Freiburg take on the visitors Braga in the second leg of UEFA Europa League round of semifinals. First leg result: 1-2. The match will be played on Thursday, May 7th at Europa-Park Stadion (Freiburg).
Freiburg finished 5th last season — which looked like progress, but they still allowed Borussia Dortmund to overtake them right at the finish line. This season, already under Julian Schuster, Freiburg have objectively declined a bit in the Bundesliga, and now can realistically only hope to snatch 7th place from Eintracht Frankfurt. At the same time, the team continued to show strong attacking football at home, especially against international opposition. Freiburg have also improved noticeably in recent weeks, winning several key matches with convincing offensive displays. They performed well in the domestic cup too, although they narrowly lost to VfB Stuttgart in last month’s semi-final. In the UEFA Europa League, the Germans advanced directly to the Round of 16 after recording five wins and two draws, losing only once to LOSC Lille in January. In the playoffs, however, they lost the first leg away in Genk against KRC Genk. But then Freiburg demolished the Belgians 5-1 at home before beating RC Celta de Vigo twice in April, scoring three goals in each match against the Spaniards.
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SC Braga once again confirmed their level. “The Archbishops” occasionally manage to push one of Portugal’s traditional giants aside and finish third, but their natural place remains 4th — exactly where they finished last year and where they are clearly heading again in the Primeira Liga. They nearly embarrassed themselves at the very start of the European campaign, only managing to break down PFC Levski Sofia in extra time. Braga’s recent away form has been quite productive though, especially in open games where they are allowed space to attack. The Portuguese side have also shown strong mentality in comeback situations, repeatedly recovering after difficult first-leg results. After that, however, they comfortably dealt with CFR Cluj and Lincoln Red Imps FC. Following a smooth main round campaign with five wins and 17 points, the playoffs turned into a rollercoaster: 0-2 and 4-0 against Ferencvárosi TC, then 1-1 and 4-2 away against Real Betis after conceding twice early. In the first leg against the German side, Braga scored quickly at home but almost immediately conceded in return. Still, when the match seemed destined to finish 1-1, the Portuguese side found a late winner through Dorgeles in the 90+2nd minute.
The clubs met for the first time ever last Thursday. The Germans will try to take revenge, and they should have their chances. Back Freiburg to win in regular time, regardless of the final scoreline.
Prediction for the match: Freiburg to win.
