Aston Villa and Freiburg meet in Istanbul on Wednesday night with European silverware and Champions League qualification on the line in the 2026 Europa League final.
Unai Emery’s side are aiming to win their first major trophy in 30 years, while Freiburg are hoping to complete one of the most remarkable stories in European football by securing the first major honour in the club’s history.
Match Preview
Aston Villa head into Wednesday’s Europa League final looking to complete their rise under Unai Emery by lifting a first European trophy since 1982.
After reaching the Conference League semi-finals in 2024 and the Champions League quarter-finals last season, Villa now have the chance to take the next step on the continental stage when they face Freiburg in Istanbul.
The Premier League side were among the standout teams in this season’s competition, losing just once during the league phase before overcoming Lille and Bologna in the knockout rounds.
Villa then booked their place in the final with an emphatic semi-final victory over Nottingham Forest. After falling behind in the tie, Emery’s side responded in style at Villa Park as captain John McGinn scored twice in a commanding 4-0 second-leg win.
Momentum has continued to build domestically too. A 4-2 victory over Liverpool last time out secured Champions League qualification and ensured Villa arrive in Turkey full of confidence.
Emery’s pedigree in this competition also adds to Villa’s belief. The Spaniard is a four-time Europa League winner and is aiming to guide a fourth different club into European final success.
Freiburg Chasing a Historic First Major Trophy
While Villa are targeting their first major trophy in three decades, Freiburg are aiming to make history by winning the first major honour in the club’s 122-year history.
The Bundesliga side have enjoyed a remarkable Europa League campaign under Julian Schuster, building on the strong foundations left by former manager Christian Streich.
Freiburg impressed throughout the league phase before producing a series of high-scoring performances in the knockout rounds. Victories over Genk and Celta Vigo set up a semi-final clash with Braga.
Despite losing the first leg in Portugal, Freiburg fought back in the return fixture to seal their place in Istanbul thanks to goals from Lukas Kubler and Johan Manzambi.
Goals have been a major feature of their European run, with only Aston Villa scoring more times in the competition this season.
Freiburg also arrive in strong form after a 4-1 win over RB Leipzig secured Conference League qualification for next season, though lifting the Europa League trophy would earn them a historic Champions League place instead.
Freiburg Team News
Freiburg are expected to be without Yuito Suzuki because of a fractured collarbone, while Patrick Osterhage remains a doubt ahead of the final.
However, Schuster otherwise has the majority of his key players available for the club’s biggest European match to date.
Manzambi has emerged as one of Freiburg’s standout performers during their Europa League run, while experienced defender Matthias Ginter has played every minute of the campaign and scored twice in the knockout stages.
Veteran forward Vincenzo Grifo also arrives in excellent form after recording a goal involvement in each of his last five European appearances.
Croatian striker Igor Matanovic is expected to lead the line after scoring his 11th Bundesliga goal of the season against RB Leipzig last weekend.
Aston Villa Team News
Aston Villa could again be without Amadou Onana after the midfielder missed recent matches with the injury suffered during the semi-final first leg against Forest.
Emery may therefore continue using Victor Lindelof in a deeper midfield role, although the Sweden international was forced off against Liverpool with a foot issue. If Lindelof is unavailable, Douglas Luiz or Lamare Bogarde could step in, while Ross Barkley is ineligible and Boubacar Kamara remains sidelined.
The Lions will at least head into the final with several attacking players in strong form. Ollie Watkins scored twice in the win over Liverpool and leads the club’s scoring charts in Europe this season with five goals.
Buendia has also impressed throughout the Europa League campaign, contributing eight goal involvements in 11 starts, while Morgan Rogers has created more chances than any other Villa player in the competition.
Freiburg vs Aston Villa: Predicted Line-ups
Freiburg (4-2-3-1): Atubolu; Kubler, Ginter, Lienhart, Treu; Eggestein, Hofler; Beste, Manzambi, Grifo; Matanovic
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Lindelof, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins
Prediction
Freiburg 1-2 Aston Villa
Both teams have impressed throughout their Europa League campaigns, but Aston Villa’s experience, squad depth and attacking quality could prove decisive in Istanbul.
Freiburg have shown they are capable of troubling anyone in the competition, though Villa’s momentum and Emery’s European pedigree may give them the edge in a closely fought final.
