by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Europa League final in Istanbul, Germany's SC Freiburg has fully embraced its status as the underdog against English Premier League side Aston Villa.
Defender Matthias Ginter admitted he watched large parts of Villa's recent 4-2 win over Liverpool, a result that secured Unai Emery's side a place in next season's UEFA Champions League.
"I turned it off after a while. We know what's ahead of us," said the 2014 FIFA World Cup winner.
While Villa arrives in Istanbul backed by the financial and competitive strength of the Premier League, Freiburg is preparing for the biggest match in the club's history with a very different identity.
Freiburg ensured at least a place in next season's UEFA Conference League after a 4-1 victory over Leipzig in its final Bundesliga match, continuing a steady rise built on youth development, financial discipline and tactical cohesion rather than heavy spending.
Coach Julian Schuster described Villa as "a thick board" to break down, but stressed Freiburg's own strengths, particularly its collective mentality and effectiveness from set pieces.
Nearly half of Freiburg's 51 Bundesliga goals this season came from corners, free kicks and throw-ins, an area the German side hopes can help narrow the gap in quality.
Three European campaigns in the past four years have also strengthened belief within the squad that an upset is possible.
Goalkeeper Noah Atubolu said the team was being carried by a wave of excitement following its strong finish to the domestic season.
"The big final, the highlight is waiting now," he said.
For Freiburg-born Ginter, the club's rise has been evident since his return from spells with Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach between 2014 and 2022.
"I had the feeling there was something heating up," Ginter said. "I saw the rapid but solid development and wanted to be part of it."
Since returning, the 32-year-old has become one of Freiburg's key figures, helping guide the club through a period that included the opening of its new stadium in 2021 and the transition to Schuster as head coach in 2024.
Despite Villa's pedigree and resources, Freiburg believes football still leaves room for surprises.
"It's football. It's a game. All is possible," Ginter said. "Sometimes it's the underdog that pulls off a surprise." ■
