SC Freiburg vs. Aston Villa Lineups, Predictions, Injuries, Europa League Final Score and Results
SC Freiburg and Aston Villa today at Beşiktaş Park in Istanbul in a game that could make history for either club in the UEFA Europa League final. The winner wins the Europa League and qualifies directly for the 2026-27 Champions League
For Freiburg, this is completely new territory. The German team has never played in a major European final before, and now they're 90 minutes away from the biggest trophy in the club's history. Aston Villa on the other hand, is chasing its first major title in 3 decades and hoping Unai Emery can continue his incredible Europa League legacy.
Emery's squad finished second during the league phase before knocking out Lille, Bologna and Nottingham Forest to reach the final. With players like Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers and John McGinn in top form, the Premier League side will feel this is their moment.
Freiburg, though, has been one of the stories of the tournament. Julian Schuster's team has played fearless football throughout the knockout rounds, eliminating Genk, Celta Vigo and Braga while regularly scoring goals. Their run to Istanbul has surprised many.
SC Freiburg vs. Aston Villa Lineups
Freiburg
- Goalkeeper: Atubolu
- Defenders: Kübler, Ginter, Lienhart, Treu
- Midfielders: Eggestein, Manzambi
- Attacking midfielders: Beste, Höler, Grifo
- Forward: Matanović
Freiburg will be missing Yuito Suzuki after the winger suffered a fractured collarbone earlier this month. Aside from that setback, Schuster has close to a full squad available for the final.
It's showtime
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 20, 2026
@_GonzaRodriguez#UELfinalpic.twitter.com/IfKVGr1sYs
Aston Villa
- Goalkeeper: Martínez
- Defenders: Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, Digne
- Midfielders: Onana, Tielemans
- Attacking midfielders: McGinn, Rogers, Buendía
- Forward: Watkins
Villa's main concern is Amadou Onana. The midfielder has been dealing with a calf problem and remains a doubt, although he did return to training before the trip to Istanbul. If he's unable to start, Victor Lindelöf is expected to come into the lineup.
Take a few minutes to watch this, Villans pic.twitter.com/r3vhJlERSE
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 20, 2026
SC Freiburg vs. Aston Villa Score Prediction
This final feels difficult to predict because both teams have been so dangerous going forward during the tournament. Additionally, this will be the first competitive meeting between Freiburg and Aston Villa.
Freiburg won't sit back and defend for 90 minutes. They've shown throughout the Europa League that they can attack top sides, especially with Vincenzo Grifo pulling the strings in the final third.
Still, Aston Villa probably has the advantage when it comes to experience. Emery has built a reputation as one of Europe's best knockout-stage managers, and that experience in big finals could end up deciding the match.
It should be an open and entertaining game in Istanbul.
Score Prediction: Freiburg 1–2 Aston Villa
SC Freiburg vs. Aston Villa Final Score and Results
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This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 8:33 AM.