SC Freiburg has started the new season with two victories, relying on the form of striker Igor Matanovic. Following a 3:1 win in the first leg of the Conference League qualifier against Motherwell FC, the team secured a convincing 5:1 victory in the DFB-Pokal against Fortuna Düsseldorf on Sunday evening, as reported by Sportschau.
The 23-year-old Croatian was the key player. After coming on as a substitute in the second half, Matanovic scored two goals and provided an assist within about 20 minutes. This performance comes at the perfect time, with the decisive second leg against Motherwell scheduled for Thursday at 18:45. A win or a draw would secure qualification for the Conference League group stage. Freiburg leads the tie by two goals after the first match.
How important is Matanovic for Freiburg's attack?
Igor Matanovic developed into a key figure in SC Freiburg's attack last season. In the 2025/2026 Bundesliga campaign, he scored a total of eleven goals. Eight of those goals came in the second half of the season, highlighting his improving form and importance to the team. After some initial difficulties adapting to the Bundesliga, the attacker now feels very comfortable at the club.
His international experience, including a recent call-up to Croatia's World Cup squad, benefits the team. The team's current form is also reflected in last season's data. Freiburg finished the Bundesliga in eighth place with 40 points from 29 games. They recorded eleven wins, seven draws, and eleven losses. The goal difference of 42 scored and 47 conceded shows room for improvement. In the final table, they trailed champions Bayern Munich by 36 points.
What is at stake in the Motherwell second leg?
Thursday's match is of great sporting and financial importance for SC Freiburg. Reaching the Conference League group stage is the clear objective. Opponents Motherwell FC currently sit fourth in the Scottish Premiership and are considered the underdogs. However, Christian Streich's team has been warned. In the first leg, they conceded a goal after just over a minute and had to chase the game.
Matanovic himself urges caution. "We simply have to be alert on Thursday, nothing is decided yet," said the striker. The memory of the 2025/26 Europa League final in Istanbul is still fresh. Freiburg lost 0:3 to Aston Villa at Besiktas Park. Interestingly, the Conference League final will also be held in the same Istanbul arena. "I would cautiously and modestly say that it is the clear goal to go back there," Matanovic said about a potential return to Istanbul.
What does the rest of the season look like?
After the European commitment, the next Bundesliga match awaits immediately. On Saturday, August 30, 2026, SC Freiburg hosts SV Werder Bremen. The visitors from northern Germany are currently in 15th place. For Freiburg, it's a chance to carry the positive momentum from the cup successes into the league. You can find the complete season schedule on our fixtures page.
The current squad composition and further statistics are available in our squad overview. The two wins at the start of the season give the team momentum for the upcoming tasks in three different competitions. Consistency in attack, personified by Igor Matanovic, will play a key role.
