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This week’s clash marks the beginning of Freiburg’s third European campaign in four years – a sign of the club’s growing presence on the continental stage.
Julian Schuster guided his team to a fifth-place finish in the Bundesliga last term, earning qualification for this year’s Europa League.
The start to the current league season was shaky. Heavy defeats against Augsburg and Köln threatened to derail momentum, but Freiburg have responded in style with a comeback win against rivals Stuttgart, and a commanding 3-0 triumph against Werder Bremen.
Daniel-Kofi Kyereh remains sidelined but could return in the coming weeks. Noah Atubolu will continue in goal after making Bundesliga history at the weekend by saving his fifth consecutive penalty. Junior Adamu, fresh from a goal and assist against Bremen, is expected to spearhead the attack on his first European outing since 2023.
Predicted lineup – 4-2-3-1: Atubolu – Kübler, Lienhart, Ginter, Makengo – Eggestein, Osterhage – Beste, Manzambi, Grifo – Höler
Ludovic Magnin has steadied Basel since his appointment, winning six of his first ten matches in charge. His side comes into this clash with three straight wins behind them, bouncing back from Champions League qualifying disappointment against Copenhagen.
The club have not featured in the main draw of a European competition for two years; however, their title win last term has given hope heading into this season’s adventure.
FIFA World Cup
