SC are currently top of their group with 12 points from four games, and can guaranteed themselves a spot in the next round with a win against the record champions from Greece. Should Qarabag, who are currently in second place (7 points), fail to beat Nantes then SC would also be assured of finishing top.

Head coach Christian Streich was focused on other things when asked about the situation in the table and whether it will have any impact on his team selection during today’s pre-match press conference. “We are focused on the fact that we have an Europa League match tomorrow and have approached every game so far as if it were our last,” he said. Asked whether a win against Olympiacos would render the final group stage match in Baku meaningless, Streich simply said it was “speculation” at this point.

Nearly a full squad to choose from

A total of 1,400 fans are expected to travel from Greece for the match, while Freiburg have once again sold out of their contingent of home tickets. The over 30,000 fans at the Europa-Park Stadion will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of tomorrow’s team news, with nearly a full squad to choose from. With the exception of Manuel Gulde and Kimberly Ezekwem, every other player took part in the final training session on Wednesday.

Roland Sallai (eye injury) will not be fit in time for tomorrow’s game, having also missed the 3-0 win in Greece nearly six weeks ago. “Roland took part in training this morning. He’s excited to be back with the team, but we have to make sure the physios sign off on everything,” Streich said.

Striker Lucas Höler has been sidelined for even longer after breaking his metatarsal, but has recently been able to pick up game time with the U23s and via several cameos for the first team. “He had an incredible season last year and played a lot. We finished sixth and he then broke his foot. It’s tough to experience such a set-back after ending on a high like that, so he’s really itching to get back to it,” said the head coach.

Matthias Ginter has been a regular starter for Freiburg this season, featuring in the 2-0 victory against Werder Bremen on the weekend despite carrying several knocks. “I’m fully fit,” he told the journalists in attendance. “Of course it can sometimes be the case that it’s quite tiring, but that’s our job. You’re always excited to play.”

Despite the packed schedule and several mid-week trips, Streich is also enjoying it. “We’re super excited to be playing at home again tomorrow and that the lads have had such a fantastic season so far. We’re motivated to play well again tomorrow and hopefully, if all goes well, to win the game.” In doing so, SC will be able to look forward to many more magical European nights in Freiburg.

Photo: Nikos Karanikolas