Freiburg’s record against French opposition is a positive one and can be quickly summed up. Earlier in the current Europa League season, SC claimed a 3-1 away win in Nice, while an even more emphatic 4-0 victory came against FC Nantes in October 2022. In February 2024, Freiburg – then still coached by Christian Streich – earned a 0–0 draw away at RC Lens. A repeat of that result would be enough to secure direct qualification for the round of 16. Defeat, however, would shift attention to the results of the other 17 matches being played simultaneously, while a win could even see Freiburg finish top of the table.

According to head coach Julian Schuster, the Freiburg players should not be distracted by hypothetical scenarios. “I try to get the lads not to waste too much energy on things you can’t influence,” he said. “Tomorrow’s task is difficult enough, so it makes sense to focus fully on that.”

One or two starting spots still undecided

Max Rosenfelder (load management) and Lucas Höler (illness) did not travel to northern France, nor did Lukas Kübler, who is struggling with knee problems. “It was the incident in the match against Cologne that led to him being substituted off,” Schuster explained. “He will definitely not be available over the next few days.”

Despite these absences, the Freiburg coaching staff still have decisions to make regarding the starting line-up at the Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre-Mauroy. “I’d say I’m largely clear in my own mind about the line-up,” Schuster said. “There may be one or two positions where I’ll give myself another night to think things over. It’s a fine balance between keeping the current flow and deciding who could be important in influencing the game late on.”

1,700 Freiburg fans travel to Lille

Freiburg’s final opponent of the league phase is currently going through a difficult spell, having suffered five defeats in competitive matches since the turn of the year. “It’s hard to draw advantages or disadvantages from that,” said Matthias Ginter. “That kind of situation can also bring a team closer together.”

Regardless of the challenge awaiting him and his team in the stadium that played host to matches at EURO 2016, Julian Schuster’s anticipation was clear at Wednesday evening’s press conference. “It’s always exciting when you’re playing away from home,” he said. “You don’t know the stadiums, there’s a certain tension and a sense of anticipation.” Among the 1,700 Freiburg supporters making the journey to Lille, that feeling is sure to continue building in the hours leading up to kick-off.

Photo: SC Freiburg