Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 5:15 p.m. / Updated Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 5:15 p.m.
Aston Villa and Freiburg meet tonight in the Europa League final, played at “Beşiktaş Park” in Istanbul. The match starts at 22:00 and can be watched in livetext format on GSP.ro and on TV on Digi Sport 1 and Prima Sport 1.
It is a final with an important charge for both clubs. Aston Villa are looking for their first major European trophy in more than three decades, while Freiburg are enjoying their biggest run in history, 122 years after they were founded.
LIVE AT 22:00 » Aston Villa – Freiburg
Aston Villa – Freiburg » Probable teams
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez (GK) – Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne – Barkley, Tielemans – McGinn, Rogers, Buendia – Watkins
Unavailable: Onana, Kamara, Alysson
Uncertain: Lindelof, Mings
Coach: Unai Emery
Freiburg (4-2-3-1): Atubolu (GK) – Kubler, Ginter, Lienhart, Treu – Eggestein, Hofler – Beste, Manzambi, Grifo – Matanovic
Unavailable: Rosenfelder, Suzuki
Coach: Julian Schuster
Aston Villa, favorite because of experience
Unai Emery's team starts as slight favourites, both through the coach's experience in European competitions and through the solid course of this season. Villa had a near-perfect campaign in the league stage and then got past Lille, Bologna and Nottingham Forest, showing consistency and attacking prowess.
Recent form gives confidence to the English, who have scored consistently and shown solid attacking play based on Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendia. Furthermore, Emery already has an impressive record in the Europa League, having won four trophies previously.
However, batch problems could matter, with important absences in the midfield, which could force improvisations in the starting formula.
Aston Villa have already secured Champions League qualification by finishing in the top five in the Premier League, but eventual success in the Europa League could influence the European places of other Premier League clubs.
Freiburg, the revelation of the competition
On the other hand, Freiburg is one of the pleasant surprises of the European season. Julian Schuster's side have been consistent and efficient offensively, making a solid run since the league stage, where they went unbeaten in their first seven matches.
In the knockout stages, the Germans categorically passed Genk and Celta Vigo, and in the semi-finals they eliminated Braga. Freiburg showed an effective attack with 25 goals scored in the competition, almost equal to Aston Villa.
The good form continues in the championship, where the team managed a clear 4-1 against RB Leipzig, an important result before the final.
