Kubler Double Sends Freiburg to Europa League Final

Key Takeaways:

• SC Freiburg overcame a first-leg deficit to defeat SC Braga 3-1, progressing 4-3 on aggregate last night
• Lukas Kubler scored twice, including a crucial second-half header, to inspire Freiburg’s comeback
• Freiburg booked their first-ever appearance in a European final, ending Braga’s unbeaten run in European second legs

Match Analysis

SC Freiburg made history with a stunning 3-1 victory over SC Braga last night, overturning their first-leg deficit and progressing to the UEFA Europa League final with a 4-3 aggregate triumph. The dramatic tie saw Freiburg reach a European final for the first time, while denying Braga, finalists in 2011, a return to the competition’s showpiece event.

The encounter shifted dramatically within the opening moments as Braga’s Mario Dorgeles received a straight red card just six minutes in for bringing down Jan-Niklas Beste, who was sent clear by Igor Matanovic. Beste’s subsequent free-kick deflected narrowly wide, yet Freiburg increasingly pressed their one-man advantage.

Freiburg win at home to secure their place in the final 😤#UEL pic.twitter.com/pv7a469bLK

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 7, 2026

Kubler’s Impact and First-Half Drama

Freiburg needed just 19 minutes to capitalise on their extra man. After a Vincenzo Grifo cross was only partially cleared, Lukas Kubler persisted in the area, and an attempted clearance rebounded off his shin, finding its way into the bottom corner.

Despite dominating possession at over 75% during the first half, Freiburg were left frustrated until Johan Manzambi produced a moment of class four minutes before half-time, cutting inside from the left and curling a superb 25-yard effort beyond Lukas Hornicek to give Julian Schuster’s side the advantage on the night.

Braga threatened an immediate response in stoppage time. Víctor Gomez rounded Noah Atubolu only to strike the post, and Rodrigo Zalazar’s follow-up was dramatically blocked by Kubler, keeping the momentum with the home side.

Second-Half Opportunities and Late Tension

The Breisgau-Brasilianer pressed to extend their lead early in the second half, with Grifo hitting the base of the post and Matthias Ginter sending a 30-yard volley just wide. Hornicek produced a brilliant save to deny Manzambi’s attempt on a potential second goal, while Freiburg goalkeeper Atubolu was called into action to thwart Jean-Baptiste Gorby at his near post.

Braga, unbeaten in their previous 11 European second-leg outings, nearly extended their streak when Joao Moutinho’s curling effort missed by inches. Hornicek continued to keep their hopes alive, pulling off a double save from Beste and Matanovic following a Freiburg corner.

Kubler struck again 18 minutes from time, heading in Grifo’s precise free-kick to provide crucial breathing room for Freiburg. However, Pau Victor’s 79th-minute header—redirected after Gomez volleyed Moutinho’s set-piece across goal—reduced the deficit, setting up a tense finale.

Freiburg held on resolutely, aided by Atubolu’s late fingertip save to deny Gorby, and emerged victorious to secure their first-ever win over Portuguese opposition and earn a place in the Europa League final. Braga, meanwhile, suffered just a fourth defeat in their last 21 Europa League fixtures.

Key Match Statistics