Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: PeterWithesShin on May 15, 2026, 10:07:52 PM
-
Istanbul, Weds 20th, 8pm ko.
4-0.
-
Win it please.
-
We can win. We should win. We need to play really well.
If we do this with the right focus then we will.
Mr David Woodhall always said (I paraphrase) that v Leeds in 1996 we turned up, sparred with them, and beat them. And looked like we belonged.
-
Ollie to win it so we can shamelessly steal Man Utd's Solskjær song.
-
We've got all the tools to do it. 2-0 to the Villa, and tears will flow.
-
It feels like this squad will be broke up in the next year or two. SJM and Mings lifting that trophy would be an epic journey for them and us.
-
We needed that win tonight - simplu for momentum. Looks fucking turn up end this trophy drought and being it home
Pleaee villa 🙏
-
if we play like today, we win.
-
We don't do trophies. I refuse to believe, that way lies bad emotions.
-
A performance half as good as the home leg against Forest, or the 2nd half tonight and we not only win on Wednesday, we smash Freiburg by 4 or 5
-
So to those Bundesliga watchers on here, what do we know about Freiburg?
-
So to those Bundesliga watchers on here, what do we know about Freiburg?
They're not very good (by Premier League standards). They're missing their most creative player. They don't sit back, they attack and leave gaps just as Emery would want.
So 3-1 Freiburg it is.
-
This needs to be savored and considered, you have to make a judgement call as to how many goals we are going to hammer them with to get this right.
-
I don’t think they’re mugs who have had a one off good season. I think about 7 of their first team came through the academy and the captain has been playing for them since they were in the 4th division or something, been on an upwards trajectory for a few years. They’re currently 7th now and a long way off European qualification so this is their last chance to qualify for next season.
-
Haven't a clue about Freiburg football wise, what they actually like
-
So to those Bundesliga watchers on here, what do we know about Freiburg?
They're not very good (by Premier League standards). They're missing their most creative player. They don't sit back, they attack and leave gaps just as Emery would want.
So 3-1 Freiburg it is.
Indeed - my fear is already rising. But, get it right and we’ll get it done.
-
Who the fuck voted for Freiburg?
-
legion?
-
Who the fuck voted for Freiburg?
Who do you think?
-
Win please Villa, to shut the Bluenose Lines up!
-
Who the fuck voted for Freiburg?
Who do you think?
2-0 I assume?
-
I don't know, I'm frightening myself thinking about it. Gonna watch the Saw franchise to take my mind off it.
-
My only concern is it is "away" as in not at VP. We have seen what we can do at home when the crowd is up for it. But away we don't know. Plus point is when Unai does unleash Villa, we are unplayable and there is no reason why we should be on a leash in this game as very few of the starting players will be on the pitch at Citeh.
-
Onana back do we think? Add him to tonight's team and will we win. As long as we are not complacent.
3 1
Watkins, Rogers, Buendia
-
I’ve a sneaking feeling he’ll be ok for the final for an hour.
-
We are better with Onana. I hope the side we pick is the absolute best we can field.
-
Problem is, after tonight, we're so losing this.
Ah well. We have CL at least!
-
We have been the best team in this competition by a distance. Time to show it in the final. Little bit worried about likes of Cash who is running on empty. Could do with Onana getting the boots on.
We have a lot of aces, Ollie back to his best, Buendia in the best form of his career, Rogers better. And we have McGinn
-
McGinn …..enough said
-
I think Onana will be back too.
-
McGinn …..enough said
This for me, absolutely sensational atm. If he is on it we will have too much for them. Rogers and Watkins amongst the goals again is a huge positive also. Watkins is playing like a man possessed, and Little Emi in the form of his life also. 2:0 Villa
-
I think Onana is out for the season so probably same team that started tonight.
I know nothing about them.
No predictions, too massive. I hope we turn up, i hope its comfortable, God I hope we win.
-
I’m not worried about fitness levels or tiredness…it’s the Europa League Final and they’ll be running on adrenaline, and giving everything to bring it home.
-
I've always felt like we should have one of these. Probably more so than a European Cup in all honesty. Let's get it done.
-
Key players are clicking again.
We should batter them.
-
Unai saying afterwards that Pau had pain in his foot. Wanted to carry on but they told him not to risk it.
Also said how well Sancho was playing before injury.
-
On the Friday evening five days before we won in Rotterdam in '82 we played our last home game of season against Swansea and won 3-0, the scorers being Morley (no 11), Bremner (7) and Withe (9). Two of those numbers were on the scoresheet yesterday evening. It's written in the stars.
-
I don’t think they’re mugs who have had a one off good season. I think about 7 of their first team came through the academy and the captain has been playing for them since they were in the 4th division or something, been on an upwards trajectory for a few years. They’re currently 7th now and a long way off European qualification so this is their last chance to qualify for next season.
So the kind of team that always seems to give us trouble?
-
If Freiburg win, they're in the Conference League. They play their last game today.
-
It is going to be a tough final - hoping that we can play at the level that beat Forest
-
They are no mugs and this will be tough I suspect. We’ll need to be right on it.
-
Last night’s result sends a fantastic message to them, they will be subconsciously thinking if they can put four past Liverpool what will they do to us?
In Unai we trust.
-
Onana jumped with his third celebratory fist pump. Then started dancing. Moving well. Think he will start.
-
Hopefully we're in a good mood and everything, but we'll need to focus like fuck for this one. A good team, very comfortable 7th (albeit a little distant from 6th), who have players that can do all the shit we don't like to play against. Must bring it like we brought it last night. Total focus.
-
Onana jumped with his third celebratory fist pump. Then started dancing. Moving well. Think he will start.
I was reliably informed last night that he’s fit and being held back for Wednesday.
-
Our form has been really weird lately. We go from awesome to mind-bendingly poo in the space of a week.
So on that basis, I have no idea how many chickens I own, and no intention of finding out until Thursday morning at the earliest.
-
Anyone know what their fans are saying about us?
-
Anyone know what their fans are saying about us?
Ich habe große Angst. Sie werden uns vernichten.
-
I had a little Blick at their reddit page. "Aston Villa ist echt gut drauf [yikes emoji]" was one headline, then the first commenter was optimistic before conceding "ich bin ein bisschen delusional". So they think they're underdogs, and they're OK with that. They've clearly not met us before if they think we're obvious favourites. Quite sweet of them really.
In fact, they seem like a nice bunch of lads in general. Annoyingly.
-
Anyone watching their game later? Give us a scouting reprot if you are
-
https://www.youtube.com/live/4IUtt4CanNQ?si=v6LBbwpYYGwcUXpq (https://www.youtube.com/live/4IUtt4CanNQ?si=v6LBbwpYYGwcUXpq)
Doesn’t say it’s not available in UK as far as I can see.
-
For those who can't go and not going to a pub, it has finally been announced that TNT/HBO are showing it with a basic subscription plan rather then needing the Sports add on. So no proper free to air showing for any of the finals at the moment.
-
I’d love one of our early games in the 2026-2027 season to be the UEFA Super Cup vs the CL Champions in Salzburg. That would be rather nice.
-
I’d love one of our early games in the 2026-2027 season to be the UEFA Super Cup vs PSG in Salzburg. That would be rather nice.
Fixed.
-
Although 30k capacity is not nice.
-
Impressive win from Freiburg today
-
I am absolutely gutted. I am in the states and travelling the two hours to the airport when the game kicks off. Don’t get home until about 4pm on the Thursday, should have got work to extend my visit.
-
Impressive win from Freiburg today
They just have been v clinical because Leipzig are ahead of them on every metric during the match except goals!
-
I would much rather play Freiburg than RBL. The latter looked a much better footballing team.
Also, I don't think i have ever heard a commentator refer to something as much as this dude did to the EL final with us. It was every 45 seconds.
-
Anyone know what their fans are saying about us?
They're composing a letter as we speak.
-
We are better with Onana. I hope the side we pick is the absolute best we can field.
Lindelof/Bogarde hybrid in lieu of Barkley who'll have to beat Citeh on his own next weekend.
-
We are better with Onana. I hope the side we pick is the absolute best we can field.
Lindelof/Bogarde hybrid in lieu of Barkley who'll have to beat Citeh on his own next weekend.
Plus Elliot.
-
For those who can't go and not going to a pub, it has finally been announced that TNT/HBO are showing it with a basic subscription plan rather then needing the Sports add on. So no proper free to air showing for any of the finals at the moment.
Not even a day-pass?
Hope that changes, otherwise its Radio WM and a huge pile of ironing!
-
Freiburg have beaten RB Leipzig 4-1 at home today.
-
Anyone know what their fans are saying about us?
They're composing a letter as we speak.
Are they Team Streeting or that little bloke with glasses who they call the king of the North?
-
Freiburg have beaten RB Leipzig 4-1 at home today.
That's a very good result considering RB are top 4 and were 21 points above Freiburg.
-
I’d love one of our early games in the 2026-2027 season to be the UEFA Super Cup vs PSG in Salzburg. That would be rather nice.
Fixed.
Thank you. It is of course what I meant. However I didn’t want to be that specific in case those who believe in jinxes felt it would guarantee an Arsenal win in the CL final. Which would be horrific.
-
I think we should rest and rotate. We have a massive league game coming up which could have a bearing on who takes the title in the biggest bestest league in the world. We owe it to Arsenal.
-
I’d love one of our early games in the 2026-2027 season to be the UEFA Super Cup vs PSG in Salzburg. That would be rather nice.
Fixed.
Thank you. It is of course what I meant. However I didn’t want to be that specific in case those who believe in jinxes felt it would guarantee an Arsenal win in the CL final. Which would be horrific.
Fair enough, and thanks for considering the jinx gods.
-
Anyone know what their fans are saying about us?
They're composing a letter as we speak.
I'm sure I saw a comment on their subReddit that referred to us as Londoners.
-
I think we should rest and rotate. We have a massive league game coming up which could have a bearing on who takes the title in the biggest bestest league in the world. We owe it to Arsenal.
That made me smile, it would be the right thing to do. It would be so funny if Arsenal start to think we can help them out, win or lose we will be all finished come Thursday.
-
I’m slightly more nervous after their result today. They have a 6’5 Croatian up front who gets his head to everything. We need Tyrone to start.
-
No.
-
We'll probably never play a weaker side in a cup final. It's up to us not to mess it up.
-
I’m slightly more nervous after their result today. They have a 6’5 Croatian up front who gets his head to everything. We need Tyrone to start.
fcuk that Pau is class
-
I’m slightly more nervous after their result today. They have a 6’5 Croatian up front who gets his head to everything. We need Tyrone to start.
Lovre Kalinić was Croatian, 6'7 and he couldn't get his hands to anything on account of an inability to jump. Hopefully it's his shortarse brother.
-
We'll probably never play a weaker side in a cup final. It's up to us not to mess it up.
1963. Shudders.
-
Going back then Rotherham is probably the weakest.
-
Norwich in 1975
-
We’ve earned the right to be there.
Now we need to earn the right to win it.
I think they are very similar in style to us so we need everyone to bring their A game.
-
I’m slightly more nervous after their result today. They have a 6’5 Croatian up front who gets his head to everything. We need Tyrone to start.
Absolutely not
-
Norwich in 1975
They finished 1 place below us, and were probably above us at the time of the final.
-
I’m slightly more nervous after their result today. They have a 6’5 Croatian up front who gets his head to everything. We need Tyrone to start.
Going to join the pile on to add, are you absolutely mad?!
-
I’m slightly more nervous after their result today. They have a 6’5 Croatian up front who gets his head to everything. We need Tyrone to start.
I laughed. Keep them coming, Kippax.
-
I’m slightly more nervous after their result today. They have a 6’5 Croatian up front who gets his head to everything. We need Tyrone to start.
I laughed. Keep them coming, Kippax.
:-)
-
Gotta go with Bizot over Flappy as well.
-
https://youtu.be/lO-Dr00L4HE?si=8e45d-cwQGMxGBu7
-
Norwich in 1975
They finished 1 place below us, and were probably above us at the time of the final.
And we won
-
I’m slightly more nervous after their result today. They have a 6’5 Croatian up front who gets his head to everything. We need Tyrone to start.
Lovre Kalinić was Croatian, 6'7 and he couldn't get his hands to anything on account of an inability to jump. Hopefully it's his shortarse brother.
Couldn’t jump, couldn’t catch, dived in stages, last seen going off with a sore head against West Brom in Feb 2019. Legend.
-
Is their manager highly-rated? Could he outsmart our gaffer?
-
Is their manager highly-rated? Could he outsmart our gaffer?
Not even if he's Kim Ung-Yong.
-
They’ve got some very good players, particularly Manzambi, who’s basically their Rogers. I also think Matanović will score because, since the turn of the year, he’s been in good form and tends to score in patterns of three — he’s currently on a two-game streak.
I can see this being a high-scoring match, with the winners (hopefully us) winning by the odd goal.
-
Going back then Rotherham is probably the weakest.
Although Rotherham were 2nd tier at the time and around about then, had their highest ever finish of 3rd place. No Playoffs then and were a whisker off 2nd place.
-
I think we should rest and rotate. We have a massive league game coming up which could have a bearing on who takes the title in the biggest bestest league in the world. We owe it to Arsenal.
I agree Andy. We have already let the country down by throwing the game against Spurs.
-
I reckon Unai will go full gas from the start and try and blow them away.
-
Going back then Rotherham is probably the weakest.
Although Rotherham were 2nd tier at the time and around about then, had their highest ever finish of 3rd place. No Playoffs then and were a whisker off 2nd place.
That was 5 years before the final.
-
Freiburg fans reckon they can cause us problems from set pieces (guessing they saw our defending against Liverpool).
-
I guess we’re pretty much nailed on to start with the same XI that kicked off against Forest and Liverpool.
Only decision to be made is Onana or Lindelof.
-
Assuming he's fit, I'd start with Onana. When he picks up another injury, Lindelof can replace him from the bench.
-
We have to treat this like one of our recent home games vs Man City or Arsenal or the recent Forest game. We need to out-work them and be relentless. Because when we're on it, we can beat any team in the world (convincingly), and when we're a bit off it, we can lose to any team in the wrold.
-
I’m slightly more nervous after their result today. They have a 6’5 Croatian up front who gets his head to everything. We need Tyrone to start.
Love Tyrone. But absolutely no way should be start another game for us of significance. Let him end his career with us as captain vs Man City
-
That game is significant. We could still finish 4th!
-
Peter Withe
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HIb147sWsAAsxSZ?format=jpg&name=medium)
-
I told you he was tiny.
-
Mosquera being in the shot is interesting but i can't work out who the keeper next to him is, I know it's Wright next to Bizot but the other one isn't familiar.
-
The four on our B squad list is Proctor (19), Wright (21), Houston(17) and Oakley(17).
-
Do we know when the team are flying out? Is it the day before like a usual away game or they going today/tomorrow?
-
I’d heard tomorrow afternoon, but no idea how true it is.
-
There are 4 flights out of Birmingham to Istanbul tomorrow.
Turkish Airlines TK1968 dep 10.00
Pegasus Airlines PC1784 dep 13.00
Pegasus Airlines PC7384 dep 13.20
Turkish Airlines TK1970 dep 17.55
https://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/flights/departures/?Count=20&Search=istanbul
-
Theirs would be a private charter flight not showing on that board.
-
Yes, no sharing with riffraff/Gary Newbon.
-
They’ve got some very good players, particularly Manzambi, who’s basically their Rogers. I also think Matanović will score because, since the turn of the year, he’s been in good form and tends to score in patterns of three — he’s currently on a two-game streak.
I can see this being a high-scoring match, with the winners (hopefully us) winning by the odd goal.
I'm expecting a tough game, they'll be no easy pushovers. The more I hear about them, the more I hope Unai has done his full preparation and the players realise they're in for a real battle. We'll need another Forest type performance and our attacking players to be clinical.
If you can put up with Luke Robinson, he has a guest journalist on UTV podcast giving the inside on Freiburg. Well worth a watch.
-
Yes, no sharing with riffraff/Gary Newbon.
What happened to him?
-
Yes, no sharing with riffraff/Gary Newbon.
What happened to him?
-
Cheers , I met him one, he was a really nice bloke.
-
Cheers , I met him one, he was a really nice bloke.
I know someone that worked with him that had a very different opinion of him.
-
Cheers , I met him one, he was a really nice bloke.
I know someone that worked with him that had a very different opinion of him.
I always got on with him, but I could see how he could be eminently dislikeable.
-
We've covered it before. Gary Newbon was partly to blame for there being no TV coverage of Villa 5 Liverpool 1, although the main culprit was Trevor East.
https://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=56877.45
-
I was perfectly calm until I saw their fake yesterday now I’m feeling physically sick. Someone make me better.
-
The referee for the game is François Letexier from France, which is a good omen as the ref in Rotterdam was Georges Konrath, also from France.
-
As an old miserabilist I am starting to worry about all these good omens.
-
I was just the same in 1982.
-
The referee for the game is François Letexier from France, which is a good omen as the ref in Rotterdam was Georges Konrath, also from France.
Assume Dibu will be sent off then.
-
Knowing next to nothing about German football, can someone tell me me, roughly what English team equates to Freiburg?
-
Hopefully not Crystal Palace.
-
Knowing next to nothing about German football, can someone tell me me, roughly what English team equates to Freiburg?
Inoffensive as Fulham, punching above their weight like Brentford according to a journalist on Luke's UTB Fan channel.
-
It looks as though the team are on a specially chartered flight with 2Excel Aviation, scheduled to leave BHX at 15.00hrs today, Boeing 737, flight number: BRO165A.
-
As an old miserabilist I am starting to worry about all these good omens.
Well, more comparisons to 1982 for you… this is their first european final, facing the favourites, who are filled with internationals.
Let’s just hope they don’t have shins!
-
Always kind of interesting to see how outsiders view the final. (review of the EL season for each team, and final prediction)
-
Knowing next to nothing about German football, can someone tell me me, roughly what English team equates to Freiburg?
Inoffensive as Fulham, punching above their weight like Brentford according to a journalist on Luke's UTB Fan channel.
Ok, so not completely shit, then.
-
Hopefully not Crystal Palace.
On the Villa reddit thread about them they are described as like Crystal Palace.
-
Knowing next to nothing about German football, can someone tell me me, roughly what English team equates to Freiburg?
Inoffensive as Fulham, punching above their weight like Brentford according to a journalist on Luke's UTB Fan channel.
Ok, so not completely shit, then.
But that's relative to their league. The Fulham or Brentford of the Bundesliga would (most of the time) get walloped by the Fulham or Brentford of the Premier League.
Last time they played an English team in Europe two years ago, West Ham won 5-0.
Drop then in England for a season and they'd be a good bet for promotion from the Championship.
Which isn't to say we can't or won't lose to them - we've lost plenty of times to teams like that before.
-
Hopefully not Crystal Palace.
On the Villa reddit thread about them they are described as like Crystal Palace.
No!
-
Go Ahead Eagles keep coming to mind.
-
I'm going for a 2-0 Villa win.
-
Go Ahead Eagles keep coming to mind.
Indeed, and they should be a nice reminder. However, you’d hope our intensity and focus will be a bit better.
-
I'm very frightened of this game.
-
It's a Final, and Freiburg have been good enough to reach it. We'll be favourites, as you'd expect a top four EPL side to be against little known opposition, but it's a one off game and anything can happen. We can only hope we play our best game and have our fair share of any luck that's going. While taking nothing for granted, I'd rather be us than them.
-
Regardless of who the opposition are, I am absolutely shitting bricks already and will be a nervous wreck from start to finish.
-
Regardless of who the opposition are, I am absolutely shitting bricks already and will be a nervous wreck from start to finish.
That is ok you only have another 72 hours !
-
Bit like Bologna, am struggling to take Freiburg seriously - though I doubt Unai will let the players do as much.
Let's say that provided we turn up and that the gods are willing, we should win comfortably.
-
Bit like Bologna, am struggling to take Freiburg seriously - though I doubt Unai will let the players do as much.
Let's say that provided we turn up and that the gods are willing, we should win comfortably.
We’ve lost to Stevenage in Unai’s time - we should never assume!
-
We have better players and we have a better manager. This is the first final since 1996 we can actually safely say that.
If we play to or near our best as we have several times in-Europe in last 2 years PSG/Bayern/Forest/Bologna then we win.
-
The nagging fear that we can't get beyond a semi final in this era has been well and truly junked.
To be replaced by the fear that we will fall at the final hurdle, it's 90 mins, it can happen but for now we bask in the Turkish sun buoyed by optimism and the relief and joy of Friday.
I can't say the ticketing process has been stress free, I went from none, to 2, then back down to one again with large sums initially changing hands. But with the travel and accommodation done, it's all about the game now.
I feel Onana will be involved and with the rest of our first team being available we have afforded us the best possible opportunity and my gut feeling is that we will take it and finally achieve what we all believed is possible under this ownership and management.
2-1
-
Regardless of who the opposition are, I am absolutely shitting bricks already and will be a nervous wreck from start to finish.
That is ok you only have another 72 hours !
55-56. Not quite as bad
-
Regardless of who the opposition are, I am absolutely shitting bricks already and will be a nervous wreck from start to finish.
That is ok you only have another 72 hours !
55-56. Not quite as bad
ha ha , do we need a countdown clock ?
-
As an old miserabilist I am starting to worry about all these good omens.
Indeed. Good omens are often followed by extreme awfulness.
As Neil Gaiman can testify.
-
Some reports on Reddit that more tickets are available via the UEFA site.
-
As an old miserabilist I am starting to worry about all these good omens.
Indeed. Good omens are often followed by extreme awfulness.
As Neil Gaiman can testify.
And Sir Terry P with him getting Alzheimers.
-
Some reports on Reddit that more tickets are available via the UEFA site.
Yep, there was as of a few minutes ago. I posted the link in the tickets thread.
-
I live about 2 hours north of Freiburg. Nobody here supports them. However, the locals all want Freiburg to win, as they are friendly enough & inconsequential. They routinely sell their best players, but only to teams like Brentford & Fulham.
-
I live about 2 hours north of Freiburg. Nobody here supports them. However, the locals all want Freiburg to win, as they are friendly enough & inconsequential. They routinely sell their best players, but only to teams like Brentford & Fulham.
They're a proper, feel-good, underdog story that if they were playing anybody else should have the support of pretty much everyone.
Unfortunately, we have to be the big, bad corporate rich guys to come along and grind the plucky upstarts underfoot.
-
Sounds a bit like our last European final, but with roles reversed. Hopefully that doesn't mean results reversed, too.
-
Sounds a bit like our last European final, but with roles reversed. Hopefully that doesn't mean results reversed, too.
It does, and let’s hope not.
-
Bit like Bologna, am struggling to take Freiburg seriously - though I doubt Unai will let the players do as much.
Let's say that provided we turn up and that the gods are willing, we should win comfortably.
We’ve lost to Stevenage in Unai’s time - we should never assume!
#nowtrulytriggered
-
Sounds a bit like our last European final, but with roles reversed. Hopefully that doesn't mean results reversed, too.
I get your reasoning but in 1982 we had qualified for the European Cup as champions of England, and English clubs had won it in each of the previous four seasons. Although we weren't favourites, we weren't a Freiburg.
-
Difference is Unai hadn't been here long and was trying out players, most of the starting 11 that day were gone pretty sharpish.
Now we're settled, will have close to our best squad available and are far better than Freiburg, so if we play well we win. If we choose Weds to put in one our occasional stinkers then it may be a different story. I'm confident we'll win.
-
Go Ahead Eagles keep coming to mind.
Just go away, go away he said.
-
Ah the Stevenage defeat. The definitive moment in the Drop the Dendoncker movemnet.
-
The handsome Sanson's last hurrah too. A goal to tell his grandkids about, if not the result.
-
TBF, the only way using the Stevenage result will be comparable to what might happen at Freiburg would be if we have a stupid sending off a la Braga in the last round.
-
We lost to Go Ahead because they were so shit, we couldn't take them seriously and feel into a stupour. Then the storm really picked up and the 2nd half was absolutely bleak weather wise. Still should have bagged a point mind.
-
Might be dumb but I'm genuinely worried about the rain.
-
German TV channel RTL is showing the game free-to-air.
-
Might be dumb but I'm genuinely worried about the rain.
Duckworth Lewis isn't going to save them.
-
We lost to Go Ahead because they were so shit, we couldn't take them seriously and feel into a stupour. Then the storm really picked up and the 2nd half was absolutely bleak weather wise. Still should have bagged a point mind.
We should have been 3-0 up in the first 15 minutes from what I recall. Still, that games has absolutely nothing to do with Wednesday. Unai will have them ready, it will be on the players to execute.
-
You're right, the two are not at all linked.
Go Ahead Eagles sounds like a nice, low-calorie snack, but Freiburg sound like something dripping in saturated fats.
-
Our key player and talisman is Scottish, anyone hoping for warm sunny weather is mad, the wetter and colder the better.
-
Quite a few british teams we want us to win so 6th gets CL, as we are likley to lose vs citeh and finish 5th
-
Quite a few british teams we want us to win so 6th gets CL, as we are likley to lose vs citeh and finish 5th
Nah they will be out of race tomorrow. We'll be on a high and Brentford will beat Liverpool anyway.
-
We should win. But.
Anyway.....
The Wednesday night approaches fast, the stadium ablaze,
A clash against SC Freiburg to end the European maze.
We've known the bitter taste of tears, the sorrow of the drop,
The Wembley woes of 'fifteen when our glory came to a stop.
But channel Dennis Mortimer, the spirit of 'eighty-two,
When Peter Withe struck through the night to make the dream come true.
From "God" McGrath defending deep to Cowans on the ball,
The echoes of those famous wins resound around the wall.
Now Emi guards the fortress, a giant in the net,
While Ollie Watkins leads the line, a constant, scoring threat.
But driving through the midfield heart, with fire in his stride,
Is Super John McGinn, the flying Scotsman full of pride!
He spins, he fights, he wins the ball, his engine never dies,
He tears right through the Freiburg ranks the fear is in their eyes.
With Pau and Konsa standing firm, the boys all hold the line,
Rogers creates the winning goal, the moment is divine!
The Europa League is coming home to B6, proud and grand,
As Aston Villa conquer all, the finest in the land!
-
Love it!
-
Final is not free to air.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/18/champions-league-final-will-not-be-free-to-watch-in-uk-arsenal-psg-europa-conference
-
Yep, They would argue that the finals are "free" as they are not charging you the TNT Sports monthly subscription to show them. But you do still need the Standard HBO sub which is approx £9.99 (5.99 with ads) and no trial.
-
Robbing twats.
-
This is the one I've been waiting for..
-
Team took off at about 1530 landing about 2030 at Istanbul Airport.
-
Team took off at about 1530 landing about 2030 at Istanbul Airport.
Can be tracked here, if you are really bored: https://www.flightradar24.com/BRO165A/3fc095e6
-
It seems like anyone with an HBO Max subscription will be able to watch without forking out extra for TNT Sports:
https://www.tntsports.co.uk/football/champions-league/2025-2026/how-to-watch-european-finals-live-hbo-max_sto23299825/story.shtml
HBO Max is now included at no cost for SKY Subscribers.
-
Yep, They would argue that the finals are "free" as they are not charging you the TNT Sports monthly subscription to show them. But you do still need the Standard HBO sub which is approx £9.99 (5.99 with ads) and no trial.
So can you subscribe just for one month?
-
Yep, They would argue that the finals are "free" as they are not charging you the TNT Sports monthly subscription to show them. But you do still need the Standard HBO sub which is approx £9.99 (5.99 with ads) and no trial.
So can you subscribe just for one month?
I think so. £5.99 is the cheapest subscription per month.
-
My line up prediction. Same as Liverpool. Onana on the bench.
-
Up the Villa
https://xcancel.com/avfcofficial/status/2056322238526152928?s=46
-
shitting myself about this game.
We're Aston Villa, we don't generally do things the easy way.
-
-
Hopefully we go easy on them after we score the 5th.
-
We have Unai Emery. We are the overwhelming favourites and I know Unai will ensure the players are prepared correctly. He will not rest for one second in plotting our victory. The way our boys tore Liverpool to shreds suggests we know the moment. His moment is ours and Unai and boys will bring this home.
-
My line up prediction. Same as Liverpool. Onana on the bench.
Onana has to play, Freiburg are more unified and atm better team than Liverpool.
-
Not if he’s not 100% fit. Or fit enough to justify a starting place. In terms of talent Onana no doubt is the better player. But throwing him back in to a cup final isn’t correct either. And Freiburg aren’t as good as Liverpool however poor Liverpool have been. They will still likely finish 5th in the PL.
-
Not if he’s not 100% fit. Or fit enough to justify a starting place.
But if he is, then start him.
I'd be amazed if he doesn't start, personally.
-
Of course. That’s the point. If he’s fit enough to start then he’s the better player. What we don’t want is a player not short of his best health and being any kind of a liability in a game where mistakes will be amplified. So I hope he starts.
-
Yeah, he'll be starting. How long he'll last is the discussion.
-
Lindelof in recent weeks has added some calmness and flexibility, allowing the other midfielders to do their thing and providing the defensive quality to drop into a back 3 when the full backs push on. And while I prefer Onana to play, if it’s Lindelof with Onana coming on in the second half to add some midfield rigidity then that might work too.
-
We have Unai Emery. We are the overwhelming favourites and I know Unai will ensure the players are prepared correctly. He will not rest for one second in plotting our victory. The way our boys tore Liverpool to shreds suggests we know the moment. His moment is ours and Unai and boys will bring this home.
We also provided Burnley with their first point in I don't know how many matches!!!
-
We have Unai Emery. We are the overwhelming favourites and I know Unai will ensure the players are prepared correctly. He will not rest for one second in plotting our victory. The way our boys tore Liverpool to shreds suggests we know the moment. His moment is ours and Unai and boys will bring this home.
We also provided Burnley with their first point in I don't know how many matches!!!
When we weren't as bothered as we are for this one.
-
Anyone got a recommendation for where to watch the match with other Villa fans in Dublin please?
Sorry if this is the wrong place or has already been answered.
-
-
Anyone got a recommendation for where to watch the match with other Villa fans in Dublin please?
Sorry if this is the wrong place or has already been answered.
Head to an Irish bar.
-
EVERY Aston Villa and Freiburg Goal To Reach The Europa League Final!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK2BqFjyUkM
-
EVERY Aston Villa and Freiburg Goal To Reach The Europa League Final!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK2BqFjyUkM
A lot of set pieces, pens and scrappy goals there from Freiburg.
-
The lions have landed.
-
Anyone got a recommendation for where to watch the match with other Villa fans in Dublin please?
Sorry if this is the wrong place or has already been answered.
Looks like the Wool Shed on Parnell Square is where the Irish Lions will be watching it.
-
Looks like the Wool Shed on Parnell Square is where the Irish Lions will be watching it.
Thanks
-
Flying out of Stansted later, match tkt ready for tomorrow. COYL!
UTV!
-
Not at all jealous of the Villa fans who have tickets to see us in a major European Final, in one of the greatest cities on Earth.
Not me.
-
Not at all jealous of the Villa fans who have tickets to see us in a major European Final, in one of the greatest cities on Earth.
Not me.
I am - they're all bastards and charlatans.
-
Not at all jealous of the Villa fans who have tickets to see us in a major European Final, in one of the greatest cities on Earth.
Not me.
I am - they're all bastards and charlatans.
;D >:( ;D :( ;D
-
You just said what we're all thinking Mister E.
-
They’ve had some pretty impressive results in the Europa League this season, just looking back.
-
They’ve had some pretty impressive results in the Europa League this season, just looking back.
They are like us where better home then away from home. But I don't see results any more impressive then ours so far with Genk being the stand-out although they pretty much scored with every chance on target in this match.
-
(https://i.ibb.co/Fk9ZmJ8C/Screenshot-20260519-110106-Whats-App.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Fk9ZmJ8C)
(https://i.ibb.co/mrnLYHM2/Screenshot-20260519-110054-Whats-App.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mrnLYHM2)
-
Might pop over to the Rose Bar. Is it on the 11 route?
-
Gerry keeping their head down. 20 spotted at most, including Max Stokes doppelganger. There are thousands of Villa everywhere at the moment.
-
Accurate predictor
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2214651045958620
-
If Go Ahead Eagles can beat us Freiburg can as well however they WILL NOT.
-
Accurate predictor
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2214651045958620
Feels like we had a bit of help from the official there.
-
Accurate predictor
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2214651045958620
Feels like we had a bit of help from the official there.
That would be a first.
-
Press conference will be live here at 2.45
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX9U3c3MsDI
-
Also here when it starts
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c2423g7092zt#player
Seems delayed at the moment.
-
Started. McGinn and Martinez along with the boss.
-
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery said that Amadou Onana trained yesterday and will train again today, but a decision will not be made on his fitness until tomorrow.
-
There are some wonderful articles and quotes coming out from various players ahead of the game tomorrow. It’s great to read and fills us all with pride as to how important this game is. I know Unai will look to channel that energy and enthusiasm correctly. It’s critical the players don’t let the occasion overwhelm them because they are so desperate to win it. I’m sure it will be fine.
-
My views keep swingling wildly from being utterly convinced that we will win , and win comfortably to shaking like a shitting puppy and being utterly convinced that everything that can go wrong will go wrong. Is this normal? Am I the only one, or or is anyone else feeling the same? Help!!
-
Live training
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZCn05BVYKk
-
Also here when it starts
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c2423g7092zt#player
Seems delayed at the moment.
Anyone got a link to watch the presser again?
-
Also here when it starts
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c2423g7092zt#player
Seems delayed at the moment.
Anyone got a link to watch the presser again?
Press conference will be live here at 2.45
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX9U3c3MsDI
-
Barks with the Villa On Tour lads:
(https://i.ibb.co/dssyBFB3/Screenshot-20260519-160629-Chrome.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dssyBFB3)
-
Found it! Skip to 11.15 for the start
-
Unai’s English has improved a lot. SJM and Emi spoke very well too. Nothing was fudged or taken for granted.
-
-
Unai’s English has improved a lot. SJM and Emi spoke very well too. Nothing was fudged or taken for granted.
Wow. Three key things I took from that:
The degree of focus on this match and it's part in the longer story.
The respect Unai has instilled in the squad for each other, the club, it's support and tomorrow's opponents.
The collective, serious will to achieve this together.
We are so fortunate to support Villa at this time.
P.S. There's a fourth - Unai is absolutely clear that his personal history in the competition with other clubs is completely separate from this part of the journey.
-
Training
-
Villa and Freiburg fans sinking beers together before the final. Football without the nonsense. Proper scenes.
https://x.com/AwayDaysClub_/status/2056763305557970976
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HIsXU8xX0AAdTbu?format=jpg)
-
Predicting a loss like I did before 1994 and 1996…….nervous lad here
-
Villa and Freiburg fans sinking beers together before the final. Football without the nonsense. Proper scenes.
https://x.com/AwayDaysClub_/status/2056763305557970976
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HIsXU8xX0AAdTbu?format=jpg)
Great to see. Have one for me lads.
-
Let's hope that innocent tomfoolery, doesn't escalate into blind, ugly violence.
-
Why what's happening?
-
Let's hope that innocent tomfoolery, doesn't escalate into blind, ugly violence.
Footy?!
-
It is, I believe, The Day Today, no? Partridgery.
-
Fuck my pathetic boots, so it is. My apologies to everyone and everything.
-
I've witnessed bare-knuckle boxing in a barn in Somerset about three years ago. And it was a sorry sight to see men goading them on in such a barbaric fashion. And I'm rather ashamed to say I was party to that goading.
-
My mom works up town and has been told the parade will be happening Thursday SHOULD WE WIN. She's been told because of bus closures (and trams) on Broad Street from 2 til 7.30.
-
Only one sleep left till Christmas. We'll find out tomorrow if we've been naughty or nice.
-
Will probably be up on youtube soon but from the X OS....
One more to go...
What a journey it's been so far 💜
https://publish.twitter.com/?query=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FAVFCOfficial%2Fstatus%2F2056850130658074808&widget=Video
-
I actually feel sick at the moment. I really hope we do it. But we have been here before. Let’s hope the villa we saw against Liverpool and forest turn up. It just feels we think we have done it before kicking a ball. Or I am a miserable fucker.
-
You're not alone Wince.
-
I'm at a funeral Thursday for one of the last members of my family so i'd quite like a good night Weds.
-
How's ya nerves?
-
My mom works up town and has been told the parade will be happening Thursday SHOULD WE WIN. She's been told because of bus closures (and trams) on Broad Street from 2 til 7.30.
Yeah, it’ll be on Thursday. Which is mental as most of us will still be travelling home.
-
Already bricking it.
-
Can't believe Freiburg have a defender called Lionheart.
-
Braveheart > Lionheart
-
Couple of H&Ver in this in Istanbul tonight. 144 Hardboiled eggs on the left and some other bigger second from right.
(https://i.ibb.co/xxjP5bS/IMG-5799.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xxjP5bS)
-
Ah just do a L-R, you lazy git!
-
(https://i.ibb.co/G4DVMBhs/IMG-0414.jpg) (https://ibb.co/G4DVMBhs)
From the Hotel Bar
-
My mom works up town and has been told the parade will be happening Thursday SHOULD WE WIN. She's been told because of bus closures (and trams) on Broad Street from 2 til 7.30.
Yeah, it’ll be on Thursday. Which is mental as most of us will still be travelling home.
Not taking anything for granted winning wise, but I’m at my father in laws funeral on Thursday, I was really hoping if we win, it would be on the Friday or after the final game, so bank holiday Monday.
-
Apparently the club have taken a few of the 1982 squad out to Istanbul, I think that’s a fantastic thing to do. Well done Villa.
-
Just another 12 hours or so to look forwards to playing in a final, soak it up, enjoy every second, these are potentially once in a generation moments.
Feeling calm, for now. If we play at our best, we will prevail.
Freiburg 0 - 4 Aston Villa
-
I watched a brilliant you tube documentary about firebug last night. If I was a neutral, I would want them to win. They are the ultimate community club. A Brentford on steroids. 100% owned by the fans. They believe in continuity and loyalty. They don't take themselves too seriously. They don't sack the manager even if they get relegated. They are relaxed, calm and level headed at all times. Even if they go 4-0 down they will continue to believe and support. They play the same system as we do but probably look to attack more ( may be their undoing).
Brentford beat us 3 times this season.
-
F*can em, Karlsruher are the team that everybody loves in Baden-Württemburg.
Well, they're my German team anyway.
-
Todays the day. Man im ao excited. Please villa. Please
-
-
Anyone started drinking yet 😂😂
-
Imagine we lose this.
-
I watched a brilliant you tube documentary about firebug last night. If I was a neutral, I would want them to win. They are the ultimate community club. A Brentford on steroids. 100% owned by the fans. They believe in continuity and loyalty. They don't take themselves too seriously. They don't sack the manager even if they get relegated. They are relaxed, calm and level headed at all times. Even if they go 4-0 down they will continue to believe and support. They play the same system as we do but probably look to attack more ( may be their undoing).
Brentford beat us 3 times this season.
Sounds lovely. I hope they get hammered.
-
I watched a brilliant you tube documentary about firebug last night. If I was a neutral, I would want them to win. They are the ultimate community club. A Brentford on steroids. 100% owned by the fans. They believe in continuity and loyalty. They don't take themselves too seriously. They don't sack the manager even if they get relegated. They are relaxed, calm and level headed at all times. Even if they go 4-0 down they will continue to believe and support. They play the same system as we do but probably look to attack more ( may be their undoing).
Brentford beat us 3 times this season.
Sounds lovely. I hope they get hammered.
Genuine lol 😂
-
Not long now. Getting excited but nervous as well (it is the Villa after all). Maybe someone might like to tell BBC sport about the game as they completely ignored it was even happening this morning. UTV.
-
Imagine we lose this.
Would be heart breaking. We have seen enough of that. Tonight is the night. Pray and believe 🙏
-
Match free to Virgin media customers ch 526
-
Good luck from this Fulham fan
-
I am stuck up a mountain in North Wales with dodgy internet connections and no pub for miles. My lad and I are prepared with many cans of strong drink to follow proceedings as best we can. UTV!
-
Good luck from this Fulham fan
Nice one Franky!
-
Match free to Virgin media customers ch 526
I don't know if this has already been posted but as a season ticket holder I can access the live feed free on avfc.co.uk Villa TV. I assume all season ticket holders can.
I would rather repeat a post than find that fans missed it.
-
Not seen anything about it being free on their so correct to post.
-
Good luck from this Fulham fan
Nice one Franky!
Thanks Franky! x
-
Good luck from this Fulham fan
Cheers, good man
-
Good job I stocked up on toilet rolls.
-
Good job I stocked up on toilet rolls.
You're not joking there, I'm going to be like Barry Bethel by kick off.
-
They are relaxed, calm and level headed at all times. Even if they go 4-0 down they will continue to believe and support.
I look forward to seeing this in action.
-
Not seen anything about it being free on their so correct to post.
It's definitely free if you have Virgin Media. It's on from 6pm tonight.
Channel 526.
-
Just win by any means possible Villa 🙏
-
Im too nervous and will be staying away from here until the final whistle.
UTFV and fingers crossed I'll see you all at 10 with the celebrations!
-
I actually feel sick at the moment. I really hope we do it. But we have been here before. Let’s hope the villa we saw against Liverpool and forest turn up. It just feels we think we have done it before kicking a ball. Or I am a miserable fucker.
I have to admit this is my concern. I can't help thinking that we are acting as though we have won it already. The press has already handed us the trophy on the back of Unai winning it 4 times previously.
Finals have to be won. Anything can happen. From a scrappy set piece to a worldie. From a dodgy penalty to a soft red card.
That said, I do think we will win, but I don't think it will be easy. I'm not having all of these 4 0 predictions.
I am not there myself, but I am very much enjoyig the sights and scenes for those that are lucky enough to be there.
Istanbul gateway to the East...gateway to glory.
Come on lads, bring back the Cup.
Come on you Lions!!
-
200 musicians from local orchestras playing the SC Freiburg hymn on the town square in celebration of them reaching the final.
LINK (https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1JNERGYG6s/)
Probably the most German thing you'll ever see.
-
We’ve won more games (26) in European competitions than any other club since the beginning of 23/24. Among them Bayern and PSG by most estimations the 2 best sides in the World right now.
We should be confident, Unai will make sure that it doesn’t go to our heads though, and will afford Freiburg the utmost respect.
-
I'm refusing to vote in the poll for fear of jinxing.
Come on you Lions!!!
-
I was more nervous before the Forest game. Right now I’m pretty calm about tonight but I’m pretty sure it’s gonna change and by kick off time I will be a nervous wreck.
-
Not seen anything about it being free on their so correct to post.
It's definitely free if you have Virgin Media. It's on from 6pm tonight.
Channel 526.
It is free if you have HBO Max app already, the problem is you still need to have purchased something (Virgin, HBO Max, Villa TV/Season Ticket) to then get it free.
-
I had two separate dreams last night involving the final, in one we won 2-0, a McGinn header after one minute and a Watkins finish after four minutes and we just played the game out from there.
The second we also won 2-0 with goals from Malen and Matt Le Tissier.
I'd take either, but the former seems more likely to be an accurate premonition.
-
You might be able go get a 7 day free trial on HBO Max if you order via Amazon firestick or Hulu.
-
200 musicians from local orchestras playing the SC Freiburg hymn on the town square in celebration of them reaching the final.
LINK (https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1JNERGYG6s/)
Probably the most German thing you'll ever see.
You were probably our best bet for getting into their training camp. Did you get some good info and pics?
-
200 musicians from local orchestras playing the SC Freiburg hymn on the town square in celebration of them reaching the final.
LINK (https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1JNERGYG6s/)
Probably the most German thing you'll ever see.
You were probably our best bet for getting into their training camp. Did you get some good info and pics?
I doubt it, that was GJ on drums.
-
Morgan Rogers is our man tonight, our big game player. Couldn't work out from the tea leaves whether it was one goal and two assists, or two goals and one assist, though.
-
200 musicians from local orchestras playing the SC Freiburg hymn on the town square in celebration of them reaching the final.
LINK (https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1JNERGYG6s/)
Probably the most German thing you'll ever see.
You were probably our best bet for getting into their training camp. Did you get some good info and pics?
I tried... But I got distracted...
(https://the-limpets.de/other_stuff/mit_Senf.jpg)
-
I'm refusing to vote in the poll for fear of jinxing.
Come on you Lions!!!
Not voting is not enough. I voted for a Freiburg win to double not jinx us.
-
We're playing in a European final today.
-
I'm refusing to vote in the poll for fear of jinxing.
Come on you Lions!!!
Not voting is not enough. I voted for a Freiburg win to double not jinx us.
Correct.
-
I hope everyone who is there has a great evening and stayed safe. And we all hope at the end of this day we are crowned UEFA Cup champs (what the trophy should be still be called). We can look forward to a much, much better summer than last and kick off the season in great spirits and a game in the Super Cup. What a nice change that would be. First things, first need to get the job done today.
-
I'm refusing to vote in the poll for fear of jinxing.
Come on you Lions!!!
Not voting is not enough. I voted for a Freiburg win to double not jinx us.
Correct.
Yes.
-
-
-
Am I the only one too scared to watch any of these videos?
-
I actually feel sick at the moment. I really hope we do it. But we have been here before. Let’s hope the villa we saw against Liverpool and forest turn up. It just feels we think we have done it before kicking a ball. Or I am a miserable fucker.
I have to admit this is my concern. I can't help thinking that we are acting as though we have won it already. The press has already handed us the trophy on the back of Unai winning it 4 times previously.
Finals have to be won. Anything can happen. From a scrappy set piece to a worldie. From a dodgy penalty to a soft red card.
That said, I do think we will win, but I don't think it will be easy. I'm not having all of these 4 0 predictions.
I am not there myself, but I am very much enjoyig the sights and scenes for those that are lucky enough to be there.
Istanbul gateway to the East...gateway to glory.
Come on lads, bring back the Cup.
Come on you Lions!!
Agreed, this will be a tough occasion. Having watched yesterday's media conference though I was knocked out by the intense focus that Unai Emery has instilled into the players for this game. They haven't bought into the easy win thinking and were demonstrating the respect they have for their opponents. They've clearly done their homework on their opposite numbers as well.
I'm really hoping for one of those Villa generational moments tonight, in fact I've dug out my lucky Villa cap to wear. It's been worn to one game before in Rotterdam 26th May 1982!
-
Am I the only one too scared to watch any of these videos?
Nah. You should embrace it CD. As Unai said, enjoy the pressure, not fear it. Soak it in. The players will need to perform whether you watch the videos or not. They really well done. You get a real sense of how much they understand what this means to us and to many of them. It’s great to see.
-
I'm getting an anxiety attack just thinking about pressing the play button.
-
I'm getting an anxiety attack just thinking about pressing the play button.
Agreed. I couldn’t watch a ‘Road to Istanbul’ vid on YouTube last night because I felt like I’d be jinxing us. I’m a grown man for gods sake.
-
Am I the only one too scared to watch any of these videos?
I am the same. Scarred by FA Cup 2000, I can't help thinking that the more it means to us, the more likely it is we won't get it. So all these emotional videos etc I just swerve and try and remain calm.
The one "safety net" for tonight, if we do lose, then at least it's to a nice friendly team like Freiburg, and not to a dickhead club like our last few FAC and League Cup finals.
-
True. And I console myself thinking I may be terrified but I would be feeling a whole lot worse if we hadn't secured Champions League football and tonight's final was Freiburg vs Forest.
-
Disappointed that the team bus is not here….
-
Biblical weather in Istanbul
(https://i.ibb.co/FqydcT9D/IMG-5803.jpg) (https://ibb.co/FqydcT9D)
-
Chance of thunderstorms it seems later. Not good.
-
Although Accuweather (who I found used to be more accurate then BBC) has weather of "Mainly Clear" from about 1800 Turkish time.
-
Although Accuweather (who I found used to be more accurate then BBC) has weather of "Mainly Clear" from about 1800 Turkish time.
Inshallah!
-
https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/forecast/sxk9shs6j#?date=2026-05-20
-
Chance of thunderstorms it seems later. Not good.
Earlier than that.
https://en.haberler.com/istanbul-residents-receive-3-hour-warning-from-2256544/
-
Although Accuweather (who I found used to be more accurate then BBC) has weather of "Mainly Clear" from about 1800 Turkish time.
Inshallah!
Inshallah Monty, inshallah. The camli in square is about 100 years away so I might go for Asar pray, for weather and a win🙂
-
The first time I've ever said this but thank fuck I've a heap of meetings to distract me this afternoon. Nerves are shot
-
Good if the game gets abandoned due to inclement weather we can just share the trophy for six months each and be done with it.
-
Just being on this site is making me tense. But I can’t stay away. Barely done a moment’s work all day.
-
We've lost our three previous finals, scored once and conceded seven and not turned up in two of them - We've got to break that sequence sooner or later. Please God that we're 4:0 up at half time and even then I won't relax. If we lose tonight then I wash my hands of this fucking sport completely.
-
I'm minded to go the bookies and stick fifty quid on Freiburg so if we lose I've got something to be happy about instead of totally frigging suicidal.
-
I've got £100 on them. Money made from betting on Arsenal to win the league and Clyde to lose the playoffs.
Remember if you do bet, make sure you bet on the "to win the trophy" market not the "to win in 90 mins" one or you could still lose both ways if Freiburg win after extra time or on penalties.
-
I'm minded to go the bookies and stick fifty quid on Freiburg so if we lose I've got something to be happy about instead of totally frigging suicidal.
I was going to do that, but emptied my whole betting account into Forest qualifying when we went 2-0 up in the semi.
-
I hope they have their studs sorted out.
-
Perform anywhere close to the second leg ties of the Forest or Bologna games and we will win comfortably. Perform like we did in the first leg of those games, first half in particular v Bologna, and we will be in trouble. Don't think it will be stress free, that's not the Villa way
-
No thinking….thinking today is bad
-
Coventry bus garage providing the open top bus should we need it.
-
Went out for a dinner time stroll. Saw 2 magpies together followed by 1 magpie on it's own. 1-1. Then saw two magpies together but one flew off immediately so don't know what to it all means. Presumably it's something doom-laden though.
-
If you didn't salute and say anything to the lone magpie it's on you if we lose.
-
I've got £100 on them. Money made from betting on Arsenal to win the league and Clyde to lose the playoffs.
Remember if you do bet, make sure you bet on the "to win the trophy" market not the "to win in 90 mins" one or you could still lose both ways if Freiburg win after extra time or on penalties.
Same here. £100 at 5/2. I’ll also be keeping a tenner spare for if we go ahead. The odds will shoot up then and the eventual disappointment will be even harder to take.
-
Original 82 flag property of Pat McMahon (PauL)
(https://i.ibb.co/PvKMv33G/10f25bd5-b38c-4c45-a763-11795f125993.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PvKMv33G)
-
Just remembered, I saw Bayern vs Freiburg about 4 years ago at the Aliianz. It was a top of the table clash, 2nd vs 3rd at the time. Bayern won 5-0 without breaking sweat, but that's the Bundesliga for you - makes Scottish Premiership look like a wide open competitive league.
I sat with the home fans, and some players in red tracksuits came out to warm up, so to blend in i got up and clapped them. Cue the people a few rows in front turning round: "You idiots, those are the Freiburg players". In my defence, I don't pay the Bundesliga much heed.
-
We've lost our three previous finals, scored once and conceded seven and not turned up in two of them - We've got to break that sequence sooner or later. Please God that we're 4:0 up at half time and even then I won't relax. If we lose tonight then I wash my hands of this fucking sport completely.
We have a 100% record in European Finals
-
Ive lost my lucky villa scarf.....It may have ended up in the charity pile. I will take the blame tonight if it goes south.
-
Ive lost my lucky villa scarf.....It may have ended up in the charity pile. I will take the blame tonight if it goes south.
I'm hoping my lucky Villa cap may counterbalance your loss. It's been worn once , in Rotterdam at the final. It's having it's second outing tonight!
-
We only seem to win the European finals that we play against German opposition, and if our captains name starts with an M and our strikers name begins with a W.
-
Original 82 flag property of Pat McMahon (PauL)
(https://i.ibb.co/PvKMv33G/10f25bd5-b38c-4c45-a763-11795f125993.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PvKMv33G)
Lovely stuff! Everyone looks remarkably sober, but there's still time to kick-off.
-
I'm officially bricking it now after feeling relatively calm until today, leaving work at noon for lunch and a couple pints to settle the nerves.
Come on you Villa boys, bring it home and end the years of suffering, please!!
UTFV!!!
-
Original 82 flag property of Pat McMahon (PauL)
(https://i.ibb.co/PvKMv33G/10f25bd5-b38c-4c45-a763-11795f125993.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PvKMv33G)
Lovely stuff! Everyone looks remarkably sober, but there's still time to kick-off.
Yup, keep the pictures coming. Let the rest of us live vicariously through your trip.
-
We only seem to win the European finals that we play against German opposition, and if our captains name starts with an M and our strikers name begins with a W.
....Just hope big Emi tweaks his shoulder early doors and a young goalie no-one has heard of is ready to step up as replacement.....
-
Gone back to the hotel to refresh and the nerves have hit me massively. This means so fucking much.
-
We only seem to win the European finals that we play against German opposition, and if our captains name starts with an M and our strikers name begins with a W.
....Just hope big Emi tweaks his shoulder early doors and a young goalie no-one has heard of is ready to step up as replacement.....
Sam Proctor? I think for tonight I'd prefer to stick with Emi.
-
It's not like we have a trail of lost European finals behind us.
-
We only seem to win the European finals that we play against German opposition, and if our captains name starts with an M and our strikers name begins with a W.
Very good, ALITA - excellent deduction.
-
I was not even alive in 1982 and have not seen Villa win anything as an adult trophy wise. I am also on WM coverage tonight and the first final we have ever been in I have not been able to watch. I really want to calm down and enjoy but will not be posting on the match thread and trying to enjoy what will happen.
Win and this is the biggest thing Villa will have won in my lifetime.
Losing isnt an option..
Come on Villa! Do us all proud!
-
Nerves starting to creep in, time to call it a day with work and focus on being match ready.
-
I've booked tomorrow off work, win or lose I'll be in no fit state either way; especially with kick off 22:00 local time.
For those that know, I'll be in the Hamlet for the game.
-
I'm going to state the bleedin' obvious here: if we win tonight it will cause the same reaction for the club as a champagne cork flying out of the top of a bottle. It will release so much energy and forward motion for next season and beyond, as well as putting to bed the 'lost finals' monkey we've been carrying.
Best wishes to everyone tonight - enjoy the tension, emotion and outcome, whatever it is!
Up the Fucking Villa!!!!!!
-
If we win, how will you celebrate?
I think I will do a dance, and rub my nipples in excitement 8)
-
Stop it.
-
If we win, how will you celebrate?
I think I will do a dance, and rub my nipples in excitement 8)
Don't you think you should do something a bit different to usual?
-
If we win, how will you celebrate?
I think I will do a dance, and rub my nipples in excitement 8)
Don't you think you should do something a bit different to usual?
Perhaps 😏
-
With the youngest away on a residential, Mrs Rodders and I have a rare night alone, I think only the third we've ever had in Jnr's ten years on the planet.
So I'm putting on my nice jacket and shoes and preparing to drive us to the lovely restaurant she's booked as a treat.
I might - just - catch the last of second half. If we're 7-0 up by then it's because I haven't jinxed us by watching it.
You're very welcome.
Come on you Lions ✊
-
I do belive!
-
I was not even alive in 1982 and have not seen Villa win anything as an adult trophy wise. I am also on WM coverage tonight and the first final we have ever been in I have not been able to watch. I really want to calm down and enjoy but will not be posting on the match thread and trying to enjoy what will happen.
Win and this is the biggest thing Villa will have won in my lifetime.
Losing isnt an option..
Come on Villa! Do us all proud!
Check your messages mate
-
Please win. Please. 30 fucking years. Please
-
Watching the live stream from the stadium as the Freiburg fans arrive with their half and half scarves. More strange is they're all wearing white tops rather than the red they'll be playing in tonight.
-
If mans are needing streams get it sorted in advance cos this isn't on free to air TV.
Man dem need to be PREPARED 🦁
-
Their current normal home top is red with white stripes which actually comes across quite white on tv screens. For some reason they have taken to wearing a deep red for recent Europa matches which means we can play in white instead of the black top.
But a quick look at their tops going back over the years and it seems as long as there is red somewhere, they don't seem fussed on the other colour and have played with white stripes, black stripes, black hoops, white sleeves or all red.
-
A sea of white shirts..
-
my only concern for this is the white kit - we're never that good in it, oh, apart from European Cup Finals...
-
But a quick look at their tops going back over the years and it seems as long as their is red somewhere, they don't seem fussed on the other colour and have played with white stripes, black stripes, black hoops, white sleeves or all red.
Just had a quick look on their forum and some poster called 'Herr CDFB' isn't happy about it, and is making a list of all those that like the all-red European kit.
-
-
We only seem to win the European finals that we play against German opposition, and if our captains name starts with an M and our strikers name begins with a W.
We also only win them when the incumbent Republican U.S. President has survived an assassination attempt at the Hilton Hotel in Washington.
-
Final message from me before I head out into the night, best of luck to everyone out there in Istanbul, no expectation, no complacency but a whole lot of hope. The Villa mean everything to me. Keep calma if things don't start well, it's going to be a long night. Up The Villa.
-
1982 add the numbers together and the number ends in 0. 2026 add them together and the number ends in a 0. What more proof do you need?
-
-
-
I will reiterate the Woodhall directive.
No singing about Small Heath or their shitty club or stadium.
Sing about Villa regardless of outcome.
-
Covers Villa fans arriving more than the other lives
-
Come on Villa. Let's shake up Europe.Again.
-
Anyone else excited that it could go to pens?
-
No.
-
Don't you dare!
-
Anyone else excited that it could go to pens?
Heck no.
-
Anyone else excited that it could go to pens?
That’s quite wicked, PWS.
-
▬▬▬.◙.▬▬▬
═▂▄▄▓▄▄▂
◢◤ █▀▀████▄▄▄▄◢◤
█▄ █ █▄ ███▀▀▀▀▀▀▀╬
◥█████◤
══╩══╩═
╬═╬
╬═╬
╬═╬
╬═╬
╬═╬ Just dropped down to say:
╬═╬
╬═╬ Up The Villa
╬═╬ ☻/
╬═╬/▌
╬═╬/ \
-
Fans in good voice already
-
Yep. My brother is in the stadium already and the noise is tremendous even with it being half filled.
-
Jacob Tanswell
Nassef Sawiris is on the pitch, taking photos with Vidagany and Olabe. He greets John McGinn and pumps his fists.
Ezri Konsa is filming the Villa section. Some occasion.
Wes Edens has just joined him, they're going round greeting all the players
-
Just tuned to HBO with my Sky subscription and showing all the preamble and pundits but dont know if that will all cut off for the game itself so I'm off to the pub!
-
Only realised today that Virgin Media are letting subscribers view the game free of charge on TNT. Saves me a visit to a pub. My nerves can't take watching games in pubs.
-
My heart will tell me to switch my phone off and go to bed, it can't handle it
-
Got my lucky scarf on 🤞🫣