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British football fans and reporters arriving in Türkiye ahead of the UEFA Europa League final have praised Istanbul’s atmosphere, while some supporters have complained about taxi fares in the city.
Aston Villa will face Germany’s Freiburg in Istanbul today as both clubs look to lift Europe’s second-tier club trophy.
Ahead of the final, fans from both sides have already started gathering across the city, with German supporters meeting around Besiktas Square and English fans mainly coming together in Taksim.
British reporters and Aston Villa supporters shared positive impressions of Istanbul after arriving for the match. Some described the city as an “incredible city” while posting photos from the Galata Bridge, the Bosphorus Bridge and Taksim.
Several English fans also pointed out Istanbul’s late-night energy, noting that Beyoglu was still lively late at night on a Sunday evening, with many places open at a time when similar areas in the U.K. would usually be quieter.
Alongside the praise, some visiting supporters also raised complaints about taxi fares. One English fan claimed on social media that he was charged ₺3,200 for a 2.3-kilometer journey.
The same fan said he returned over the same route in a yellow taxi for ₺580, drawing attention to the sharp difference between the two fares.
Freiburg made it to the final after a strong Europa League campaign. The German side finished seventh in the league phase with 17 points before coming through several knockout rounds.
After losing the first leg against Genk in the round of 16, Freiburg hit back in the return match to advance. The team then beat Celta Vigo in the quarterfinals and came through against Braga in the semifinals after another first-leg defeat.
Aston Villa reached the final after finishing second in the league phase, behind Lyon on goal difference. Unai Emery’s side then knocked out Lille, Bologna and Nottingham Forest on its way to Istanbul.
The Birmingham club had already played in Istanbul earlier in the tournament, beating Fenerbahce 1-0 during the league phase.
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