Football: Freiburg bank on patience ahead of Europa League semifinal second leg

Berlin, May 6 Freiburg coach Julian Schuster has called for patience and discipline as his side looks to overturn a first-leg deficit and reach the 2026 UEFA Europa League final.

Speaking ahead of Thursday's semifinal second leg against Portugal's Sporting Braga, Schuster said he remained confident his team could turn the tie around. "We have often done it this season, turned games," the 41-year-old said.

Freiburg trail 2-1 from the first leg after conceding a late goal, but their strong home form in European competition has boosted belief. "We have often managed to draw the right conclusions from defeats and come back," Schuster added.

Captain Christian Gunter described the match as "the biggest game in our history," while goalkeeper Noah Atubolu said, "Nothing is over yet."

Forward Igor Matanovic kept the message simple: "We have to score a goal, and we are back in business." He also pointed to the team's home support as a key factor, saying opponents often struggle in Freiburg's stadium, reports Xinhua.

Sporting director Jochen Saier called the season "very special" and said reaching the final in Istanbul on May 20 remains the primary objective.

Freiburg will be without Japan international Yuito Suzuki due to a broken collarbone, with attacking responsibility likely to fall to 20-year-old striker Johan Manzambi and midfielder Maximilian Eggestein.

Manzambi has attracted attention for his physical and technical qualities, while Eggestein continues to anchor the midfield with his experience.

Freiburg, who reached the semifinals by beating Celta Vigo of Spain 3-0 and 3-1 in the two-leg quarterfinals, have also maintained momentum domestically and remains in contention for European qualification through the Bundesliga. Winning the Europa League would secure a place in next season's UEFA Champions League.

Saier said the focus remains solely on the Braga match. "It does not make sense to think about the outcome of the season now," he said, urging the team to treat the second leg "like a final."

Freiburg has won all 10 of its Europa League home games this season.

The other semifinal pits Nottingham Forest against Aston Villa, with the Gunners under pressure after losing the first leg 1-0.

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