In a final featuring the stronger side on paper, the result was not a surprise as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/aston-villa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston Villa</a> won their first-ever Europa League title with a convincing 3-0 victory over <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/freiburg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Freiburg</a>.



In a tight first half, things unraveled for Freiburg late on as Aston Villa scored a pair of excellent goals. The breakthrough came from a well-worked corner routine that ended with a floated cross from Rogers and a superb volley from Tielemans.



When it seemed the teams would head into halftime with only a one-goal difference, Buendía found space and curled a brilliant left-footed shot into the top corner for the 2-0. That goal effectively put the match out of reach.



In the second half, Aston Villa sat deeper to protect the lead while Freiburg struggled to create dangerous chances. A low cross from Buendía that was finished by Rogers sealed the 3-0 win with 30 minutes remaining.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/05/20183543/buendia-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-645454"><figcaption>Buendía scored a great goal (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>

Aston Villa win first Europa League title with 3-0 victory over Freiburg

Aston Villa win first Europa League title with 3-0 victory over Freiburg - World Soccer Talk

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Here are all of the details of where you can watch Freiburg vs Aston Villa on US television and via legal streaming:
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<td id="magenta" width="20%">WHO</td>
<td width="70%">Freiburg vs Aston Villa</td>
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<td id="green">WHAT</td>
<td>UEFA Europa League</td>
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<td id="sky">WHEN</td>
<td>3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT • Tuesday, September 16, 2026</td>
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<td id="red">WHERE</td>
<td><a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a>, <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5531305-15177288" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">DirecTV Stream</a>, <a href="https://paramountplus.qflm.net/c/330866/1007330/3065" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Paramount+</a>, <a href="https://prf.hn/l/VxB5k5W/" target="blank" rel="noopener">DAZN</a>, CBS Sports Network, UniMás, TUDN, Hulu + Live TV and ViX</td>
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<td id="yellow">STREAM</td>
<td><a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">WATCH NOW</a></td>
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<h2>Match Overview</h2>



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/freiburg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Freiburg</a> stands on the brink of history in their first-ever major European final. For a club that has never won a major trophy in its 122-year existence, this match is the single most important moment in its history. Julian Schuster‘s side has shattered all expectations to reach this stage, and a victory would not only deliver silverware but also a coveted spot in next season’s Champions League.



For <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/aston-villa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston Villa</a>, the stakes are just as high. Manager Unai Emery, a true specialist in this competition, aims to secure his fifth <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/europa-league/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa League</a> title and deliver Villa’s first major trophy since 1996. Having already secured Champions League spot through Premier League, the English side can pour all their energy into ending a 30-year trophy drought and claiming their first European title since their legendary 1982 European Cup victory.



<h2>Tactical Analysis &amp; Match Context</h2>



This final presents a fascinating clash of trajectories. Freiburg has been the ultimate surprise package, navigating a tough European campaign while securing a seventh-place finish in the Bundesliga. Their journey has been defined by resilience and clinical finishing. In contrast, Aston Villa has successfully balanced a demanding Premier League season with a dominant run in Europe, establishing themselves as the tournament favorites from the early stages.



The tactical battle will likely pit Aston Villa‘s possession-based system against Freiburg’s organized and opportunistic approach. Unai Emery’s side thrives on controlled buildup and will look to use its potent attack, which has scored a competition-high 28 goals, to break down the German defense. Freiburg will likely cede possession, maintain a compact defensive shape, and look to exploit any opportunities on the counter-attack, relying on the sharp-shooting that has seen them outperform their expected goals metric.



Motivation is at its peak for both squads. Freiburg is fueled by the chance to write an unforgettable chapter in club history, with a victory representing an unprecedented achievement. For Aston Villa, this is an opportunity to cap a brilliant season with tangible silverware, validating their return to Europe’s elite and adding another European trophy to their cabinet. The pressure is on for both, but for entirely different reasons.



<h2>Head-to-Head Record &amp; Historic Trends</h2>



This Europa League final marks the first-ever competitive meeting between Freiburg and Aston Villa, adding an element of unpredictability to the high-stakes encounter. With no historical data to draw from, both teams will be entering uncharted territory against one another.



While they have never met, their respective records against opposition from each other’s countries offer some insight. Freiburg has struggled against English clubs, winning just one and losing three of their four encounters, all against West Ham. Their most recent clash with an English side ended in a heavy 5-0 defeat. Conversely, Aston Villa boasts a strong record against German opponents, winning four and losing two of their six matches, including their historic 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the 1982 European Cup final.



Historically, Europa League finals tend to be cagey affairs. A remarkable trend shows that 15 of the last 20 finals have produced under four total goals, including each of the last five. Despite both Freiburg and Aston Villa being high-scoring teams throughout this season’s tournament, the pressure of the occasion suggests that a cautious, low-scoring game could be on the cards.



<h2>Squad News &amp; Projected Lineups</h2>



Both managers face significant selection dilemmas due to key player absences that could heavily influence their game plans for the final.



Freiburg will be without several important players. The German side is missing Max Rosenfelder and key attacker Yuito Suzuki, who suffered a broken collarbone. The absence of Daniel-Kofi Kyereh and Patrick Osterhage further stretches their squad depth ahead of this crucial fixture.



Aston Villa is also dealing with injury concerns in midfield, with Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana sidelined. However, the biggest worry is a knock sustained by playmaker Emiliano Buendía. The Argentine has been instrumental in their European run, and his potential absence would be a significant blow to Villa’s creative options in the final third.



Freiburg Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Atubolu; Kübler, Ginter, Lienhart, Treu; Eggestein, Höfler; Manzambi, Beste, Grifo; Matanovic This lineup reflects Freiburg‘s balanced approach, relying on the veteran leadership of Matthias Ginter in defense. The creative burden will fall on winger Vincenzo Grifo to create chances for the lone striker, Matanovic, while the double pivot of Eggestein and Höfler provides stability in midfield.



Aston Villa Projected XI (3-5-2): Martinez; Konsa, Torres, Lindelof; Cash, Bogarde, Tielemans, McGinn, Digne; Rogers, Watkins Unai Emery may deploy a flexible 3-5-2 to control the center of the pitch and provide width through wing-backs Cash and Digne. This formation allows the in-form partnership of Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins to lead the line, with captain John McGinn driving forward from midfield to support the attack.



<h2>More details on how to watch</h2>



You can find the Freiburg vs Aston Villa live stream on <a href="https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/leagues/7942039?irmp=330866&amp;irad=368593&amp;sharedid=USA_Soccer_UEFA-Europa-League_SC-Freiburg-vs-Aston-Villa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a>. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices, ensuring you can watch the final wherever you are.



A subscription to Fubo not only gives you access to the Europa League final but also to a host of other top-tier soccer competitions. You can stream other leagues and tournaments, including Liga MX and La Liga, making it a comprehensive package for any soccer fan.



The service is available for a competitive price of $14.99/mo. This plan gives you access to all live matches, replays, and exclusive content available on the platform.



Beyond soccer, your subscription includes access to a wide variety of other entertainment. You can watch movies, TV shows, and other live sports, providing excellent value for the whole household.



SEE MORE: For a full schedule of games, visit our Europa League TV schedule page.



<h2>How to watch anywhere with VPN</h2>



If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as <a href="https://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=93006&amp;url_id=902" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Nord VPN</a>, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

How to watch Freiburg vs Aston Villa in USA: 2026 Europa League, Live Stream, TV & Preview

How to watch Freiburg vs Aston Villa in USA: 2026 Europa League, Live Stream, TV &amp; Preview - World Soccer Talk

Paul Pogba looks set to miss yet another match on Thursday. Injuries have ravaged the Frenchman’s playing time in his comeback season with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a>. The midfielder has managed just two substitute appearances in all competitions during the current campaign. However, his latest issue isn’t because of another injury setback.



<h2>Pogba out for disciplinary reasons, tardy for meeting</h2>



<a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12829508/paul-pogba-left-out-of-juventus-squad-for-europa-league-match-with-freiburg-due-to-disciplinary-reasons-report-sky-in-italy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Sports</a> in Italy are reporting that Pogba will not be in the squad for a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">Europa League</a> matchup with Freiburg on Thursday because of disciplinary reasons. The 29-year-old midfielder apparently showed up late to a team function on Wednesday.



Pogba only just recovered from a nasty knee injury in late February. He made his season debut with Juve in a game against Torino on February 28th. The midfielder also played 13 minutes during a defeat to Roma on Sunday as well.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Paul Pogba has not been called up for Europa League game vs Freiburg due to disciplinary reasons 🚨⚪️⚫️🇫🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEL</a> No new injuries — but Pogba arrived late yesterday evening and he won’t be part of Juventus list. <a href="https://t.co/Ag6CjW56Cb">pic.twitter.com/Ag6CjW56Cb</a>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1633807837301284870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h5>Manager hinted at possible setback on Wednesday</h5>



In his pre-match Europa League press conference, Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri claimed that there was a possible setback for his midfield star. “Yesterday Pogba did a good training session. Today he rested and tomorrow morning we will know if he is available,” Allegri <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/paul-pogba-juventus-allegri-europa-29414357" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> reporters. “Today he didn’t work with the team. I think he’s available, but we’ll see.” It remains to be seen if the setback was an aggravation of the knee injury or just a lack of discipline.



The Pogba situation adds frustrations to the already tough season at Juventus. The club was previously <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/juventus-points-deduction-executive-bans-possible-20230120-WST-416234.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">docked 15 Serie A points</a> because of false accounting by team officials. Without the penalty, the 36-time Italian champions would be sitting second in the standings. Nevertheless, the Old Lady is currently seventh in the table, 12 points from a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> place.



Potentially winning the Europa League may be Juve’s best chances at qualifying for the Champions League next season. The Italians, however, need their best players fit and available to make a deep run in the competition.



PHOTO: IMAGO / SportPhoto24

Pogba won't play against Freiburg for disciplinary reasons

Paul Pogba looks set to miss yet another match on Thursday. Injuries have ravaged the Frenchman's playing time in his comeback season with Juventus. The midfielder has managed just two substitute appearances in all competitions during the current campaign. However, his latest issue isn't because of another injury setback. Pogba out for disciplinary reasons, tardy [&hellip;]

Paul Pogba has been reportedly left out of a Europa League matchup between Juventus and Freiburg because of disciplinary reasons.

Fans of German soccer await as the Bundesliga returns on Friday night. RB Leipzig welcomes Bayern Munich to close a harsh intermission of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/germany-fly-home-early-after-crashing-out-of-world-cup-20221202-WST-410811.html">international failure</a> from Germany.



Germany and Europe have experienced <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/europes-mild-weather-reprieve-this-winter-may-come-bite-by-summer-2023-01-11/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a record mild winter</a>, but there was just enough snow for national captain <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/oliver-kahn-claims-neuer-never-listens-to-anyone-after-skiing-injury-20221213-WST-412215.html">Manuel Neuer to break his leg while skiing</a>. The Bayern goalkeeper’s accident rivaled only the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/claudio-reyna-and-wife-reported-berhalter-abuse-to-us-soccer-20230104-WST-414381.html">Reyna family–USMNT soap opera</a> as spice for a slow mid-season off the pitch. New Year’s Eve temperatures in Germany were as high as 68 degrees. Yet, the transfer market hasn’t exactly overheated.



Arguably there are two reserved headlines in German soccer. Bayern, to whom Gladbach’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFqbJQuQL_Y">Jan Sommer</a> is finally moving as deputy for Neuer. And ‘the rest,’ for whom this weekend reconvenes a <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/german-bundesliga/story/4695990/if-germanys-50+1-rule-means-less-success-but-more-funst-pauli-fans-are-ok-with-it">decade-long balancing act</a> of entertainment value, sporting integrity and prudent second-best finishes.



<h2>Who are the teams to watch when the Bundesliga returns?</h2>



After the curtain-raiser in Leipzig, the game of the weekend could be at Wolfsburg. In the fall, Robert Kovac’s squad took time to gel, but their pre-World Cup form was only second to Bayern. On Saturday, Wolfsburg host coach of the season-so-far, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/64303754" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christian Streich</a>. His Freiburg fairytale was the highlight of the pre-Christmas Bundesliga.



In second place, Freiburg surprised the league’s bigger spenders. As did promoted Werder Bremen. Werder Bremen, sitting in ninth in the table, visits Köln. Union Berlin, another good story, hosts Hoffenheim. ‘Can they keep it up?’ is the question.



‘Can they step it up?’ is the question for Bayern’s fellow Champions League participants: Eintracht Frankfurt (fourth), RB Leipzig (third) and Borussia Dortmund (sixth). Dortmund especially need to assert themselves. Each of these three clubs assumes underdog status in the round of 16 against Napoli, Man City and Chelsea, respectively. Bayern revive the 2020 final match up <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">against PSG on February 14th</a>, perhaps underdogs on their own accord.



Also needing elevation are Bayer Leverkusen (twelfth) under Xabi Alonso in his first senior managerial role. Having fluffed the Champions League group stage and won only three Bundesliga games in the first three months of a disastrous campaign, Alonso joined Leverkusen in early October. He waited a month for a victory but eased nerves with three in a row before the winter break.



Leverkusen’s poor form (plus long-term injury to Florian Wirtz) means their latest batch of Premier League-linked talent has flown under the radar this season. Those talented players include Wirtz, Piero Hincapié, Moussa Diaby and a rejuvenated Callum Hudson-Odoi. 



Alonso’s measurement of success may be by which clubs come bidding for his young talent.



<h5>Purchasing power and exorbitant privilege</h5>



Transfer norms signify the Bundesliga’s place in world soccer’s hierarchy. <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/kevin-schade-brentford-keen-on-freiburg-midfielder-3tzhr3666" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Schade</a> and <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11715/12784540/georginio-rutter-leeds-break-transfer-record-to-sign-hoffenheim-forward-for-35-5m#:~:text=Leeds%20have%20broken%20their%20transfer,Hoffenheim%20for%20%C2%A335.5m." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Georginio Rutter</a> are its latest young exports. Presuming his loan is made permanent, Schade gives up likely European football next season to play mid-table football in England. Rutter cost his Premier League club over $30 million and could be fighting relegation for Jesse Marsch within months as the <a href="https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1613514570819067907" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">club’s record signing</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Official, confirmed. Leeds United sign Georginio Rutter on £28m fee plus add ons from Hoffenheim, deal signed and completed. ⚪️🤝🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LUFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/vTuNCz55D7">pic.twitter.com/vTuNCz55D7</a>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1614361130511605760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The Bundesliga’s inferior purchasing power hits public imagination hardest with Borussia Dortmund, everyone’s favorite underachievers. Dortmund are resigned to losing Jude Bellingham in the summer. And although sporting director Sebastian Kehl issued a contract ‘ultimatum’ to Youssoufa Moukoko, negotiating power lies with the 18-year-old whose deal expires in June.



Of course, one club needn’t submit to losing its best players to richer climates: Bayern Munich. There is an exorbitant privilege that comes with being number one for ten years. Bayern have the expenses and pulling power to make viable succession plans for key positions. And they aren’t vulnerable to the Premier League cherry picking assets at will.



These assumptions gave Manuel Neuer’s hospitalization added value in a slow winter news cycle. For once, the rest of the league has enjoyed the sight of Bayern scrambling against time to fill a key position.



Neuer is 36, and though it’s impossible to predict the quality of his recovery, he expects to return in the summer and isn’t yet close to retirement. In the end, the stars seem to have aligned just in time. 



Borussia Mönchengladbach lined up Montpellier’s Jonas Omlin. This allowed Sommer – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLzmUjpJY-I" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">‘too good for Gladbach’</a> for some time now – to move on, knowing that in six months, he’ll be the best backup keeper in world soccer.



The transfer window remains open until the end of January so there is time for a few delayed Christmas presents yet. Until then we’ll enjoy the weather, forget the World Cup, and have a happy Bundesliga new year.



PHOTO: IMAGO / Motivio

Bundesliga returns with clubs targeting Bayern's hegemony

The Bundesliga returns after Germany's horrific World Cup. Manuel Neuer's skiing injury makes Jan Sommer the signing of the transfer window.

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