Braga vs Freiburg Europa League semi-final preview: Where to watch, predicted line-ups, team news

Freiburg are set to travel to Braga for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final tie.

Where to watch the game on TV

Fans can find their local UEFA Europa League broadcast partner(s) here.

What you need to know?

Europa League runners-up in 2010/11, when they lost 1-0 to Portuguese Liga rivals Porto in Dublin, Braga are looking to make it to a second final, and will be well aware that second legs have been something of a forte for them in 2026. In the round of 16, they lost 2-0 at Ferencváros, then roared back to win 4-0 at home. More impressively, they responded to a 1-1 home draw against Real Betis in the quarter finals with a shock 4-2 success in Seville.

Under Carlos Vicens – previously Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City – Os Arsenalistas mix pedigree Portuguese talent (João Moutinho, Ricardo Horta, et al) with quality signings from abroad. Uruguayan Rodrigo Zalazar has scored 15 league goals this season, with Spaniards Pau Victor and Fran Navarro also providing forward momentum.

Julian Schuster's Freiburg, meanwhile, have found their goalscoring touch in Europe in recent weeks. They beat Genk 5-1 at home in their round of 16 decider, then overcame Celta 3-0 at home and 3-1 in Spain in the quarter-finals. In their only previous game in Portugal, they drew 0-0 at Estoril in a 2013/14 Europa League group stage fixture, but they may fancy themselves for a better result this time around.

Possible line-ups

Braga: Horníček; Lagerbielke, Carvalho, Leonardo Lelo; Gómez, Gorby, João Moutinho, Martínez; Zalazar, Pau Victor, Horta

Freiburg: Atubolu; Treu, Ginter, Lienhart, Makengo; Eggestein, Manzambi; Beste, Suzuki, Grifo; Matanović

Form guide

Braga

Form: LWDWWD (most recent game first)
Latest: Santa Clara 2-1 Braga, 26/04, Portuguese First Division

Freiburg

Form: LLWWWW (most recent game first)
Latest: Dortmund 4-0 Freiburg, 26/04, German Bundesliga

Views from the camps

Carlos Vicens, Braga coach: "Freiburg are having a very impressive Europa League campaign. Every team in these semi-finals have great quality - they wouldn't be at this stage otherwise. We'll have to offer our very best performance, be effective in both areas and have the capacity to endure hardship in order to achieve our goal: to progress to the final."

Ricardo Horta, Braga forward: "We all know the importance of this game and the importance of a Portuguese team being in a European semi-final. We are very motivated, a little anxious for the game to start, and we want to show our quality on the field. Reaching the final in Istanbul is a clear objective, we will not hide that."

Julian Schuster, Freiburg coach: "It's the first time that we can play in a [UEFA competition] semi-final, so it's a very historic moment. We enjoyed the [win against Celta], but we won't stop working. It's just the next step. When you see the stadium for the first time, you get a tingle right away. We're very grateful to be contesting this game."

Reporter's view

Inês De Oliveira Martins, match reporter
Braga will look to build with control in this first leg, stretching the play and lifting the tempo through star man Ricardo Horta. Freiburg are set to stay compact, absorbing the pressure and breaking quickly, with Vincenzo Grifo key to delivery. Midfield duels should be tight, with space limited and transitions decisive. Braga will combine sharply in the final third, while Freiburg rely on structure, timing and quick vertical attacks. The margins are fine, and one moment could decide it.