JAMALDEEN JIMOH-ALOBA struck a dream winner as Aston Villa’s young guns combined to seal a comeback that clinched second spot.
Tyrone Mings had coughed up a comedy error to hand Salzburg the opening goal on a surprisingly chaotic evening.
But he rose high to meet Matty Cash’s cross to level, providing the platform for youngster Jimoh-Aloba to finish off Kadan Young’s cross.
And while the sight of Ollie Watkins coming off with an apparent hamstring strain will add to head coach Unai Emery’s injury concerns, this stirring comeback continues to build their momentum.
The Villans were almost in front inside half a minute when Watkins’ long-range effort was spilled unconvincingly by Salzburg stopper Alexander Schlager.
Harvey Elliott, making his first appearance since October, was first to the rebound only for it to come off the leg of Schlager, who was positioned like a scorpion and breathed a major sigh of relief.
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So close to a dream start, the evening soon turned towards a nightmare.
Salzburg arrived needing both a win and results elsewhere to go in their favour to progress into the play-offs.
And they were good value for the lead.
First Soumaila Diabate and Karim Konate brought a fine double stop from Emi Martinez as Salzburg pressed ferociously.
Their intent would soon force Villa into a costly mistake.
Mings massively underhit a pass back to Martinez, gifting possession to Edmund Baidoo. He calmly picked out the unmarked Konate, who scuffed an attempt towards the bottom left corner where Victor Lindelof diverted a botched clearance into his own net.
Watkins hobbled off two minutes later, and while Tammy Abraham, signed on Tuesday from Besiktas for £18million, at least ensures a recognised goalscorer is available should Watkins be sidelined, he was among those watching on from the stands.
That meant Morgan Rogers became the focal point of an attack unable to really get flowing before the break as Salzburg remained more likely.
Martinez had to make another fine save from Baidoo as the interval approached, with the break seeing George Hemmings’ first start ended prematurely as Emery brought Cash on and shifted Lamare Bogarde into the middle.
But Salzburg doubled their advantage within three minutes of the restart courtesy of their half-time sub Moussa Yeo.
Kerim Alajbegovic made smooth inroads down the right before squaring to the Yeo. He converted with his first touch.
Then Sota Kitano dragged narrowly wide with an hour gone – a let-off that brought Villa to life.
Rogers pulled one back following a lovely give-and-go with Emi Buendia, the finish drilled low towards the bottom left corner.
Jimoh-Aloba, on for a European debut, then came close to a stunning leveller with his first act only to be denied by Schlager.
Yet there was no denying the towering Mings as he leapt high to meet Cash’s pinpoint delivery.
Then Young fed Jimoh-Aloba, who was calm and collected when side-footing home before celebrating in front of a jubilant Holte End.
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