SC Freiburg are on the verge of qualifying for the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage as they host Motherwell in the playoff second leg. According to a report by Onefootball, the match kicks off at 13:45 Brazilian time on Thursday, 27 August 2026, at the Europa-Park Stadion, with the German side holding a commanding 3-1 aggregate lead from the first leg.
What is SC Freiburg's current form?
The team coached by Julian Schuster is riding a wave of confidence. They have won their last five competitive matches in a row, including a 5-1 thrashing of Fortuna Düsseldorf in the DFB Cup and the crucial 3-1 first-leg victory over Motherwell. Overall, the club has secured 13 wins from its last 21 outings. This consistent run provides a solid foundation for finishing the job and securing group-stage football. The near-full availability of the squad, as seen on our squad page, is another positive factor.
Matthias Ginter was the hero of the first encounter. The centre-back scored a brace to put Freiburg 2-0 up, showcasing the team's threat from set-pieces. Keisuke Goto also found the net after coming off the bench. The probable lineup for the return leg, as analysed by Onefootball, is expected to be: Noah Backhaus in goal; a defence of Lukas Kübler, Matthias Ginter, Philipp Lienhart, and Jérôme Makengo; a midfield pairing of Yannik Osterhage and Maximilian Eggestein; with Merlin Beste, Ritsu Dōan, and Vincenzo Grifo behind striker Lucas Höler.
What challenge does Motherwell face?
The Scottish side from Motherwell have a mountain to climb. To overturn the aggregate deficit, they need at least a two-goal victory in Freiburg. Recent form offers little encouragement, as Stuart Kettlewell's team has suffered two consecutive defeats. Following the loss in Germany, they were also knocked out of the Scottish League Cup by Stenhousemuir. However, Motherwell were previously unbeaten away from home in the Conference League this season, with one win and one draw. They have scored nine goals in five European matches, indicating some attacking capability. Forward R. Charles-Cook, who has already scored in the competition, is one of their hopes for a comeback.
Why is this match important for Freiburg's season?
Reaching the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage would be a significant sporting and financial milestone for the club. It would extend their international calendar into the new year and generate additional revenue. A look at the Bundesliga standings confirms Freiburg's status as a consistent top-half team domestically. European success would reinforce the positive trajectory of recent years and further enhance the club's appeal to players and sponsors. The upcoming challenges, both in the league and potentially in Europe, are listed on our fixtures page.
The match will be officiated by an Italian refereeing team led by Andrea Colombo, with Daniele Doveri as the VAR. Viewers in Germany can watch the clash live on ESPN and Disney+. With a clear advantage and strong home form, the onus is on SC Freiburg to complete the task and secure their place in European football this autumn.
