Freiburg have it all to do if they are to reach the Europa League final after losing 2-1 in Portugal. Their excellent home record suggests this tie is far from over and the Breisgau Brazlians will believe they can turn the tables on Braga at the Europa-Park Stadion.
Freiburg’s Strong Home Record
Two of the past four Europa League finals have featured a German team and Freiburg look set to become the latest Bundesliga side to get a chance at lifting the trophy. Braga’s Rodrigo Zalazar missed a penalty last week and given Freiburg’s impressive home record, that wasted spot-kick could prove costly for the Portuguese outfit.
Julian Schuster’s hosts have won all six of their Europa League games on home soil this term, racking up an aggregate score of 14-2 in the process. They were trailing Genk 1-0 in the round of 16 before cruising to a 5-1 victory in the second leg. A similar redemption arc is expected in this semi-final as they have lost only three of their 23 home matches all season.
Team Form and Key Injuries
The sole question mark surrounding the Breisgau Brazilians concerns current form, although while Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Bundesliga strugglers Wolfsburg wasn’t the ideal preparation for this second leg, Braga are in the same boat. Carlos Vicens’ side were held to a 1-1 draw by mid-table Estoril, so they will hardly be full of life in Germany and they have also been hampered by an injury to captain Ricardo Horta.
Betting Odds and Key Stats
Freiburg’s home form means this tie is anything but over and they should have enough to win and book their spot in the Europa League final. Freiburg & over 1.5 goals is available at 13-10 with Coral and Ladbrokes.
- Freiburg would equal the record of 11 consecutive Europa League home wins with a victory
- Braga have won only two of their last five European away matches
- The Breisgau Brazilians have won eight of their last 12 home games
- The visitors have picked up the most Europa League yellow cards (33) of the remaining four teams
Only Viktoria Plzen (three) conceded fewer goals in the league phase than Freiburg’s four.
These sides managed just four corners between them last week and with the game likely to turn into a scrappy midfield battle, another low flag-kick count is expected.
Freiburg’s home form means this tie is anything but over and they should have enough to win and book their spot in the Europa League final.