Red Bulls Face Freiburg: A Crucial Clash in Europe

Points Needed in Germany

The UEFA Europa League's league phase is entering a decisive stretch, and our Red Bulls find themselves under immense pressure to secure points against SC Freiburg away this Thursday, December 11th, at 21:00 CET. It's a challenge that won't be easy, but one that could define their campaign.

Despite suffering a recent 1-2 defeat to Heidenheim, Freiburg currently sits in ninth place in the Bundesliga. However, their European form is impressive; with eleven points from five matches, they are in a solid fourth position in their group.

Two players particularly stand out in coach Julian Schuster's lineup: former Red Bull striker Junior Adamu, who has netted two goals in this season's Europa League, and Philipp Lienhart, a staunch fixture in the defense. These key players will be crucial in staving off our offensive threats, especially against the likes of Karim Onisiwo, who has a solid scoring record against Freiburg.

For a deeper analysis of Freiburg's style and strategy, check out our opposition analysis.

Possible SC Freiburg Starting XI

Injury News

• Lucas Gourna-Douath (knee), Takumu Kawamura (knee), Maurits Kjaergaard (calf), and John Mellberg (knee) will not be available for selection.

Coaches' Thoughts

Thomas Letsch remarked, "Freiburg have established themselves in the Bundesliga and are a cohesive unit. They play compactly, and we must be efficient to outdo them in their own backyard."

Petar Ratkov added, "While the table can be daunting, our focus is solely on delivering a solid performance. We're heading into this match fully motivated to clinch points in Freiburg."

My RBS Prediction Game

Don't forget, our Europa League matches are part of the My RBS Prediction Game! Join in on the fun by entering your predictions for the upcoming matchday. Participation is free!

Join the prediction game here.

Understanding the UEFA Europa League's Format

This season, the league format has shifted from a traditional group stage. Each team competes against eight different opponents—four at home and four away. The top eight teams will advance automatically to the round of 16, while those ranked 9th to 24th will vie for the remaining knockout spots.

This format emphasizes every match's significance, with standings curated to reflect overall performances, providing thrilling stakes for fans and players alike. Importantly, 'relegation' to the UEFA Conference League is no longer possible.

Raise Your Flag!

As we gear up for this exciting fixture against Freiburg, don't forget to grab your exclusive UEFA Europa League jersey for the 25/26 season and show your support!