Aston Villa are just 90 minutes away from one of the biggest nights in the club’s modern history as they take on Freiburg in the Europa League final on Wednesday night.
Villa head to Istanbul full of confidence after an impressive European run under Unai Emery, with supporters across the West Midlands daring to believe silverware could finally be on the way back to Villa Park.
It has been a season to remember already, but lifting a European trophy would take it to another level.
Standing in their way are German side Freiburg, who are preparing for the biggest game in their history. They may not have the same European pedigree as Villa, but they have earned plenty of respect for the way they have battled through the competition.
Emery’s experience in Europe could be key. The Villa boss knows exactly what it takes to win this competition and has turned Villa into a side that looks comfortable on the big stage. His team have mixed attacking football with discipline and control throughout the campaign.
Villa will likely look to start fast and put Freiburg under pressure early on. The pace and movement going forward has caused problems for teams all season, while the atmosphere created by the travelling supporters is expected to give the side another boost.
Freiburg are unlikely to make things easy though. The Bundesliga side are organised, hardworking and dangerous on the counter attack. Villa will need to stay switched on defensively and avoid giving away cheap opportunities.
For many Villa fans, this feels like a moment the club has been building towards for years. European nights have returned under Emery, but Wednesday gives them the chance to make history.
Player to watch
Aston Villa: Morgan Rogers
The midfielder has become one of Villa’s biggest attacking threats this season. His ability to drive forward and create something out of nothing could be vital in a tense final.
Freiburg: Vincenzo Grifo
Freiburg’s captain is their creative spark and a real danger from set pieces. If Villa switch off for a moment, he is the type of player who can punish them.