The Daily Star Ireland
SC Freiburg enter this year’s Europa League with renewed ambition after their 2023–24 campaign ended in the round of 16 at the hands of West Ham.
Representing the Bundesliga once again, the club sees this competition as an opportunity to make a deeper run. Domestically, however, Freiburg’s start has been rocky. They sit 13th in the Bundesliga table after early defeats to Augsburg (1–3) and Cologne (1–4), though they showed signs of recovery with a 3–1 victory over Stuttgart on matchday three.
Their European journey nearly took them to the Champions League this season, but a tough qualifying tie against Copenhagen proved too difficult. A 1–1 draw in the first leg gave hope, but a decisive 0–2 defeat in the return fixture sent Freiburg into the Europa League group stage instead.
Basel’s Mixed Start and High Hopes
FC Basel, once a powerhouse of Swiss football, arrive with mixed form. They currently sit third in the Swiss Super League but have already slipped against St. Gallen (0–2) and Lugano (1–3). Their most recent domestic outing against Etoile Carouge — a club that knocked them out of the Swiss Cup last season — will serve as a test of their resilience.
Basel’s squad carries both experience and new blood. Captain Xherdan Shaqiri, still the team’s talisman, has been in fine form, contributing four goals and three assists early in the league campaign. New signings such as Otele, who already boasts two goals and two assists, and Metinho have added dynamism. However, injuries are a concern: Finn Van Breemen (meniscus) is sidelined, and rising talent Bennie Traoré may also be unavailable. Additionally, forward Kevin Carlos (loan return to Nice) and midfielder Leon Avdullahu (Hoffenheim) have departed, leaving gaps in depth.
Freiburg’s Transfer Moves and Key Players
Freiburg’s transfer activity has been measured. Japanese international Ritsu Doan departed for Eintracht Frankfurt in pursuit of Champions League football, while Merlin Röhl moved to Everton and Sildillia joined PSV on loan. Reinforcements arrived in the form of Suzuki from Brøndby and Irié from Troyes, both of whom are expected to make an impact. Young striker Matanovic made headlines on matchday three, scoring twice within minutes of coming off the bench to seal victory against Stuttgart.
In terms of squad fitness, forward Manzambi is suspended in the Bundesliga but available in Europe, while Ghanaian international Daniel-Kofi Kyereh remains a doubt due to injury.
Match Outlook
Tactically, Freiburg are expected to lean on their high-pressing style and home advantage to dictate play, while Basel will look to Shaqiri’s creativity to spark chances. The contrast between Freiburg’s Bundesliga struggles and their European determination could shape an intriguing contest.
Prediction
Basel’s away form has been poor, with only one point from their last 34 available in competitive road games, while Freiburg have been solid at home with nine wins in their last 15 Europa League fixtures. Given Basel’s defensive absences and Freiburg’s stronger squad depth, the hosts are well-placed to secure the win.
Prediction: Freiburg 3 – 1 Basel
