modest expectations upon joining, the Austrian has become a valuable asset for the club.

His exquisite solo goal marked him as the hero of the quarter-final’s first half, and he played a crucial role in the greater success of the tie.

Vincenzo Grifo (Freiburg) – 7.6

Witness Grifo’s remarkable goal that launched Freiburg’s tie against Celta—a spectacular long-range effort that marked his fourth of this Europa League campaign. He added his third assist of the season in the second leg, which came in a less conventional context.

Even at 33, while he may not play a full match, he clocked nearly 130 vital minutes in a tie that led his team to a historic achievement.

Forwards

Igor Matanovic (Freiburg) – 7.8

Matanovic played a critical role in Freiburg’s dominance over Celta, providing an assist in the first leg and scoring the opener in the second leg.

Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) – 8.1

Against Bologna, Watkins netted three goals—matching his total for the entire Europa League season up to that point.

His goals came with assistance from Tielemans and Morgan Rogers, yet this does not diminish Watkins’ impressive striking instincts in this tie.

His reward? Celebrating his 100th goal for Aston Villa, becoming the first player to reach this milestone since 1962.

Jonathan Rowe (Bologna) – 7.2

While Rowe was kept in check during the second leg, his impact was notable in the first leg, where he played a pivotal part in keeping Bologna’s hopes alive against Villa.

With six shots taken, one of which brought the Rossoblu back into the contest, Rowe’s run from the wing into the box to beat two defenders culminated in a thunderous shot that struck the post—capturing the determination on his face as he urged his teammates to persevere.