Just how exceptional the 2025/26 season already is from an SC perspective becomes even clearer when looking at the weeks ahead. Although the current campaign ends in just over a month, there are still at least seven games to come in the DFB-Pokal, Europa League and Bundesliga. A win in Stuttgart, combined with a positive outcome in the Europa League semi-final against SC Braga, could even add two more.

Before allowing themselves to think about reaching the DFB-Pokal final, however, SC must first clear a major hurdle. The Swabians currently sit fourth in the league, play impressive attacking football and have every chance of qualifying for the Champions League again. “It will be a tough challenge, but one we are approaching with plenty of self-belief,” said Julian Schuster ahead of the game, highlighting a shared strength of the two semi-finalists: “It is hugely important to have the discipline to carry out what you have worked on in your game plan. That creates situations where you can take control of the game and dictate it. Both teams are very good at that.”

“Of course, we’ll need a performance where we are at our best in many areas, and we also have to accept that the opposition have their qualities. There will be moments when we have to be ready to suffer,” Schuster explained. The team will be backed by a sold-out away end, with 6,000 travelling fans having secured tickets for the clash.

The reigning cup holders could have a slight edge on Thursday evening in terms of freshness. Stuttgart are no longer involved in European competition and, unlike SC, are not coming into the game off the back of two straight weeks with midweek fixtures. Schuster, though, has no concerns about the energy levels in his squad: “All you need to do is look into their eyes to see how alert they are. I’m very confident that tomorrow we’ll have the energy we need to win.”

Max Rosenfelder was able to train fully with the team again after his injury, while Daniel Kofi Kyereh got some minutes for the second team after his long spell out. Patrick Osterhage remains the only player not yet available. In goal, Florian Müller will again get the nod, just as he has in the previous rounds of the cup.

Photo: SC Freiburg