UEFA Europa League Final Match Betting Previews, Odds & Analysis for Wednesday, May 20, 2026
The UEFA Europa League Final is set to take place on Wednesday afternoon at Tüpraş Stadyumuin Istanbul, Turkey. The English Premier League’s Aston Villa will take on the Bundesliga’s Freiburg for a chance at lifting a major European trophy and a spot in next year’s Champions League.
Aston Villa enters Wednesday’s contest as slight favorites to win the third European tournament in the club’s history, and its first since 1982. On the other hand, Freiburg will not only be seeking its first European trophy but its first major trophy across all competitions since its founding in 1904.Can Freiburg pull off the upset? Or will Aston Villa return to greatness, bringing another European trophy back to England?
Let’s break down the 2025-2026 UEFA Europa League final below.
Wednesday’s UEFA Europa League Schedule
Freiburg () vs. Aston Villa () – 3:00 p.m./CBS Sports Network
Freiburg vs. Aston Villa Odds & Analysis
Both Aston Villa and Freiburg required second-leg comebacks in the semifinals to secure their spots in Istanbul. Villa’s second loss in the Europa League this season came against EPL rival Nottingham Forest, who defeated the Birmingham-based club 1-0 in the first leg of the semifinals. Similarly, Freiburg found itself down a goal after Portuguese side Braga defeated the Bundesliga club 2-1 in the opening leg.
Each of these teams responded with decisive victories: Villa defeated Forest 4-0 in the return leg, and Freiburg won 3-1 in Germany. The two squads will now meet for the first time, and on one of the biggest stages in club football.As previously mentioned, Aston Villa’s run in the Europa League has been nearly perfect up to this point. Unai Emery’s squad had just one loss in the group phase before losing to Forest in late April. Prior to that loss, Villa had managed to score in every game in the competition, leading the UEL with 28 goals in 14 games.
The English powerhouse opened the tournament as the favorites to lift the trophy back in September, and oddsmakers still feel the same, givingVilla the slight edge on Wednesday afternoon.However, if we’ve learned anything about Frieburg this season, we know Julian Schuster’s club won’t go down without a fight. The German side came into the tournament with just a 4.3% chance of reaching the final, according to Opta Analyst. Against all odds, the Southwest German club finds itself in its first cup final since the 2021-2022 season. Freiburg’s run in the Europa League this season was impressive to say the least.
The Badeners avoided the playoff round, winning five of their eight group stage games with a 10:4 goals scored-to-conceded ratio. Schuster’s club kicked it into another gear offensively once it reached the knockout rounds, scoring 15 goals in just six matches.The Europa League final will feature two of the top attacking squads in the tournament; however, Villa’s stout defense is giving it the edge in this matchup. Anchored by World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez in goal, Aston Villa has conceded just two goals in six knockout games.
Meanwhile, Freiburg, while not particularly weak at the back, has conceded six goals in six matches.All in all, fans should expect an exciting final between two clubs that have performed exceptionally well throughout this tournament. Anticipate a fast, free-flowing match between two teams who excel at counterattacking and do not need to dominate possession to create chances.
Best Bet: Aston Villa & Over 1.5 (+110)
Wednesday’s UEFA Europa League Final DFS Picks
Our Europa League final DFS Lineup features many of the tournament’s top players, headlined by captain Vincenzo Grifo. Grifo has been one of the Europa League’s top attackers, tied for the most G/A in the tournament with nine goal contributions in 13 starts. The veteran attacking midfielder was critical in Freiburg reaching the final, both scoring and assisting across both legs vs. Braga.
Ollie Watkins comes in at our first flex spot as the most expensive player in this match – and with good reason. Villa’s striker has been a force up top throughout the knockout rounds, scoring all five of his goals in the Europa League over the past six games. Watkins has proven to be Emery’s most reliable goal scorer, so expect the English striker to receive a heavy dose of the ball in dangerous areas. Our next pick for this lineup is one of the brightest young talents in club football, Johan Manzambi.
The Swedish midfielder has arguably been Freiburg’s best all-around player all season, and has taken his game to another level throughout the knockout rounds. The 20-year-old gave Freiburg the lead in the semifinals with a beautiful strike from distance, giving him 3G/A over his last five European matches. Aston Villa’s Matty Cash is one of two full-backs in our lineup after an impressive showing from the Polish defender in the semifinals. Cash has made a name for himself as one of the toughest right-backs in England for some time now.
The 28-year-old has been critical in Villa’s defensive success in Europe this season, and he also has the ability to get forward and provide support on the right flank.The 2022 World Cup Gold Glove winner, “El Dibu”, slots in at our fourth flex position. Martinez ranks in the top 10 in saves per game this Europa League season, finishing the semifinals with seven saves over the two legs.
The Argentine has proven not to shy away from the moment, and should have plenty of action against the dangerous Freiburg.Our final player for the Europa League final lineup is Freiburg’s semifinals hero, Lukas Kubler. The German defender had the best game of his career in the second leg of the semifinals, scoring two goals from the right back position. The veteran full-back has been in and out of the lineup for most of the Europa League season; however, expect Schuster to count on the 33-year-old in the most important game of the club’s history.
Photo Credit: AP/Dave Shopland
