Lukas Kübler was the hero on the night as Freiburg booked their place in the UEFA Europa League final. - © IMAGO/Grant Hubbs

bundesliga

Freiburg into UEFA Europa League final after stunning comeback against Braga

08.05.2026

Freiburg booked their place in the UEFA Europa League final – their first ever European final – after overturning a first-leg deficit with a stunning victory over Braga at the Europa-Park Stadion.

Freiburg 3-1 Braga (agg 4-3)
Goals: 1-0 Kübler 19’, 2-0 Manzambi 41’ (assist: Treu), 3-0 Kübler 72’ (assist: Grifo), 3-1 Víctor 79’ (assist: Gómez)
Red card: Dorgeles 6’

Welcoming Braga to the Europa-Park Stadion trailing 2-1 on aggregate, Freiburg were handed a dream start after the visitors' hero from the first leg, Mario Dorgeles, who scored the stoppage-time winner, was shown a red card for a challenge on Niklas Beste .

Minutes later, Lukas Kübler punished the 10-man Portuguese side, becoming Freiburg’s 12th Europa League goalscorer of the campaign as he bundled home the opener in off the post to level the tie.

Johan Manzambi then added Die Breisgauer’s second shortly before half-time with a stunning curled finish into the top right corner from outside the box to put his side ahead on aggregate.

Braga showed fight towards the end of the first half, however, when Victor Gómez rounded Noah Atubolu in first-half stoppage time before crashing his finish off the near post.

Mario Dorgeles' early sending-off was a turning point on the night for Freiburg. - IMAGO/JOERAN STEINSIEK

Immediately after the restart, Vincenzo Grifo struck the same post Gómez had minutes prior, before turning provider for Kübler’s second of the evening from a free-kick, which the defender rose high to nod home from close range.

Freiburg thought the tie was wrapped up after Kübler’s header, but Pau Víctor reduced arrears moments later, heading home from a Gómez cross.

Nevertheless, Freiburg held onto their one-goal aggregate advantage in the closing stages thanks to some goalkeeping heroics from Atubolu to book their spot in the final, where Aston Villa await in Istanbul on 20 May.

As it happened!

3 - 1

(2 - 0)

Freiburg

FINAL

Braga

Europa League
Semi-final, second leg Semi-final, second leg Europa-Park Stadion

Europa-Park fortress

Freiburg have won their last 11 Europa League home matches, equalling Spanish side Sevilla’s competition record set between 2014-2016.

Representing the Bundesliga

Freiburg's victory over Braga saw them become the third German team in the last five years to reach the UEFA Europa League final, after Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2021/22 season, and Bayer Leverkusen in 2023/24.

Full-time: Freiburg 3-1 Braga

Freiburg have done it! The Breisgauers are through to their first ever European final. Lukas Kübler and Johan Manzambi were the heroes on what has been an historic night for the Black Forest outfit, who will now face English side Aston Villa in the final in Istanbul. Despite the early red card, however, Braga did not make life easy for Julian Schuster's men, defending resolutely and throwing everything they had forward towards the end to try and level the tie, but Noah Atubolu held firm in between the sticks for the hosts.

Full-time

90'

+ 5

Tipped over by Atubolu

What a stop from the Freiburg keeper! Martínez smashes a shot from the edge of the box towards the Freiburg goal, but is denied by a stunning save from Atubolu to keep the final dream alive.

90'

+ 4

Martínez booked

The substitute is shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Treu.

90'

+ 4

Yellow card

Gabri Martínez

90'

+ 1

Substitution

Lucas Höler

Vincenzo Grifo

90'

Stoppage time

A minimum of four additional minutes have been indicated.

90'

Another corner

This time, Gómez delivers it into the box, but Ogbus is there to head clear.

89'

Yellow card

Carlos Vicens

88'

Gómez delivers

The right-back's cross is deflected behind for a corner, which he also takes. He goes short to Gorby, who smashes a long-ranged effort towards the far corner, forcing Atubolu to make a great save to deny him.

The goalscorer departs

Schuster makes his first changes of the evening, withdrawing double hero Kübler (pictured) and Beste for Makengo and Ogbus, as he looks to see this one out.

81'

Substitution

Bruno Ogbus

Niklas Beste

81'

Substitution

Jordy Makengo

Lukas Kübler

79'

Braga have a lifeline!

Braga aren't finished yet. Moutinho floats a free-kick towards the far post where Gómez plays a lovely, cushioned volley back across goal for Víctor to head home from close range. Freiburg could be in for a nervy final 10 minutes here...

79'

Pau Víctor

GOAL!

3:1

76'

Substitution

Gabri Martínez

Demir Ege Tıknaz

Kübler has his second!

Bedlam in the Black Forest! Following the foul from Tıknaz, Grifo takes the resultant free-kick from the right half-space. He finds Kübler at the far post, who rises highest to head his second goal of the night past Horníček.

72'

Lukas Kübler

GOAL!

3:0

71'

Yellow card

Demir Ege Tıknaz

70'

Stunning goalkeeping

Freiburg have three huge chances in quick succession to establish a two-goal aggregate advantage. The first falls to Beste, whose powerful low effort towards the near post is parried behind by Horníček. Beste then takes the resultant corner, finding Matanović in the six-yard box, whose header is beaten away as far as Ginter. The centre-back looks certain to score, but once again the Braga keeper comes up trumps to deny him with a stunning reaction save.

69'

Inches wide

Veteran midfielder Moutinho finds himself in space on the edge of the Freiburg penalty area and looks to curl a shot into the top right corner. He shows fantastic technique with the strike, but he can't quite curl it back on target.

66'

Double change

Carlos Vicens is the first of the coaches to look to his bench, introducing Moscardo and Navarro for Carvalho and Zalazar, as his side continue to look for a way back into this tie.

65'

Substitution

Gabriel Moscardo

Vitor Carvalho

65'

Substitution

Fran Navarro

Rodrigo Zalazar

65'

Yellow card

Jean-Baptiste Gorby

64'

Just wide

A high cross from the right by Beste drops kindly for Manzambi, who lashes a shot goalwards, but slices the contact, sending it wide of the right post.

62'

First yellow

Víctor is booked for a late challenge on Kübler.

62'

Yellow card

Pau Víctor

61'

Penalty box scramble

Freiburg sustain pressure inside the Braga box, but they can't manage to hit a shot which doesn't get blocked at source. There were also appeals for a penalty, but the incident has been checked and cleared by the VAR.

58'

Big chance for Gorby

Braga work it well to release Gorby in behind the Freiburg backline. He drills a low shot towards the near post, but Atubolu does well to improvise a save with his feet to deny him.

55'

Narrowly wide

Grifo stands up Gómez on the left flank before cutting inside and letting a shot fly towards the top right corner. Horníček was rooted to the spot, but - much to the Braga custodian's relief - his ball flashes across the face of goal and behind for a goal-kick.

53'

Manzambi again!

The Swiss midfielder shows good footwork in a tight space on the edge of the Braga penalty area before unleashing a shot towards the near post. It's powerfully struck, but Horníček comes across to make a good stop.

49'

So close!

Ginter hits a first-time volley from the edge of the box after an attempted Braga clearance. The centre-back connects with the shot beautifully, sending it a whisker wide of the right post.

47'

Woodwork!

Beste beats his marker excellently with a great touch before teeing up Grifo on the edge of the box. Freiburg's record goalscorer moves the ball onto his right foot before bending an effort towards the bottom right corner. His effort kisses the outside of the post before rolling behind for a goal-kick. What an early chance for Freiburg's captain!

46'

Back underway!

Freiburg get the ball back rolling for the second half here. With still just the one goal separating these sides in the tie, neither coach has elected to make any substitutions at the interval.

Kick-off!

Half-time: Freiburg 2-0 Braga (agg 3-2)

Freiburg lead at the break and lead in the tie, thanks to goals from Lukas Kübler and a stunner from Johan Manzambi. Mario Dorgeles' red card in the sixth minute established the tone of the match, allowing Freiburg to assert control from the off with their man advantage. However, a late spell of pressure from their Portuguese visitors at the end of the half showed this tie is not yet over, though the Breisgauers have one foot in their first ever European final.

Half-time

45'

+ 2

Late Braga pressure

Gómez gets high up the pitch and sees his shot deflected behind for a corner. His first set-piece is cleared behind for another corner, and on the second time of asking, Freiburg manage to clear properly.

45'

+ 1

Golden chance for Braga!

Towards the end of the first half, Braga surprise Freiburg with a quick counter-attack. Gómez is played through into the box, rounding Atubolu before smashing an effort off the near post. It falls to Zalazar to his left, whose follow-up shot is blocked by Lienhart.

45'

Stoppage time

A minimum of three additional minutes have been indicated at the end of the first half.

Manzambi fires Freiburg ahead in the tie!

What a strike! Grifo and Treu combine well high up the left flank. The latter lays it off for Manzambi, who - about 30 yards from goal - drives forward and finds himself with space for a shot on the edge of the box. He takes it on, bending a sumptuous strike past Horníček into the top right corner. The Europa-Park Stadion is bouncing after that rocket!

41'

Johan Manzambi

GOAL!

2:0

36'

Horníček punches clear

Grifo delivers the corner from the right, but the Braga custodian is first to the ball to fist it away from danger. Manzambi tries to retrieve the second ball, but is deemed to have handled the ball. Free-kick to Braga.

35'

Kübler wins the corner

The goalscorer looks to whip in a cross from the right flank, but it's deflected behind for a corner.

32'

Holding fast

Since the goal, Braga have defended very compactly and haven't allowed another clear-cut opportunity for the hosts. On the other side of the coin, Freiburg have remained patient in their pursuit of the go-ahead goal in the tie, not wanting to overcommit men forward which would leave them vulnerable on the counter.

Long road back for Braga

Freiburg have scored first in all seven home games in the Europa League this season, going on to win all seven. The German club have not trailed at all at home in Europe in 2025/26.

22'

Manzambi goes for it

Matanović showcases some excellent centre-forward play to hold the ball up until support arrives in the form of Manzambi. The midfielder receives the ball from his striker before driving forward and unleashing a powerful, left-footed effort from the edge of the area. It's straight at Horníček, though, who gathers comfortably.

Kübler smuggles it in! Freiburg lead

Freiburg are back level in the tie thanks to a fortuitous goal from Kübler. Up from the back, the defender pounces on a loose ball inside the Braga box. His touch is a heavy one, but the Braga defenders - in trying to clear it - smash the ball at Freiburg's No.17, sending it ricocheting off the right-back's chest, onto the inside of the left post, and into the back of the net! Freiburg won't care how they scored, though.

19'

Lukas Kübler

GOAL!

1:0

17'

Horníček down

There's a stoppage whilst the Braga keeper receives treatment after staying down following a mid-air collision. He's back to his feet now, though, and play resumes.

12'

Braga counter

The Portuguese side are eager to shown that they're not disheartened by Dorgeles' red card as Gorby drives his side up the pitch before letting a shot fly from the edge of the box. It's blocked, falling to Zalazar, who also has a go, but another Freiburg body is there to get in the way.

10'

In by Beste

Kübler breaks through down the right. His cross is blocked, but in the aftermath Beste swings another ball into the box. Horníček struggles with the cross, drops the ball once, but then gathers it safely at the second attempt.

Into the wall

Beste steps up to take the free-kick, but his effort is smashed into the wall. It goes behind for a corner, which Grifo takes, but again Braga manage to clear.

Dorgeles walks! Braga down to 10 men

A nightmare start for Braga! Freiburg combine well in the centre of the pitch before releasing Beste in behind. Bearing down on goal, the winger is clipped by Dorgeles on the edge of the box, who was the last defender. The referee makes no hesitation in showing him a red card - a decision ratified by the VAR. Last week's hero for Braga is dismissed inside 10 minutes.

Red card

Mario Dorgeles

Clash of heads

There's a stoppage after Treu and Zalazar accidentally collide heads, but both players are back on their feet and are set to continue.

Stars in attendance

Former Germany head coach Joachim Löw (m.) is among those in attendance in Freiburg tonight.

In from Grifo

Freiburg's set-piece specialist has an early chance to deliver a ball into the box from a dead ball. It falls to Höfler, but a mix-up between him and teammate Kübler results in a scuffed shot deflecting off Matanović and behind for a goal-kick.

And we're off!

Freiburg's Portuguese visitors get the ball rolling.

Kick-off!

Freiburg fans ready

The atmosphere is electric inside the Europa-Park Stadion as kick-off fast approaches.

Warm-ups underway

Both sets of players are being thoroughly put through their paces with less than 20 minutes left until kick-off.

More on that Freiburg side

On the other side, Julian Schuster makes two alterations to his first-leg line-up. In the injury-forced absence of Yuito Suzuki, Nicolas Höfler starts in defensive midfield, pushing Johan Manzambi into the No.10 role. Lukas Kübler (pictured) also comes in at right-back, replacing Jordy Makengo, who drops to the bench. As such, Philipp Treu moves to occupy the left-back position.

More on that Braga side

Braga coach Carlos Vicens makes just the one change to the line-up he fielded in last week's first leg. Ricardo Horta, who had to be subbed off injured last week, drops to the bench with Mario Dorgeles (pictured) preferred on the wing after he scored the 92nd-minute winner in Portugal.

Freiburg starting XI

Atubolu – Kübler, Ginter, Lienhart, Treu – Eggestein, Höfler – Beste, Manzambi, Grifo (c) – Matanović

Freiburg subs

Müller, Huth, Jung, Scherhant, Höler, Irié, Philipp, Günter, Makengo, Ogbus, Steinmann, Tarnutzer

Braga starting XI

Horníček – Gómez, Carvalho, Oliveira, Lagerbielke – Moutinho (c), Tıknaz, Gorby – Dorgeles, Zalazar, Victor

Braga subs

Sá, Bellaarouch, Lelo, El Ouazzani, Moscardo, Horta, Navarro, Rocha, Noro, Silva, Martínez, Luisinho

João Moutinho on Freiburg's home advantage

"We have a big challenge ahead of us. We know they are a tough opponent both away and at home. Their home record is impressive and we're aware of that, but we've played in big environments before. We know the difficulties we will face, but we will try to impose our game."

Carlos Vicens on facing Freiburg

"The objective is to win the game. When we don't have the ball, we will want to recover it quickly and when we can't, we won't allow opportunities for the opponent. All this is part of playing a Europa League semi-final and we will have to suffer. We know the difficulties we will face, but we will give our best.

Brick wall

In addition to his proclivity for stopping penalties - a skill which he displayed in the first leg - Atubolu's 39 saves in this season's UEFA Europa League is the most of any goalkeeper remaining in the competition, second only to Midtjylland's Elias Ólafsson (46). Die Breisgauer will need another stellar performance from their keeper if they're to progress to the final this evening.

Hopes on Freiburg

After Bayern Munich's Champions League elimination on Wednesday, the Bundesliga's hopes for a fifth Champions League berth now rest on Freiburg. If they fail to progress against Braga, then Germany can no longer claim second place in the UEFA coefficient ranking, which will go to Spain. The Bundesliga can guarantee that extra berth if Freiburg progress and Rayo Vallecano are eliminated from the Conference League by Strasbourg. However, Freiburg's result will mean nothing if Vallecano win their second leg, securing that fifth qualifier for Spain.

1:39

Watch: Julian Schuster looks ahead to the second leg

The venue

Freiburg's Europa-Park Stadion is the stage for the second leg. It has a capacity of 33,000 for European games.

Matthias Ginter on the prospect of winning titles

"Anyone who's in the semi-finals will naturally do everything they can to reach the final. For the people here at the club who have been here for so long, the fans and everyone in the city - I simply want them to get that feeling of winning a title."

Schuster on Freiburg's approach

"Our focus is always on winning games, so there is no need to change our usual approach. It's important to be patient. These are special circumstances, so we don't need anything extra special in our approach."

Julian Schuster on facing Braga

"We're aware that when you play in a European Cup semi-final, you will encounter quality. That has to be accepted by both us and those in the stands. After the first leg, Braga have a slightly better starting position, but we are confident that we can turn the result around at home."

Maximilian Eggestein on the first leg in Braga

"We were worthy of a draw. We've repeatedly emphasised that it's half-time in the tie, whether we'd won or lost. We'll be ready for them at our stadium."

Home fortress

Freiburg have won each of their six European games at home this season, scoring 14 goals and conceding only two, and have won their last 10 in the Black Forest in European competitions. Additionally, across all competitions this season, Schuster's side have only lost three of their 23 home matches.

Braga draw

Incidentally, Braga faced Estoril in the Portuguese top flight at the weekend and were held to a 1-1 draw. They stayed fourth as a result.

Freiburg to break duck?

So far, Freiburg have failed to beat Portuguese opposition on the three occasions they have faced them. That includes two draws against Estoril and last week's defeat in Braga. A first triumph could not come at a more opportune moment.

Suzuki out

Freiburg will have to make do without attacking midfielder Yuito Suzuki for this encounter following his injury against Wolfsburg. He suffered a broken collarbone and is therefore unavailable.

Wolfsburg comeback encourages Treu

“We showed that we can come back from a deficit – and we showed that in Braga as well."

Manzambi looks ahead to Braga clash

"It's [going to be] very tough, but we’re doing everything to recover. The whole team, the entire staff, and the fans, we all have to give everything on Thursday. We all have to stick together until the 90th minute, and then, yeah, I hope we can win."

2:03

Watch: Freiburg 1-1 Wolfsburg - highlights

Schuster's side moved up to seventh in the Bundesliga table after coming from a goal down to draw with Wolfsburg.

Goal-greedy Grifo

Vincenzo Grifo's goal in the first leg was his fifth in the UEFA Europa League this season. Only four players have more, and only one of those is still in the competition (Nottingham Forest's Igor Jesus).

Black Forest vs. Nottingham Forest?

The other semi-final is equally poised, with Nottingham Forest taking a 1-0 win in the first leg against fellow English Premier League side Aston Villa. With Forest to visit Villa Park on Thursday, it's anyone's guess at this stage as to which two of the semi-finalists will feature in the UEFA Europa League final in Istanbul on 20 May.

0:59

Watch: Freiburg's penalty king

Bundesliga followers are used to seeing Noah Atubolu stop spot kicks - having saved five in a row.

Freiburg one step from greatness

It's been an incredible season for the Black Forest club, with the tie being the first time they have ever made a European semi-final. Should they make it past the second leg, they would make a final for just the second time in club history (after the 2021/22 DFB Cup final) and potentially lift their first major trophy.

All to play for

Freiburg still have a good chance of making the UEFA Europa League final after the Bundesliga outfit suffered a 2-1 defeat in their semi-final first leg in Braga. Noah Atubolu's penalty save played a big part in keeping them in the tie, despite Dorgeles winning it in stoppage time for Braga.

Freiburg - the story so far

Like Braga, Freiburg won five of their eight league-phase games and had to come from behind to reach the last eight. A narrow 1-0 defeat in Genk in the last 16 first leg was followed by a magnificent 5-1 victory in front of their own supporters, who then witnessed a 3-0 win over Celta Vigo in the first leg of the quarter-finals. A 3-1 success in Spain in the return game secured their semi-final spot in style.

Braga - the story so far

Freiburg and Braga finished level on points and goal difference in the Europa League league phase, but the Primeira Liga outfit finished just above the Black Forest club in sixth after scoring one more goal in their eight games. Carlos Vicens' side overcame a two-goal deficit in a 4-2 aggregate victory over Ferencvaros in the last 16 before beating Real Betis 5-3 on aggregate in the quarter-finals.