SC Freiburg faces its first mandatory match of the new season: the UEFA Conference League playoff first leg takes place on August 20 away, against the winner of the Motherwell (Scotland) vs. HJK Helsinki (Finland) tie. Thanks to a strong club coefficient, the second leg will be hosted at the Breisgau Stadium on August 27.

Who could be the opponent?

Scottish side FC Motherwell and Finnish HJK Helsinki battle in the preliminary round for the right to host SC Freiburg. Both clubs have shown solid domestic form, yet neither has drawn a top‑seeded opponent like Atalanta in the draw. Coach Julian Schuster must therefore prepare for an unknown but potentially tricky opponent.

Why is the playoff important?

Advancing in the Conference League brings extra revenue and international exposure for the sports club. The second matchday of the group stage begins on October 15, and the Conference League only features six matchdays instead of eight like the Europa League. A good run could distract the club from the Bundesliga race, where they finished seventh in 2025 with 47 points.

What does this mean for the current season?

SC Freiburg ended the 2025 season in 7th place with 47 points (13 wins, 8 draws, 13 losses) and a recent form of W‑L‑D‑L‑W over the last five games. The team has scored 51 goals while conceding 57, a minus‑six goal difference. Their latest triumph was a convincing 4‑1 win over RB Leipzig on May 16 2026. This record provides insight into how the side may approach the European challenge.

What happens after the first leg?

If SC Freiburg succeeds in the first leg, the return match will be played at the home stadium in Breisgau. A victory would push the club into the knockout phase in February 2027, followed by the round of 16 in March. The climax is the final on June 2 2027 in Istanbul, where a previous final against Aston Villa took place in 2025. Fans now hope the Breisgauer can bring the trophy home this time.

What does the club coefficient indicate?

The solid club coefficient from the UEFA five‑year ranking guarantees SC Freiburg the home advantage for the second leg. This means the team must focus on the away game while also planning strategically for the home fixture. Coach Schuster stresses that preparation against both potential opponents – Motherwell and HJK – is equally vital to maximize the chance of progressing.