Aston Villa and SC Freiburg are heading to the 2026 UEFA Europa League final after dramatic semi-final victories on Thursday night.

Aston Villa produced a stunning comeback at Villa Park, thrashing Nottingham Forest 4-0 in the second leg to overturn a first-leg deficit and win 4-1 on aggregate. Ollie Watkins opened the scoring before Emiliano Buendía doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Captain John McGinn then sealed the famous victory with a quick-fire brace late in the match, sending the home fans into wild celebrations.

In Germany, Freiburg completed their own dramatic turnaround against Sporting Braga. After losing the first leg 2-1 in Portugal, Freiburg fought back to win 3-1 at home and progress 4-3 on aggregate. The German side took advantage after Braga were reduced to 10 men early in the game, with Lukas Kübler scoring twice in a historic night for the club as they reached their first-ever European final.

The UEFA Europa League final between Aston Villa and Freiburg will be played on May 20, 2026, at the Beşiktaş Stadium in Istanbul.