What happened
SC Freiburg eliminated Braga to advance to the Europa League final, journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed. The result, paired with Aston Villa's all-Premier League semifinal win over Nottingham Forest, sets up a Villa vs. Freiburg final. UEFA has slated the match for Beşiktaş's home stadium in Istanbul.
Why it matters
It marks a landmark European run for Freiburg, who pair Bundesliga grit with a deep continental campaign against a Villa side that just navigated an all-Premier League semifinal against Nottingham Forest. The final also gives the Premier League representation in every major European final this season, reinforcing the league's continental weight. For Freiburg, a trophy would be the club's first major European silverware.
What to watch
Attention turns to the Istanbul final, with team news, suspensions, and travel logistics in focus. Domestic form down the stretch in the Bundesliga and Premier League will shape squad availability for the showpiece.