Europa League Final 2025-2026: Freiburg-Aston Villa, the likely lineups

Who will succeed Tottenham? Freiburg and Aston Villa face each other Wednesday night at 9 p.m. at Besiktas Park in Istanbul in the final of the 2025-2026 Europa League. The Germans are in the hunt for the first international triumph in their history: having finished seventh in the Bundesliga, they overcame Braga, Celta Vigo, Genk on their way to the cup after finishing seventh in the league phase. They are clear underdogs against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa: the Spanish coach has already won this competition four times and has immense experience that could prove decisive.

The Villans, who are chasing their fourth international title in their history, have eliminated Lille, Bologna and Nottingham Forest on their way to the final. For them, it would be the crowning achievement of a fantastic season, which saw them finish the Premier League in fourth place (with Champions League qualification attached).

Freiburg coach Schuster relies on Matanovic as the only forward in attack, with Grifo, Beste and Manzambi behind him. In the midfield are Eggestein and Hofler, the full-backs will be Kubler and Treu.

4-2-3-1 also for Unai Emery, who in attack deploys Watkins from the 1′ with McGinn, Rogers, Buendia on the line of trequartists. In midfield, Tielemans pairs with Onana, while in defense the two centerbacks will be Konsa and Pau Torres. In goal is world champion Emiliano Martinez.

Freiburg-Aston Villa, the probable lineups
Freiburg (4-2-3-1): Atubolu; Kubler, Ginter, Lienhart, Treu; Eggestein, Hofler; Beste, Manzambi, Grifo; Matanovic. All. Schuster.
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins. All. Unai Emery.