After a one year absence, Freiburg return to Europa League action on Wednesday night. FC Basel are the visitors to the Europa-Park Stadion, making the 73km journey across the Swiss-German border. As such, SCF head coach Julian Schuster dubbed the game an \u201cinternational derby\u201d once the draw had been made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After a difficult start to their 2025\/26 campaign with successive defeats in the Bundesliga against Augsburg and K\u00f6ln, Freiburg will come into this game full of confidence after wins against Stuttgart (3-1) and Werder Bremen (3-0) in their last two league games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking ahead of Freiburg\u2019s clash against Basel, Schuster relished their opening Europa League game: \u201cFor me, it\u2019s a derby. Just because of how close the two clubs are. For all the Swiss fans as well, it\u2019s not a long journey. Everything points towards an exciting occasion and I\u2019m really looking forward to it all.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Schuster also commented on Freiburg\u2019s improved form following their defeat against K\u00f6ln prior to the international break, adding: \u201cThe international break came at the right time and we made sure to use it wisely and to work hard.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n SCF\u2019s head coach also remained tight-lipped on how his side will line up, but stated that everyone is available: \u201cIt\u2019s good that everyone is fit and well rested after the game in Bremen. The decision making process in a number of positions is more nuanced.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n One player that Basel will need to keep an eye on is Vincenzo Grifo. Freiburg\u2019s attacking-midfielder was named in Get German Football News\u2019 Team of the Week after scoring a goal and providing an assist against Werder Bremen at the weekend. The 32-year-old scored eight goals and created 11 in the Bundesliga last season, and has started the current campaign in strong fashion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Noah Atubolu\u2019s development has also been impressive. The German youth international replaced Mark Flekken as the club\u2019s No. 1 goalkeeper in 2023 and after an excellent campaign last season, has already broken a Bundesliga record this season<\/a> after saving five successive penalties. It\u2019s only a matter of time before the 23-year-old is called up to the full German national team, and Julian Nagelsmann and his coaching staff will be sure to have a close eye on Freiburg\u2019s stopper in European competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\nXherdan Shaqiri: “We don’t have to hide”<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n