SC Freiburg will face SC Braga in Portugal on Thursday in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final. For Freiburg, this marks a historic first appearance in the last four of a European competition, while Braga are aiming to reach their second final, having last done so in the 2010/11 season when they lost to Porto.
According to the match preview, Freiburg arrive after a challenging period domestically, having suffered defeats to VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal semi-final and to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. Their European form, however, has been formidable, with 11 goals scored and only two conceded across their last three Europa League matches, which included knockout victories over Genk and Celta Vigo. Securing a European place for next season now hinges on either winning this competition or finishing above Eintracht Frankfurt in the German league.
Braga, under the guidance of interim manager Julio Velazquez, advanced to this stage with a dramatic 5-3 aggregate victory over Spain's Real Betis in the quarter-finals. Domestically, they remain in contention for a European spot in Liga Portugal despite a recent defeat. The Portuguese side has considerable experience against German clubs, with five wins in 13 previous encounters against Bundesliga opposition, including victories over Hoffenheim and Union Berlin.
In terms of team news, Freiburg will be without the injured Patrick Osterhage, while Jordy Makengo is hopeful of returning from a muscle issue. Manager Julian Schuster has made few changes to his lineup despite a congested fixture schedule. Braga will be without the suspended PSG loanee Gabriel Moscardo, but can call upon top scorer Rodrigo Zalazar, former Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch, and ex-Bayern Munich defender Bright Arrey-Mbi, all of whom have Bundesliga experience.
The predicted lineups suggest Braga will start with Lukas Horniceck in goal, while Freiburg are expected to field Noah Atubolu. The tactical battle in midfield, featuring players like Grillitsch and Freiburg's Maximilian Eggestein, could prove decisive. For Freiburg, success in this first leg away from home would provide a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg in Germany next week, keeping their dual European qualification paths alive.
