Aston Villa are on the brink of their first trophy in 30 years.
Aston Villa are one game away from ending a 30-year wait for major silverware after storming into the Europa League final with a dominant semi-final victory over Nottingham Forest. Unai Emery’s side overturned a first-leg deficit in emphatic fashion at Villa Park, winning 4-1 on aggregate to book a showdown with German side Freiburg in Istanbul on 20 May.
The club have not lifted a major trophy since the 1996 League Cup and have not won in Europe since lifting the European Cup in 1982. Emery, though, was appointed with nights like this in mind. Since arriving in November 2022, the Spaniard has transformed Villa into one of Europe’s most dangerous knockout teams and now stands on the verge of winning a record-extending fifth Europa League crown.
Standing in their way are Freiburg, who have reached the first European final in the club’s history after defeating Braga 5-2 on aggregate. Julian Schuster’s side have quietly become one of the most formidable home teams in Europe, equalling Sevilla’s Europa League record of 11 consecutive home wins in the competition. Freiburg impressed with their aggressive pressing and technical midfield play in the semi-final, with 20-year-old Yohan Manzambi catching attention after scoring a stunning long-range strike in the second leg.
The 2026 Europa League final also continues a remarkable season for English clubs in Europe. Aston Villa, Arsenal and Crystal Palace have ensured English teams will appear in the finals of all three UEFA competitions for the first time ever.
Europa League Final Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| SC Freiburg | 11/5 |
| Aston Villa | 4/11 |
Who is favourite to win the Europa League Final?
Aston Villa head into the final as favourites and it is easy to understand why. Emery’s pedigree in this competition is unmatched in modern European football, having already won the Europa League four times with Sevilla and Villarreal. Only Giovanni Trapattoni has reached more major European finals than the Villa manager.
That said, Freiburg should not be underestimated. The Bundesliga side are competing in their first European final but have shown resilience and attacking quality throughout the tournament. Their run includes 11 straight home wins in the Europa League and impressive victories against Braga during the semi-finals.
The German side also possess dangerous attacking players capable of hurting Villa in transition. Vincenzo Grifo’s creativity, Lukas Kubler’s late runs from defence and the emergence of Manzambi give Freiburg genuine threats heading into the final.
Still, with Emery’s knockout expertise and Villa’s current level, the Premier League side will believe this is their best chance in decades to bring a European trophy back to Birmingham.
When is the Europa League Final?
The Europa League final will take place on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 BST.
It comes during a packed end to the season for Aston Villa, who are also battling for a top-five Premier League finish and possible Champions League qualification.
Where is the Europa League Final?
The 2026 Europa League final will be played in Atatürk Olympic Stadium.
The stadium is one of the most iconic venues in European football and previously hosted the unforgettable 2005 Champions League final between Liverpool and AC Milan. Aston Villa will now hope it becomes the setting for another historic European night as they chase a first continental trophy in 44 years.
