Europa League second leg: Freiburg vs Braga. Who will reach the European final?
On Thursday, May 7, 2026, Europa-Park-Stadion in Freiburg will host the second leg of the Europa League semi-final. Freiburg welcomes Portuguese side Braga after a 1-2 defeat in the first encounter. The German club needs nothing but a win to reach a European final for the first time in its history.
Match preview
Under the guidance of Julian Schuster, Freiburg has been a true revelation in both the Bundesliga and Europe this season. Despite a frustrating loss in Portugal, where the decisive goal came in the dying minutes, the team still has a great chance for success. At home, Freiburg traditionally plays high-octane, aggressive football, overwhelming opponents with intense pressing. In 2026, Schuster has fully integrated Matanovic into the system, making him the perfect target for crosses from Graham Beste. With almost no injury absences and Lienhart back at the heart of defense, the team has gained much-needed composure when playing out from the back.
Braga, coached by Carlos Vicens, arrives in Germany with a slender advantage but faces a tough personnel crisis. In the first leg, attacking talisman Ricardo Horta suffered an injury and will miss the return match. This is a massive blow to the Portuguese side's creative potential. Nevertheless, Braga has learned to play "by the score" in 2026, relying on explosive wingers like Bruma for lightning-fast counterattacks. The Portuguese side will likely look to slow the game down, using tactical fouls and patient ball circulation to disrupt Freiburg's early onslaught.
Tactically, expect a classic siege: Freiburg will overload the flanks and relentlessly pump balls into the box, while Braga will set up a deep defensive block and hope for Zalazar's genius in transition.
The home advantage in Freiburg is a huge factor—the support from the stands is among the loudest in Germany. With Ricardo Horta sidelined, Braga has lost its main counter-attacking weapon. Right now, the Germans look like a more cohesive and physically dominant outfit.
Probable lineups
Freiburg: Atubolu – Treu, Ginter, Lienhart, Makengo – Eggestein, Manzambi – Beste, Suzuki, Grifo – Matanovic
Braga: Hornicek – Lagerbielke, Carvalho, Leonardo Lelo – Gomez, Gorby, Grillitsch, Martinez – Zalazar, Victor, Dorgeles
Match facts and head-to-head
- Braga edged the first leg 2-1
- Freiburg are winless in their last four matches: three defeats and one draw
- Braga have lost just two of their last ten games: five wins and three draws
Prediction
I expect an open, high-scoring game: the German side will go on the offensive from the opening minutes, while the Portuguese will look to catch them out on dangerous counterattacks. My prediction: total over (2) at 1.5
