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Europa League, football – playoffs second leg, February 22nd, 2024
First leg: 0-0
6:45 p.m
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18:26
The first leg was also the first competitive game between the two teams against each other. Accordingly, the statistics here are still waiting for a hit. However, in the 0-0 draw, Freiburg made a slightly better impression and, according to coach Streich, had “the better chances”, Danso even had to clear on the line once. The SC coach also gives the recipe for today: “We have to reach the maximum of our performance and the ability to suffer, and we have to be calm when we have the ball.” As we know, the away goals rule no longer exists, so we can give up look forward to an exciting evening.
18:11
On the other hand, the form is a little better, the French have been unbeaten in five games across all competitions. Most recently they drew 1-1 with Reims, meaning Les Sang et Or are sixth in Ligue 1, which is decent. The relegated team from the Champions League, which defeated Sevilla and Arsenal, is a well-rehearsed team that impresses above all with discipline and order. This was also evident in the first leg, but in today’s encounter the guests may have larger spaces for their dangerous counterattacks.
5:56 p.m
After the first leg it is now all or nothing, only one team can advance to the round of 16 of the Europa League. Freiburg has found its way back on track, after three defeats in a row they have recently drawn twice, once of which was last week against Lens (0-0). At the weekend they also managed a 3-3 draw against Frankfurt, which can be considered a success since they were behind three times. So the Breisgauers can definitely go into the game with self-confidence.
5:43 p.m
To start, let’s take a look at the lineups. At Freiburg, coach Christian Streich is making two changes compared to the last competitive game. For Keitel, who is out with back problems, and Grifo, who sits on the bench, Sildillia and Röhl come into the starting line-up. The shoe is particularly tight at the back at SC, Lienhart is out, as are Schmidt and Rosenfelder. At least Ginter can be back in the squad today. On the other hand, Lens coach Franck Heise is also rotating, but in five positions. Danso, Mendy, Thomasson, Fulgini and Saïd will be replaced by Gradit, El Aynaoui, David Costa, Sotoca and Wahi. Machado and Cabot are missing due to injuries, the former Augsburg player Danso is missing due to a yellow card suspension. In the attack, the full band is back on the pitch with Wahi and Sotoca.
Welcome to the second leg of the Europa League play-offs, SC Freiburg and RC Lens face each other. Kick-off at the Europa Park Stadium is at 6:45 p.m.!