Aston Villa triumphed in the Europa League final to win their first piece of European silverware in 44 years as they swept SC Freiburg aside 3-0 in Istanbul.
The Premier League team never looked in danger of an upset and took control of the match from the first whistle with Morgan Rogers forcing an early save. Unai Emery’s men where made to wait for the opening goal but it was worth it.
Youri Tielemans arrived on the right side of the area to volley home and send the Villa fans wild. Emiliano Buendia then added a second with a delightful curling effort as Villa doubled their lead before Rogers tapped home at the near post to guarantee the win.
The victory is Emery’s fifth triumph in the Europa League, and first piece of silverware with Villa. It is a first major trophy for 30 years for the midlands club and the finest end to a superb season.
Follow the reaction from Aston Villa’s Europa League victory:
Europa League final LIVE
- Aston Villa end decades long wait for major trophy with Europa League victory
- Villa defeat Freiburg 3-0 to win Europa League
- Unai Emery wins Europa League for fifth time in his career
- Villa end 30-year wait for major trophy and 44-year wait for European silverware
- Prince William watches on from the stands as his club celebrate win
How many English teams will play in next season’s Champions League?
06:00 , Mike Jones
The Premier League is guaranteed to have five teams in next season’s Champions League due to being one of the top two European leagues with the highest Uefa coefficient.
However, there could now be six English teams in next season’s competition following Aston Villa’s win over Freiburg in the Europa League final.
How many English teams will play in next season’s Champions League?
'Hopefully Prince William is paying for the free bar'
05:00 , Mike Jones
John McGinn also joked about Prince William being in attendance and celebrating Aston Villa’s victory.
“Hopefully Prince William is paying for the free bar. He's a classy man he was in dressing room before the game,” McGinn said.
“He's a massive villa fan, he was never going to miss it. He's just a normal guy, it's great to have his support.
“Hopefully he can have a couple of drinks with us and maybe get his credit card out.”
No nerves for McGinn
04:00 , Mike Jones
More from John McGinn who spoke about his feelings before the game.
"I wasn't nervous. I was for the semi final,” he said.
“I had full confidence in our ability. We've built so much and this group of players deserve it.
“The supporters do. In the Championship every away end was full to the rafters. If we were relegated it'd be the same.”
Prince William wildly celebrates from stands as Aston Villa cruise to Europa League glory
03:00 , Mike Jones
Prince William erupted in celebration from the stands as he watched his beloved Aston Villa end a 44-year wait for European glory in Istanbul.
The Prince of Wales was in attendance at Besiktas Park as the Villans cruised to a 3-0 win over German side Freiburg in the Europa League final.
William wildly celebrates from stands as Aston Villa cruise to Europa League glory
Hargreaves praises McGinn
02:00 , Mike Jones
The TNT Sports pundit said: “John McGinn's statue might be next to Emery's
“The way he's developed since he's been there has been nothing short of remarkable.
“He's so reliable, so consistent. He pops up with big goals. He's so humble.
“He's what you want your captain to be.”
The huge problem for Uefa with English domination of Europe
01:00 , Miguel Delaney
As tends to be the case with Unai Emery in the Europa League, his team are coming into form at exactly the right time. An often laborious 2026 for Aston Villa has suddenly enjoyed release. Working on limited resources relative to the top of the Premier League, Emery has got it close to spot on. Villa are suddenly flying just before their biggest game in 44 years.
They thrashed Nottingham Forest to get to this Europa League final against Freiburg and then put in one of the performances of the season in shredding Liverpool, scoring four goals in each game.
The huge problem for Uefa with English domination of Europe
Aston Villa end decades long wait for major trophy with Europa League victory
00:00 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa ended their 30-year wait for a trophy as they strolled to an emphatic 3-0 victory over Freiburg in the Europa League final in Istanbul.
After falling short in the Conference League semi-finals and Champions League last-eight over recent times, Unai Emery brought European success back to Villa Park at the third time of asking.
The Prince of Wales was in attendance to witness Villa’s first European final since he was born, and watched his beloved side win their first silverware since the League Cup in 1996.
Aston Villa end decades long wait for major trophy with Europa League victory
'It's my turn'
23:54 , Mike Jones
McGinn also explained how it feels to finally play in, and win, a European final.
"It means a lot. As a kid growing up I remember Celtic in 2003. It wasn't a great night for them but it was special,” he said.
“I was lucky enough to go the final at Hampden in 2007. To be here, in 2026, as captain of Aston Villa is incredible. It's the proudest night of my career.
"I'll try to enjoy it. I like to party but I'll take it easy to try and soak it all in."
"Being 31, in my first European final, I've seen my mates [Jack] Grealish and [Andy] Robertson win. It's my turn. It's so special, I'll cherish every minute."
More from McGinn
23:48 , Mike Jones
The Villa captain addressed how his team played saying: "We started well. I'm biased, but we have a great set piece coach in Austin MacPhee.
“We tried to deceive a bit with the set piece. We did it against liverpool at the weekend.
“Youri [Tielemans] has great quality to find the goal. It'd have been over the bar if it were me!"
'Everything we built came together'
23:42 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa captain John McGinn has been with the club for 10 years and has taken them from the Championship to the Europa League final.
Now that Villa are European champions again, he said: "I can't believe it to be honest. What we've been through as a club, this club is close to being in a right bad way seven years ago. V Sports bought the club over. Their one remit was to get it back to the Premier League and back to the levels of before.
"Tonight was everything we built coming together. The pride I felt with 10 minutes to go knowing we were about to be champions - I can’t describe it."
'Emery is a born winner'
23:36 , Mike Jones
“Emery is a winner. He is a born winner, especially in this competition when he has shown it time and time and time again,” said former Aston Villa star Ashley Young.
“Put his name up there alongside Ancelotti and Mourinho.
“He's put this club back into Europe, back into the Champions League.
“If you had said when we were in 16th position [in the Premier League] that he would come in and win the Europa league, not one player would think that would be true. He's just got a way.”
Emery and Ancelotti
23:30 , Mike Jones
Unai Emery is a five-time Europa League winner.
He’s the second manager to win a major European competition five times after five-time Champions League winner Carlo Ancelotti.
Watkins praises Emery
23:24 , Mike Jones
A final word from Ollie Watkins who paid tribute to his manager Unai Emery.
Watkins said: "He was really calm today in the build up. Sometimes in league games he's anxious because he wants to get the win but today he was calm and that set the tone for us boys.
“Youri [Tielemans] ran the show in the midfield. And Victor [Lindelof] has done so well since he's come in, he was my player of the match today."
'It's so special'
23:18 , Mike Jones
This victory really is the culmination of a journey that Aston Villa have been on under Unai Emery.
They’re now regulars in European competition and also champions in Europe.
Watkins added: “Sometimes you have ups and downs but we pulled through in the end, we pushed on, we got Champions League football.
“It's so special. All of these fans - it's indescribable."
More from Watkins
23:12 , Mike Jones
The striker spoke about the match and how Villa settled down and took control after the first goal which came from a corner.
"I've watched many finals and I think set pieces are crucial,” Watkins explained.
“Until then it was a bit cagey, they were going man for man. Fair play to [set piece coach] Austin MacPhee for having the courage, we left four up on a corner.
"An unbelievable experience. Look at this. It's what you dream of."
'To perform like that was unbelievable'
23:06 , Mike Jones
We have some quotes now from Ollie Watkins who gave his initial thoughts to TNT Sports.
"Amazing, amazing. To perform like that was unbelievable,” said the Villa striker.
“I felt like we really controlled the game and we punished them in the end."
Emery's records
23:01 , Mike Jones
Unai Emery will be just the second manager to take charge of four different clubs (Sevilla, Arsenal, Villarreal, Aston Villa) in major European finals, after Jose Mourinho (Porto, Inter, Man Utd, Roma).
Mourinho won a trophy with all four, while the other two managers to win with three different clubs are Rafael Benitez (Valencia, Liverpool, Chelsea) and Udo Lattek (Bayern Munich, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Barcelona).
Emery joins the latter with three wins thanks to Europa League triumphs with Sevilla, Villarreal and Aston Villa.
Prince William celebrates Villa's victory
23:00 , Mike Jones
Here’s a video of the future King of England celebrating Aston Villa’s triumph.
Aston Villa's celebrations
22:54 , Mike Jones
'Build him a statue'
22:48 , Mike Jones
TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves is very complimentary about Unai Emery saying that he has turned Villa around and done things his own way.
He also says the club should build the manager a statue outside Villa Park and maybe put one of John McGinn next to it.
More from Rogers
22:42 , Mike Jones
One of Villa goalscorers added: "There was so much excitement. We're all really excited.
"The manager has been banging on at me to get easier goals and get into the box. I'm happy I could get a toe onto it and score.
"I'm tired but not that tired. It's all worth it in the end."
'It's hard to put into words'
22:36 , Mike Jones
A beaming Morgan Rogers came over to speak to TNT Sports after the final whistle.
He said: "It's hard to put into words, we've worked so hard for this. We've delivered and come through.
“It's a great moment for the fans, great for the club. We'll go down in history.”
A perfect night for Villa
22:30 , Mike Jones
Here’s some thoughts from Ally McCoist.
The TNT Sports commentator said: “A perfect night for the Villa.
“There wasn't a lot happening in the first 30 minutes but after that first goal the game exploded into life and it was totally dominated by Aston Villa.
“These guys deserve it. They've earned it. They've had a fantastic season.
“Let the party begin!”
The king of the competition
22:26 , Mike Jones
Unai Emery denied that he was the king of this competition before kick off with the Spaniard having previously won the title four times from five attempts.
He now has a fifth title from six and will not be able to deny that he is a master of getting teams over the line in the Europa League.
The Villa fans are all thrilled.
Aston Villa end decades long wait for major trophy with Europa League victory
22:22 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa ended their 30-year wait for a trophy as they strolled to an emphatic 3-0 victory over Freiburg in the Europa League final in Istanbul.
After falling short in the Conference League semi-finals and Champions League last-eight over recent times, Unai Emery brought European success back to Villa Park at the third time of asking.
The Prince of Wales was in attendance to witness Villa’s first European final since he was born, and watched his beloved side win their first silverware since the League Cup in 1996.
Aston Villa end decades long wait for major trophy with Europa League victory
Another word from Tielemans
22:16 , Mike Jones
The influential midfielder added: "We only had one day to practice, we did it on Monday and it went brilliantly tonight. So happy.
"It's amazing. It's been a season with a lot of ups and downs. We started so so bad. Our standards were very poor.
“The way we turned things around was a credit to the players and staff. We kept working, believing. We got the win in the end, Champions League next season and a trophy."
Credit to the fans
22:12 , Mike Jones
Tielemans also praised the Aston Villa fans who cheered from minute one to minute 90.
They were exceptional and Villa gave them plenty to cheer about.
Tielemans said: "The fans have been amazing. All game long we could only hear them. Credit to them. Up the Villa!"
The trophy presentation
22:10 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa’s players and manager head up to the stage and receive their Europa League winners medals.
Prince William is watching on from the stands and is recording the moment on his phone.
John McGinn comes last and takes the trophy. He moves into the centre of his teammates and lofts it into the night!
Aston Villa are the Europa League champions!
Here's some reaction from Youri Tielemans
22:08 , Mike Jones
Villa’s first goalscorer spoke to TNT Sports and was on the verge of losing his voice.
He said: "I feel amazing. My voice is a bit gone but it's all good.
“We put in a shift, top performance we had a great season. to top it off with this it's amazing."
A glorious night
22:04 , Mike Jones
TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher sums up the evening for Villa.
He said: “It's a glorious night for one of English football's great clubs.
“The team from the Second City has another European trophy.”
Aston Villa's long wait
22:00 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa win their first trophy since the League Cup in 1996.
And a first major European trophy since the European Cup in 1982.
Aston Villa win the Europea League!
21:55 , Mike Jones
Cue the celebrations
21:53 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa have ended their fantastic season in superb fashion with a victory in the Europa League.
It’s the second successive victory for an English side following Tottenham’s win last year.
The players are dancing and celebrating on the pitch. These scenes could go on for a while.
Full-time! Freiburg 0-3 Aston Villa
21:52 , Mike Jones
90+1 mins: Aston Villa win the Europa League!
It’s been a 30 year wait for a major trophy and a 44 year wait for a European one.
Villa were class tonight and their three goals swept Freiburg aside.
Freiburg 0-3 Aston Villa
21:51 , Mike Jones
90 mins: Just the one minute of added time to play.
Freiburg 0-3 Aston Villa
21:47 , Mike Jones
86 mins: The Aston Villa fans are in full voice again.
They’ve not stopped all evening and they’ll keep on going well into the night.
This is an occasion, and a result, to celebrate.
Freiburg 0-3 Aston Villa
21:42 , Mike Jones
83 mins: Jadon Sancho has been brought on by Unai Emery.
Sancho is the first player to play in the final of three different major European competitions in three consecutive seasons with three different teams (2023/24 Champions League, 2024/25 Conference League and 2025/26 Europa League).
Freiburg 0-3 Aston Villa
21:41 , Mike Jones
80 mins: 10 minutes to play in Istanbul. 10 minutes until Aston Villa are crowned Europa League champions.
Freiburg 0-3 Aston Villa
21:36 , Mike Jones
76 mins: Oh no!
Villa have moved into tiki-taka mode to play it through Freiburg’s backline.
Buendia is the receiver and sees the goalkeeper go down. He tries to lift it over him but only finds the side netting.
Freiburg 0-3 Aston Villa
21:34 , Mike Jones
73 mins: Lovely football from Villa to sweep forward and force Freiburg back into their own half.
Emery’s men are passing it around slickly with one touch passes and pure confidence.
Freiburg 0-3 Aston Villa
21:31 , Mike Jones
70 mins: Matty Cash decides to try his luck with a shot from range and whips a long ranged effort high and wide.
It’s not a good effort but it’s that time of the match for the Villa players to be a bit selfish.
Freiburg 0-3 Aston Villa
21:27 , Mike Jones
68 mins: Here’s a snap of Rogers’ goal.
Over in midfield, Onana gets stuck into the action straight away and is brought down.
Villa win another free kick.
Freiburg 0-3 Aston Villa
21:26 , Mike Jones
65 mins: There are no answers for Freiburg.
Unai Emery must be thinking about making changes shortly as this match is done.
Right on cue...
... Victor Lindelof heads off to loud applause from the fans with Amadou Onana brought on. That’s arguably a change that will bring Villa even more control in midfield.
Freiburg 0-3 Aston Villa
21:23 , Mike Jones
62 mins: Villa are cruising. Freiburg’s best efforts are challenging the defence and the three goals mean they can ease off the gas.
The last 30 minutes or so will be a procession.
GOAL! Freiburg 0-3 Aston Villa (Morgan Rogers, 58')
21:20 , Mike Jones
Incredible!
McGinn whips the ball out to the left wing and Lucas Digne sends it forward with his first touch as Buendia makes his run.
Buendia takes over and then squares a pass into the six yard box.
Morgan Rogers squeezes in front of the centre back and touches it home!
Freiburg 0-2 Aston Villa
21:18 , Mike Jones
57 mins: Freiburg are visibly set up further up the pitch with the means to press.
If Villa can thread the gaps there’s space in behind their defence.
Freiburg 0-2 Aston Villa
21:14 , Mike Jones
54 mins: Close!
A Villa free kick is flicked over the Freiburg defence by Tielemans and drops towards Watkins making his run in behind.
Watkins lunges for the ball and touches it past the nearest post!
Freiburg 0-2 Aston Villa
21:12 , Mike Jones
51 mins: Already Freiburg have been more controlling and forward thinking.
Villa seem comfortable though. They’re getting men behind the ball and keeping the shape tight.
Freiburg 0-2 Aston Villa
21:08 , Mike Jones
48 mins: Freiburg have to take more risks now which should open the game up for Villa.
Rogers and Buendia drives into a bit of space in front of the box before the scorer of the second goal is tackled and loses possession.
Second half! Freiburg 0-2 Aston Villa
21:06 , Mike Jones
Freiburg get the ball rolling again in Istanbul. Is there a way back into this match for them?
HT Freiburg 0-2 Aston Villa
21:03 , Mike Jones
This is Emi Buendia’s spectacular second:
Buendía brilliance ✨
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 20, 2026
Emiliano Buendía with a beauty to make it 2-0 to Aston Villa just before half-time 🎯
📺 TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/sVmWF0Leoa
HT Freiburg 0-2 Aston Villa
21:01 , Mike Jones
This is Youri Tielemans’ brilliant opener:
Sensational from Youri Tielemans 🤯
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 20, 2026
An absolute rocket to give Aston Villa the lead in the Europa League final 🚀
📺 TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/zOZAIDXLKg
HT Freiburg 0-2 Aston Villa
20:59 , Mike Jones
Some stats from the first half.
Villa have had more possession (58%), more shots (9 compared to 3) and more shots on target (3 to 1).
Crucially though they have scored the most goals and are now 45 minutes away from another piece of European silverware.
HT Freiburg 0-2 Aston Villa
20:55 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Freiburg 0-2 Aston Villa
20:51 , Mike Jones
45+4 mins: Two goals to the good for Villa.
They are cruising in this final now and it’s all up to Freiburg to respond after the break.
GOAL! Freiburg 0-2 Aston Villa (Emi Buendia, 45+3')
20:50 , Mike Jones
Yes!
This is class as well. Villa keep the pressure on with a couple of corners but Freiburg force them away from the area.
McGinn collects the ball on the right wing and spins it inside to Buendia.
He turns and curls an outstanding shot into the far, top corner!
Freiburg 0-1 Aston Villa
20:46 , Mike Jones
45 mins: Three minutes of added time to play at the end of the first half.
Can Villa add a second?
GOAL! Freiburg 0-1 Aston Villa (Youri Tielemans, 41')
20:43 , Mike Jones
Incredible!
Villa play a corner short to Morgan Rogers who lifts the ball into the right side of the penalty area.
Youri Tielemans makes a run from deep and meets the dropping ball on the volley.
He rattles it superbly towards goal, Noah Atubolu is beaten and Villa take the lead!
Freiburg 0-0 Aston Villa
20:38 , Mike Jones
38 mins: Both teams are well set defensively meaning that chances are few and far between.
The ball is slipped through to Rogers who carries it forward before feeding Buendia.
The ball drops to the edge of the box and John McGinn arrives to drive the ball at goal but sees the effort get blocked.
Freiburg 0-0 Aston Villa
20:37 , Mike Jones
34 mins: Tielemans loses the ball and Freiburg work it quickly up to Johan Manzambi.
He spins and fires a shot from about 30 yards which draws a save out of Martinez.
Freiburg 0-0 Aston Villa
20:30 , Mike Jones
30 mins: Rogers and Buendia are both being marked and shut off well by the Freiburg defence.
There’s not a lot of space for either to operate in which is one of the reasons why Villa are finding it tricky to get into the box.
The Villa fans are enjoying themselves nonetheless.
Freiburg 0-0 Aston Villa
20:28 , Mike Jones
27 mins: Martinez belts a long ball up the pitch towards Watkins who is powered away from it by Philipp Lienhart.
Villa are growing frustrated. Other than Rogers’ early shots there hasn’t been a lot of threat to the Freiburg goal.
Freiburg 0-0 Aston Villa
20:24 , Mike Jones
24 mins: Grifo is still down and receiving some treatment from the Freiburg physios.
He’s back on his feet, as evidence by loud boos from the Villa fans, and is ready to take the free kick.
Niklas Beste swings in the free kick but it goes over everyone and Villa come away with the ball.
Freiburg 0-0 Aston Villa
20:22 , Mike Jones
21 mins: Matty Cash is booked for a lunging challenge on Grifo.
The two of them had previously had a bit of a barney and, though Cash wins the ball, his follow through lands on the shin of the Freiburg captain.
Freiburg 0-0 Aston Villa
20:18 , Mike Jones
18 mins: Freiburg win themselves a free kick over on the right wing.
The German team are solid when it comes to set pieces. Vincenzo Grifo curls in the free kick and the ball drops to Nicolas Hofler.
He drills a fine effort towards goal but pulls it just wide of the far post.
A close effort that.
Freiburg 0-0 Aston Villa
20:16 , Mike Jones
15 mins: Villa look settled. They’re getting into dangerous areas, especially down the left, and there’s not a great deal of attacking momentum coming back at them.
A goal will put the cherry on top of this positive start.
Freiburg 0-0 Aston Villa
20:12 , Mike Jones
12 mins: Emi Buendia receives a short free kick and looks to deliver a cross to the far side of the box.
His pass is too high and too heavy meaning it bounces out for a goal kick having flown over everyone’s heads.
Freiburg 0-0 Aston Villa
20:10 , Mike Jones
9 mins: Good pressure from Rogers forces Atubolu to boot the ball out for a throw in.
Villa launch it into the box but are repelled. Victor Lindelof ends up with the ball and slips it to Rogers on the edge of the penalty area.
He lets the ball run past then smokes a shot wide of the far post.
Freiburg 0-0 Aston Villa
20:07 , Mike Jones
6 mins: Villa have started this match strongly.
John McGinn draws a foul out of Philipp Treu after spinning past the defender and getting dragged down.
Villa play the free kick back and they work it over to the left.
A long ball up the pitch takes Lucas Digne forward and he floats a cross into the box but there’s a foul on one of the Freiburg defenders, I think from Watkins, and the attack dies down.
Freiburg 0-0 Aston Villa
20:04 , Mike Jones
3 mins: Save!
That’s class from Villa. Youri Tielemans fizzes the ball up the pitch and into the feet of Ollie Watkins.
He spins and flicks the ball across to Morgan Rogers who takes a touch to get to the edge of the box and then rattles a shot at goal.
Noah Atubolu leaps to the right and pushes the ball wide!
Kick off! Freiburg 0-0 Aston Villa
20:01 , Mike Jones
Villa get the ball rolling for this Europa League final.
Aston Villa have the chance to win a European trophy for the first time since 1982.
They worke the ball over to the left wing but lose possession inside their own half.
Freiburg whip in a cross and Igor Matanovic heads his effort wide.
Almost time for kick
19:55 , Mike Jones
The players make their way out onto the pitch at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul.
This will be a massive match for Aston Villa who are big favourites to win.
Kick off in the Europa League final is up next...
Brilliant Buendia
19:50 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendía has three goals and five assists in 11 Europa League starts this season.
It’s one of five occasions a player has 5+ assists in a season for an English club (since 2009-10) along with Juan Mata for Chelsea in 2012-13 (5) and Man Utd in 2019-20 (5), Willian for Chelsea in 2018-19 (7) and Bukayo Saka for Arsenal in 2019-20 (5).
Among the greats
19:45 , Mike Jones
Unai Emery has managed in five previous major European finals, all in the Europa League.
He won four (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 with Sevilla, 2020-21 with Villarreal) and lost one (2018-19 with Arsenal).
With this his sixth, he goes level with Carlo Ancelotti, Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho for major finals and behind only Giovanni Trapattoni (7), while a victory would see him go level with Trapattoni, Ancelotti and Mourinho for major European final wins (5).
Villa's playmaker
19:40 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers ranks top for chances created (27), expected assists (3.3) and touches in the opposition box (65) in the Europa League this season.
Since 2009-10, the only Englishman to create more chances in a Europa League campaign is James Milner in 2015-16 for Liverpool (31).
Freiburg's key man
19:35 , Mike Jones
Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi leads all players in the Europa League this season for possession won (72), duels won (97), fouls won (37) and is second for shots (32).
Only one player since 2009-10 – Amadou Haidara in 2017-18 for FC RB Salzburg (125) – has won more duels in a season while under the age of 21.
The Unai Emery lesson Aston Villa can learn to bring back the European glory years
19:30 , Richard Jolly
Some are calling it Astonbul. It is also part of the Villa trilogy. And not, though Unai Emery has flagged it up, Aston Villa’s progress to the quarter-finals of three different European competitions in as many seasons. But having won the Europa League with Sevilla and Villarreal, now he could do likewise with the Villa as they face Freiburg in Istanbul.
A fifth Europa League crown would cement Emery’s status as the Carlo Ancelotti of this competition; only Giovanni Trapattoni has won it more than twice, but that was in a different era when, with a solitary club per country qualifying automatically for the European Cup, the Uefa Cup was arguably the hardest to claim.
The Unai Emery lesson Aston Villa can learn to bring back the European glory years
Leaving it late
19:25 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa have scored eight goals from the 76th minute onwards in Europa League games this season, the most of any side (excl. extra-time).
Only Feyenoord (7) have conceded more in that timeframe than Freiburg (5).
It’s the most goals Villa have scored in that period in a single major European campaign.
Back to back English winners?
19:20 , Mike Jones
Following Tottenham’s victory in 2024-25, should Aston Villa win the trophy it will be the first time the Uefa Cup/Europa League has been won by an English club in consecutive seasons since the first two seasons of the competition in 1971-72 (Spurs) and 1972-73 (Liverpool).
Major final appearances
19:15 , Mike Jones
This is only Freiburg’s second ever major final, previously reaching the 2022 DFB-Pokal final, drawing 1-1 with RB Leipzig before losing 4-2 on penalties.
Aston Villa’s last major final was in 2019-20 when they lost 2-1 to Manchester City at Wembley in the League Cup.
A winning streak
19:10 , Mike Jones
Since the start of 2023-24, no side has won more matches in major European competition than Aston Villa (26) and only Arsenal (19) have kept more clean sheets in that time than the Villans (16).
An eye for goal
19:05 , Mike Jones
Freiburg have netted 25 Europa League goals this season.
Since 2009-10, the only German teams to score more in one season are Werder Bremen in 2009-10 (26), Eintracht Frankfurt in 2018-19 (30) and Bayer Leverkusen in 2023-24 (31).
The huge problem for Uefa with English domination of Europe
19:00 , Mike Jones
As tends to be the case with Unai Emery in the Europa League, his team are coming into form at exactly the right time. An often laborious 2026 for Aston Villa has suddenly enjoyed release. Working on limited resources relative to the top of the Premier League, Emery has got it close to spot on. Villa are suddenly flying just before their biggest game in 44 years.
They thrashed Nottingham Forest to get to this Europa League final against Freiburg and then put in one of the performances of the season in shredding Liverpool, scoring four goals in each game.
The huge problem for Uefa with English domination of Europe
Freiburg team to take on Villa
18:59 , Mike Jones
Freiburg XI: Atubolu; Kubler, Ginter, Lienhart, Treu; Eggestein, Hofler; Beste, Manzambi, Grifo; Matanovic
Subs: Muller, Huth, Jung, Osterhage, Scherhant, Holer, Irie, Philipp, Gunter, Makengo, Rosenfelder, Ogbus
Freiburg are 'a really good side' says Tielemans
18:54 , Mike Jones
A final word from Youri Tielemans who spoke about Aston Villa’s opponents tonight.
Of Freiburg he said: "I know they're a really good side.
“Them being in the final, it means they've done well in the competition, but in the Bundesliga, they've done really good things as well, they're fighting for Europe every season.
“It's going to be a very tough game."
Freiburg are 'a really good side' says Tielemans
18:54 , Mike Jones
A final word from Youri Tielemans who spoke about Aston Villa’s opponents tonight.
Of Freiburg he said: "I know they're a really good side.
“Them being in the final, it means they've done well in the competition, but in the Bundesliga, they've done really good things as well, they're fighting for Europe every season.
“It's going to be a very tough game."
Emery names unchanged team
18:49 , Mike Jones
Unai Emery has named an unchanged team for the third game in a row meaning Victor Lindelof starts in midfielder alongside Youri Tielemans.
Amadou Onana starts in the bench but could play a part later on.
Ollie Watkins leads the lead again.
Tielemans on his own form
18:48 , Mike Jones
The Villa midfielder added: "It's definitely the best period of my career.
“My game has matured so I can now guide most of the players, I can dictate play with or without the ball.
“Obviously, my technical abilities have always been my strength, and I try to bring that into the game, once we have the ball, to keep the calmness in the team and to try to make the team tick and that's what I enjoy the most."
Aston Villa team to face Freiburg
18:47 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Lindelof, Tielemans; Buendia, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins
Your #UELfinal Aston Villa team! 👊 pic.twitter.com/juaknrF1BV
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 20, 2026
'Imagine if we played like that every game'
18:42 , Mike Jones
Youri Tielemans was on media duty for Aston Villa ahead of tonight’s clash in Istanbul.
He was asked about Villa’s brilliant 4-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the second leg of the semi-final.
"Everything came together,” he revealed.
“I was [recently] saying to some friends, 'Imagine if we played that way every game, how much more enjoyable it would be!' Just that intensity we put into the game.
“We could tell in the first few minutes that it was going to be our night. It was one of our best performances of the season… so far."
A long time to wait
18:36 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa are featuring in just their second major European final, having won 1-0 against Bayern Munich in the 1982 European Cup final.
Only Manchester City have ever had a longer gap between their first two finals (1970 – 2021).
A first major final
18:30 , Mike Jones
Freiburg are into their first ever major European final, becoming the 16th German side to feature in one.
They are the first German final debutants since FC Schalke 04 in the 1996-97 Uefa Cup, who beat Internazionale on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw over two legs.
Villa vs German clubs
18:24 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa faced German teams twice in last season’s Champions League, beating both Bayern Munich (1-0) and RB Leipzig (3-2).
They were last beaten by German opponents in 2008-09 in the Uefa Cup, losing 3-1 to Hamburg.
Villa to manage the pressure
18:18 , Mike Jones
More from Emery who spoke about his team learning to handle the pressure of big games.
“Structure is tactical, structure is individual, how we must respond in the moment we are. Like now for example, one final, but now it’s a new experience we will have,” Emery said.
“As well, it’s very important in our structure, how we are managing our emotions. We played a lot of matches and a lot of emotions, and the pressure is here as well.
“But we must try to understand the pressure, like something positive, not negative. And the pressure is, when you are playing for something important.”
Pre-match thoughts from Unai Emery
18:12 , Mike Jones
"Three years ago the semi-final of the Conference League, last year we played the quarter-final of the Champions League and this year the [Europa League] final; we have played enough matches in Europe,” said Aston Villa’s boss.
“Those experiences are very important for us, how we are playing this year, how we played last year, the first leg, second leg, different rounds and now it is a new chapter to play the final.
“This is a new challenge we have together. We are confident. The players are here because they deserve it."
Everything I did, is done
18:06 , Mike Jones
Unai Emery says that his past wins in the Europa League don’t matter as he has yet to win the competition with Aston Villa.
"I am not a king in this competition. I am now with Aston Villa in a new chapter and everything I did is done,” Emery explained at the pre-match press conference yesterday.
“It’s there in that moment, but with it I am not winning tomorrow. I need to win tomorrow with the players we have now, with Aston Villa now, with the opponent we face tomorrow.
“So it’s a new way, a new moment and hopefully a new era. I don’t want to speak a lot about the thing we did before.
“Now, this year, and the matches we played before in the Conference League, they are showing the capacity to play at a high level."
Unai Emery rejects Europa League ‘king’ tag as Aston Villa chase first major trophy in 30 years
18:00 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has downplayed his formidable reputation in the Europa League as his side prepares for Wednesday’s final, aiming to secure their first major trophy in three decades.
Emery, who has been hailed as a specialist after winning the Europa League four times with Sevilla and Villarreal, insists his past glories will count for nothing as Villa seek to cap a memorable season. The club has impressed in Europe under the Spaniard, reaching the Conference League semi-finals in 2024 before losing to eventual winners PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals last year.
Emery rejects Europa League ‘king’ tag as Villa chase first major trophy in 30 years
Can Freiburg defeat Aston Villa?
17:54 , Mike Jones
The Freiburg manager added: "I think our big strength this year was that we still had to focus on our tasks, so it doesn't matter against whom we play.
“It's important to have this belief in our strength and just focus on the match plan and play with a lot of discipline.
“These are the points when we get on the pitch tomorrow, so we will have our chances."
'You can't plan this journey'
17:48 , Mike Jones
More from Schuster who spoke about Freiburg’s journey to reach the final.
"You can't plan this journey that we had,” he said.
“It's important to think from task to task and from round to round. We really deserve it because we had some really good performances over the last rounds.
“It's absolutely amazing for me, for every one of us, and also for this great football club to be here with so many supporters. It's really special."
Pre-match thoughts from Julian Schuster
17:42 , Mike Jones
Freiburg’s head coach spoke about what it is like to challenge of the Europa League title and possibly win a first major trophy for the German club.
"It's already really special. We do have to mention that we want to take that final step and not just be content to reach a final,” he said.
“We are actually really motivated to win it. The sense of support and solidarity in [Freiburg] is stronger than ever. It's great.
“That's the power of football, that it can captivate so many people and bring them together. It's a really nice feeling and we're enjoying the moment."
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
