Freiburg striker Igor Matanović has made it clear that Aston Villa should expect a brutal battle from the German side in Wednesday’s Europa League final in Istanbul. Speaking to Transfermarkt, the 23-year-old outlined a straightforward intention: to press Villa hard from the first whistle and suffocate their rhythm before they find their footing.
Aston Villa Prepared for Challenging Match Against Freiburg in Europa League Final
Freiburg have reached their first-ever continental final, meeting Villa at Beşiktaş Park in a historic occasion for the Black Forest club. They won all seven of their home Europa League fixtures this season and saw off Braga 4-3 on aggregate in the semi-finals. Their route to the final, through Genk, Celta Vigo, and Braga, was impressive, even if the gap in squad depth between the two clubs is massive.
How Freiburg Plans to Secure Victory in Istanbul
Matanović was direct about Freiburg’s intentions. He said the side want to make it a home game by playing with intensity from the off, giving Villa no breathing room and keeping them from settling into any sort of rhythm. He acknowledged the squad value difference is enormous; 12 of Matanović’s 15 goals in 2025/26 have come in 2026, while Vincenzo Grifo leads all Freiburg and Villa players in goal contributions this season with five goals and four assists.
“We are at least the second-best team in the Europa League, but we want to become the best. We’re extremely proud and happy. But of course, we want to win the title in the final,” he said.
“We want to make it a home game by playing with intensity right from the start. That will then transfer to the stadium. And also to Aston Villa. They’ll realise that we’re a tough opponent, and if we manage that, then our chances are good.
“We don’t want to give Aston Villa any breathing room and want to perform at our highest level. Of course, Aston Villa is a strong opponent, but if we don’t let them get into their rhythm, it will be difficult for them.”
“Of course, on paper we’re the underdogs. And the squad stats speak for themselves,” he added.
“The difference is enormous. But we mustn’t forget where we came from, where we were at the start of the season, and the progress we’ve made. And when we play with the fans behind us, who give us so much energy every time, we’re almost unbeatable.”
Even with that kind of form, Matanović accepts that Freiburg are the underdogs on paper. However, he isn’t bothered by the odds, telling Sport Witness that the club’s journey this season proves money doesn’t always buy results on the pitch.
For Freiburg, winning this would be their first major trophy in 122 years of existence as a club, and a victory would also send them to the Champions League for the first time in their history. With stakes like that, they will arrive in Istanbul with absolutely nothing to lose.
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