SC Freiburg Advances to Historic Europa League Semi-Finals
SC Freiburg achieved a historic milestone by reaching the UEFA Europa League semi-finals for the first time, defeating Celta Vigo 3-1 in the second leg to secure a 6-1 aggregate victory. Goals from Igor Matanovic and Yuito Suzuki sealed the win in Vigo, Spain, marking the club's most successful international campaign. Freiburg will next face Sporting Braga in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, fellow German club FSV Mainz 05 was eliminated from the Conference League by Racing Strasbourg, highlighting a mixed night for German teams in European competition.
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Schuster Leads SC Freiburg to Historic Europa League Semi-Finals
SC Freiburg has achieved a historic milestone by reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League, marking the most successful European campaign in the club's history. Under the guidance of head coach Julian Schuster, the team defeated Celta Vigo with a 3-1 victory in the second leg, following a 3-0 win in the first leg. Sports director Jochen Saier praised Schuster’s meticulous collective approach and exceptional leadership. Key players Vincenzo Grifo and Igor Matanovic delivered standout performances, with Matanovic scoring his ninth competitive goal since the winter break and Yuito Suzuki adding two more. Former coach Christian Streich commended Schuster as the optimal successor. Freiburg will now face Sporting Braga in the semi-finals, with matches scheduled for April 30 and May 7. The potential final is set for Istanbul on May 20. This achievement highlights Freiburg's maturity and tactical discipline, as they continue to balance domestic Bundesliga duties against relegation-threatened Heidenheim with their deep European run.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenSC Freiburg Reaches Europa League Semi-Finals; Strasbourg Eliminates Mainz
In a historic milestone for the club, SC Freiburg advanced to the semi-finals of the Europa League for the first time after defeating Celta Vigo 3-1 in the second leg of their quarter-final tie. Building on a 3-0 first-leg victory, Freiburg secured a 6-1 aggregate win with goals from Igor Matanović and a brace by Yuito Suzuki. Williot Swedberg scored a late consolation goal for the Spanish side. Freiburg will face either Real Betis or Sporting Braga in the next round. In parallel Conference League action, FSV Mainz 05 was eliminated by Racing Strasbourg, losing 4-0 in the second leg despite a 2-0 first-leg advantage. Strasbourg dominated the match with goals from Sebastian Nanasi, Abdoul Ouattara, and Emmanuel Emegha, advancing to the semi-finals with a 4-2 aggregate score. These results mark significant European campaign updates for German clubs, highlighting Freiburg's breakthrough success and Mainz's disappointing exit against French opposition.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenSC Freiburg Defeats Celta Vigo to Reach Europa League Semi-Finals
SC Freiburg has advanced to the semi-finals of the Europa League for the first time in its history after defeating Spanish side Celta Vigo 3-1 in the second leg of their quarter-final tie. Building on a 3-0 victory from the first leg, the Bundesliga club secured a comprehensive aggregate win with goals from Igor Matanovic and Yuito Suzuki, who scored twice. Despite a late consolation goal from Williot Swedberg, Freiburg controlled the match at the Estadio Balaídos in Vigo. Sports director Jochen Saier praised the team's extraordinary performance and consistency. This milestone marks the most successful international season in the club's history. Additionally, Freiburg remains competitive in the domestic DFB Cup, where they are set to face VfB Stuttgart in the semi-finals. In the Europa League, Freiburg will next face Sporting Braga, who eliminated Betis Sevilla in a dramatic comeback. The first leg against the Portuguese side is scheduled for April 30 in Braga, with the return leg taking place in Freiburg a week later. The potential final is set for May 20 in Istanbul.
Aktuell - FAZ.NETSC Freiburg Advances to Europa League Semi-Finals After Defeating Celta Vigo
SC Freiburg has secured a historic place in the Europa League semi-finals following a decisive 3-1 victory over Celta Vigo in the second leg of the quarter-finals. Building on their 3-0 first-leg advantage, the Bundesliga club dominated the match in Vigo, with goals from Igor Matanovic and a brace by Yuito Suzuki sealing the aggregate win. Although Williot Swedberg scored a late consolation goal for the Spanish side, Freiburg’s performance was described as highly deserved by sports director Jochen Saier. This achievement marks the most successful international season in SC Freiburg's history, surpassing their previous best of reaching the quarter-finals. In the next round, Julian Schuster’s team will face Portuguese club Sporting Braga, with the first leg scheduled for April 30 in Braga and the return leg on May 7 in Freiburg. Additionally, Freiburg remains competitive in the domestic DFB Cup, where they are set to play VfB Stuttgart in the semi-finals, keeping their hopes alive for potential double success in May.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenEuropa League: Celta Vigo vs. SC Freiburg Second Leg Live
This news update provides live coverage of the UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg match between Celta Vigo and SC Freiburg. The article, published by the German newspaper Die Zeit on April 16, 2026, focuses on the ongoing contest in Galicia, Spain. SC Freiburg enters this decisive match with a significant advantage, having secured a commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg. Consequently, the German side holds a substantial lead as they aim to advance to the semi-finals of the competition. The live ticker format suggests real-time updates on match events, including goals, cards, and tactical changes, allowing readers to follow the game's progression as it unfolds. The primary narrative centers on whether Celta Vigo can overcome the three-goal deficit on their home turf or if SC Freiburg will successfully defend their lead to progress in the tournament. This report highlights the high stakes of European club football and the specific challenge facing the Spanish hosts against their German opponents in this crucial knockout stage encounter.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und Debatten