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SC Freiburg enter this season’s Europa League with renewed ambition after last year’s run to the round of 16, where they were eliminated by West Ham United. Despite a rocky start to their Bundesliga campaign, the Breisgau club remain eager to prove themselves on the continental stage. Currently sitting in the lower half of the German league table, Freiburg have endured early setbacks against Augsburg (1-3) and Cologne (1-4) but bounced back with a spirited 3-1 win over Stuttgart on matchday three. That resurgence has lifted morale ahead of their European opener.
Their opponents, FC Basel, approach this encounter under pressure after a difficult start to the Swiss Super League. The club, once dominant domestically and a regular in European competitions, has already suffered two defeats in five matches, including a 0-2 loss to St. Gallen and a 1-3 setback against Lugano. Basel now sit mid-table and are struggling to rediscover the consistency that once made them the pride of Swiss football.
Team Form and Transfer Moves
Freiburg’s summer transfer activity was relatively restrained compared to other Bundesliga outfits. The club parted ways with Ritsu Doan, who joined Eintracht Frankfurt to pursue Champions League football, while youngsters Merlin Röhl (Everton) and Kiliann Sildillia (PSV, loan) also departed. On the incoming side, Japanese midfielder Suzuki arrived from Brøndby and Irié was signed from Troyes to bolster the squad. Young striker Matanovic has already made an impression, netting twice as a substitute against Stuttgart to seal a dramatic win.
Basel, meanwhile, added fresh faces to spark their campaign, bringing in Jeremy Agbonifo on loan and securing the services of Otele and Metinho, both of whom have cemented starting roles. Captain Xherdan Shaqiri has been their standout performer, contributing four goals and three assists in league play, reminding fans of his enduring influence. However, injuries have weakened the squad: Finn van Breemen is sidelined with a meniscus problem, while Bennie Traoré’s absence further limits attacking options.
Key Tactical Battles
Freiburg under Christian Streich are known for their balance between pressing intensity and tactical discipline. At home, they typically look to dictate tempo through patient buildup, often relying on their wingers and attacking midfielders to stretch defenses. With Matanovic in form and Vincenzo Grifo pulling strings in attack, Freiburg will be confident of breaking down a vulnerable Basel backline.
Basel, on the other hand, will likely lean on Shaqiri’s creativity to unlock opportunities in transition. Otele’s energy and goal threat could be decisive if the Swiss side manage to bypass Freiburg’s midfield press. However, given their defensive frailties and recent poor away form, Basel may adopt a cautious setup, prioritizing counterattacks and set pieces.
Prediction
Basel supporters have grown accustomed to disappointment in recent months, with the team collecting just one point from a possible 34 away from home. Freiburg, by contrast, have made the Europa League a platform to showcase their progress, winning nine of their last 15 home matches at this level.
With Basel struggling for stability and Freiburg buoyed by their attacking options, the German side are expected to dominate. A 3-1 victory for Freiburg looks the most likely outcome, giving them the perfect start to their Europa League campaign while deepening Basel’s early-season woes.
Prediction: Freiburg 3 – 1 Basel
