Freiburg

 vs 

Aston Villa

The basics

Freiburg take on Aston Villa in the UEFA Europa League Final on Wednesday 20 May 2026. Kick-off is at 20:00 UTC at Tüpraş Stadium (also known as Beşiktaş Stadium) in İstanbul, Turkey. The stadium holds 42,684.

How to get tickets

Official tickets came through three channels: UEFA's ballot, the Aston Villa box office, and SC Freiburg's box office. The UEFA general public ballot closed in late March 2026, and applicants were notified of results then.

Each club got around 12,000 tickets. Aston Villa's 10,758 seats went first to season ticket holders, then to supporters who attended at least eight European away games, with the rest offered via ballot. If you didn't secure a seat through those routes, club allocations are exhausted or nearly so.

Your main option now is verified resale marketplaces. Secondary market prices sit well above face value for a final, and they climb closer to kick-off as stock runs down. Buy only from platforms that offer buyer protection and confirmed seat delivery.

What did official tickets cost?

• Fans First (Freiburg and Villa supporters only): €40
• Category 3: €65
• Category 2: €160
• Category 1: €240

Fans First was reserved for the two clubs' supporters. The rest split between the UEFA ballot pool and the 'UEFA family'—national associations, commercial partners, and broadcasters.

Getting to Tüpraş Stadium

Tüpraş Stadium is in the Beşiktaş district on İstanbul's European side, near the Bosphorus. The nearest metro station is Akaretler on the M2 line. Several ferry terminals are within walking distance if you're crossing from the Asian side. Public transport gets rammed on matchdays, so leave extra time.

Arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off for security. Bring a printed or digital ticket, valid photo ID, and check UEFA's entry requirements for bag restrictions.

Form going in

Freiburg are in their first ever European final. They beat Genk 5-2 on aggregate, Celta Vigo 6-1, and Braga 4-3 in the semi-finals. They conceded just ten goals across 14 matches, winning all seven home games in the competition.

Aston Villa finished second in the league phase with seven wins from eight games, then beat Lille 3-0 on aggregate, Bologna 7-1, and Nottingham Forest 4-1 in the knockouts. This is Villa's first continental final in 44 years. Their last major trophy was the League Cup in 1996.

Villa manager Unai Emery has reached six European finals and won the Europa League four times—three with Sevilla and once with Villarreal. Midfielder Amadou Onana's fitness is uncertain; he hasn't played since the semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest. Francois Letexier of France referees the final.

Is it worth going?

Honestly, it depends on your budget and your connection to either club. Face-value Fans First tickets at €40 are gone. If you're buying on the secondary market, set a ceiling before you search. Factor in flights and accommodation in İstanbul too—both will be pricey that week.