Freiburg Eye Europa League Semi-Final Comeback Against Braga

Freiburg enter Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Braga needing a comeback, yet Julian Schuster is calm about motivation. Freiburg trail 2-1 from the first meeting, but play at Europa-Park Stadion, and Schuster believes the situation, stage and support already give players all the drive they require.

The first leg in Portugal swung late. Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu first saved a penalty from Rodrigo Zalazar, then misjudged a stoppage-time situation. Substitute Mario Dorgeles reacted quickest to that error in the 92nd minute, scoring from close range and handing Carlos Vincens’ Braga a narrow lead in the tie.

Schuster also knows history offers Freiburg some encouragement. The last three Portuguese clubs who won the first leg of a Europa League tie beyond the round of 16 did not go through. Benfica fell in both 2018-19 and 2023-24, while Braga themselves exited after leading in 2021-22.

Freiburg target a place in the Europa League final that would match recent German achievements. Eintracht Frankfurt reached the showpiece in 2021-22 and Bayer Leverkusen followed in 2023-24. Schuster’s team now aim to become the third German side in five seasons to step into that same stage.

Braga’s campaign numbers underline the scale of Freiburg’s task. The Portuguese team have collected eight Europa League victories this season, alongside three draws and two defeats. Only two Portuguese clubs have posted more wins in a single UEFA Cup or Europa League campaign, Porto in 2010-11 and Sporting in 2004-05.

Despite that threat, Schuster says Freiburg’s focus level is already high. He told reporters: "At the moment, you don't have to dig too deep to get through to the players, we are very focused, extremely focused. There are limits [to what I can say], they don't need the coach to be able to fall asleep at night."

Schuster described how internal discussions and the city’s energy shape Freiburg’s build-up. "The players talk to each other a lot. Of course, on the street the fans talk to us, ask us for tickets. The fans can make the game as big as they want, it's uniting the whole city, it's the strength of football, of Freiburg."

Europa League semi-final tactical plans in Freiburg vs Braga

Braga’s likely tactical shape is no mystery to Schuster. "Looking at the previous games, they usually have the same plan. I think it will be a mix. They will have the normal gameplan, but of course, this small advantage can change some things." Schuster expects periods without the ball for Freiburg.

The coach underlined how Freiburg must balance respect and ambition. "For us, what is important is to know that Braga have quality, they are good in possession, and we have to accept that, but in recent games we had many positive moments. That will help the atmosphere in the stadium, especially for a semi-final. We have to be prepared for when Braga have the ball and create chances, and we have to create our chances."