SC Freiburg have made history by reaching their first-ever European final, overturning a late first-leg defeat in Braga with a commanding performance at the Europa-Park Stadion. With club legends Joachim Löw and Christian Streich watching from the stands, Freiburg became the third German team to book a spot in the Europa League final since 2022—a testament to the rising strength of the Bundesliga on the continental stage.
The atmosphere was electric from the opening whistle, and Freiburg wasted no time asserting their dominance. Vincenzo Grifo's dangerous free-kick delivery had Braga on edge inside the first minute, setting the tone for a night that would belong to the hosts. Just five minutes in, the visitors were reduced to ten men when Mario Dorgeles—the hero of the first leg with his late winner—was sent off for a last-man foul on Niklas Beste. It was a dramatic reversal of fortune for the 21-year-old Ivorian, who had been Braga's only change from the previous week.
Freiburg made just one unforced change of their own, with Lukas Kübler stepping into the lineup and Philipp Treu shifting to the left wing. The 33-year-old Kübler, a veteran who has experienced the club's steady rise from modest beginnings, leveled the tie in the 19th minute with a stroke of fortune—getting the final touch in a goalmouth scramble to send the home crowd into a frenzy. Julian Schuster's side struggled to carve out clear chances for the remainder of the half, but individual brilliance soon put them ahead in the tie for the first time.
Johan Manzambi, playing in a more advanced role with Yuito Suzuki sidelined, unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box for his eighth goal of the season across all competitions. The ten men of Braga finally created their first chance deep into first-half injury time, as Victor Gomez beat Noah Atubolu only to see his shot ricochet off the post. Rodrigo Zalazar's follow-up was then blocked on the goal line by Philipp Lienhart, preserving Freiburg's lead heading into the break.
The hosts finished the half under pressure, but they came flying out of the tunnel after the restart. Grifo curled a shot that kissed the same post, and minutes later, Matthias Ginter tested the keeper with a low volley. Manzambi was next to try his luck, forcing Lukáš Horníček into a decent save as Freiburg continued to push for a decisive third goal. With their perfect home record intact and a historic final now within reach, Freiburg are writing a story that will inspire fans and players alike for years to come.