Freiburg vs Genk – News and Probable Lineups

Last Sunday, Die Breisgau-Brasilianer lost 1-0 to Union Berlin, which was a disappointing outcome marking their third defeat in four matches; now they have managed to secure only one win in their last six fixtures.

This disappointing performance has positioned Schuster’s team in eighth place in the Bundesliga, with 34 points—11 points behind sixth-placed Bayer Leverkusen, who currently occupy the Conference League qualifying position.

Such a bleak scenario does not inspire much optimism among fans, though Freiburg has won all four of their home fixtures in Europe this season, which could instill some hope for the more optimistic supporters of the German team.

Following their first leg loss, manager Schuster emphasized, “Anything is possible in the second leg,” and considering Freiburg’s remarkable home record since August, they may yet orchestrate a comeback.

On the other hand, Genk has experienced a successful 2026 following the appointment of Nicky Hayen in December. The team has seemed to stabilize after a rough patch which saw them lose three out of four matches in late February and early March.

Recently, the Blue-White followed up their first-leg victory with a 1-0 win over St Truiden in the Belgian Pro League, achieving back-to-back wins and clean sheets for the first time since early November.

Such victories have positioned Hayen’s squad favorably in their domestic league, now sitting in seventh place, just one point behind sixth-place Gent in the European qualification race, as well as in the Europa League.

Advancing to the quarter-finals would match Genk’s best-ever performance in UEFA’s secondary competition, which they achieved during the 2016-17 season.

With that goal in sight, the visitors are mindful of Freiburg’s excellent home record while also taking confidence from their own strong away performances, having won five out of six matches in Europe this season, with their only defeat being a narrow 1-0 loss to Midtjylland on December 11.

Won all but one of their six European away games this season

Team News

Freiburg will be without centre-back Max Rosenfelder on Thursday due to a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained in February, so it’s expected that Matthias Ginter and Bruno Ifechukwu Ogbus will fill central defensive roles.

Additionally, attacking midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh is nearing a return from anterior cruciate ligament injuries that have kept him out for over three years, but Yuito Suzuki is anticipated to start behind striker Igor Matanovic midweek.

As for Genk, they will miss right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi due to a suspension from a yellow card received in the first leg.

In his absence, Ken Nkuba is expected to play on the right side of a back four that will include Josue Kongolo and Matte Smets at the center, with Joris Kayembe positioned as left-back.

Further up the pitch, teenage standout Konstantinos Karetsas will seek to support the visitors’ front three of Yira Sor, Robin Mirisola, and Junya Ito.

Freiburg probable starting XI:

Atubolu; Treu, Ginter, Ogbus, Gunter; Eggstein, Sins; Best, Suzuki, Faucet; Matanovic

Genk probable starting XI:

Law; Nkuba, Kongolo, Smets, Kayembe; Karetsas, Sattlberger, Heymans; Sor, Mirisola, Ito

Freiburg’s impressive home record indicates they may put up a strong contest as they aim to overturn a one-goal deficit.

However, Genk has also performed admirably away in Europe this season, and as even a draw would suffice for their advancement, they could well navigate to the quarter-finals.