SC have never before reached the quarter-final stage of continental competition. However, Freiburg are now just two games away from achieving that feat for the first time, with the opening leg set to take place in Belgium. Awaiting are the side currently sitting eighth in the Jupiler Pro League, KRC Genk. “We have the ambition to reach this historic stage”, announced Julian Schuster at the pre-match press conference, adding: “Our goal is to make it through to the next round.”

Besides Max Rosenfelder, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, and the suspended Maximilian Eggestein, the Freiburg coaching staff can call on their full cohort of players for the clash with Genk. The absence of regular starter Eggestein is far from usual for his coach; however, in addition to the pair of Patrick Osterhage and Johan Manzambi, Schuster also named Chicco Höfler and Yuito Suzuki as possible alternatives for the dual pivot in midfield.

Leverkusen provides hope and demonstrates potential

During the previous league match against Bayer Leverkusen, SC showed flashes of exciting attacking football and thrilling combination play, scoring a total of three goals – although, they conceded just as many. Philipp Treu commented: “Even during the game, the feeling was positive and that gives us courage. It shows us what we are capable of.” According to Schuster, a period without midweek games has benefitted the side, providing a good chance to work on the training field.

Players and coaches alike agreed after the Leverkusen game, though, that three goals shipped were just too many. “Our defensive focus cannot be allowed to suffer as a result of our attacking play”, told Schuster. “We aim to defend better than that and that will also be important against Genk.”

Around 1,400 SC fans will support the team from a sold-out away section. An overall attendance of 14,000 is expected at the Cegeka Arena.

Foto: SC Freiburg