UEL: Freiburg Edges Basel 2-1 in UEFA Europa League Opener

Freiburg kicks off Europa League campaign with 2-1 win over Basel

SC Freiburg secured a 2-1 victory over FC Basel in their first-ever meeting, marking a successful start to their UEFA Europa League campaign. The match, held at Europa-Park Stadion, saw Freiburg come out on top in a closely contested game.

Atubolu's heroics proved crucial as Freiburg took the lead just after the half-hour mark...

SC Freiburg kicked off their UEFA Europa League campaign with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Swiss champions FC Basel in the first-ever meeting between the two teams. The match, held at Europa-Park Stadion, saw Freiburg's Patrick Osterhage score the opening goal in the 31st minute with a precise shot into the bottom corner. Maximilian Eggestein doubled the lead just after halftime with a well-placed header from Vincenzo Grifo's cross.

Despite Basel's best efforts, led by star player Xherdan Shaqiri, they struggled to break down Freiburg's solid defense. Basel's closest chance came early when Albian Ajeti's header was expertly parried by Freiburg's goalkeeper Noah Atubolu. Substitute Philip Otele pulled one back for Basel with a stunning curler in the 84th minute, but it was too little, too late, as Freiburg held on for their fifth successive home win in the Europa League.

The win marks a confident start for Freiburg, who have been in good form this season. Freiburg's coach Julian Schuster earned his first European victory, and the team's defensive solidity was impressive, despite missing key defender Philipp Lienhart due to illness. Basel, on the other hand, will look to regroup and bounce back in their next match against Stuttgart.

The match got off to a lively start, with Basel nearly taking the lead just two minutes in. Albian Ajeti met a cross from the left with a well-directed header that seemed destined for the bottom corner. However, Noah Atubolu made an incredible diving save, stretching across acrobatically to deny the Swiss side a dream start.

Atubolu's heroics proved crucial as Freiburg took the lead just after the half-hour mark. A ball into the Basel area was intercepted, but Patrick Osterhage was on hand to pounce on the loose ball. He unleashed a powerful first-time shot from 25 yards out with his left foot, which curled into the bottom left-hand corner of the net. The goal gave Freiburg a deserved lead at halftime, reflecting their dominance in the match so far.

The match remained tightly contested, with Freiburg far from securing a comfortable lead. However, their recent form suggested they might find a way to seal the win. True to form, they doubled their advantage 12 minutes after the restart. Vincenzo Grifo delivered a pinpoint cross into the box from the left, which Maximilian Eggestein met with a well-directed header.

Goalkeeper Mirko Salvi got a hand to the ball but couldn't prevent it from crossing the line. The technology confirmed the goal, and Freiburg's lead became more substantial. The second goal reflected Freiburg's persistence and quality in front of goal, and they looked increasingly likely to hold on for the win.

Freiburg hold on for opening win 👏#UEL pic.twitter.com/koN6P2ABIH

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) September 24, 2025

Basel's hopes of a comeback were briefly revived when Philip Otele scored a stunning late goal, curling the ball home from the edge of the area with just five minutes remaining. However, it was too little, too late, as Freiburg held on for the win, securing their fifth consecutive home victory in the UEFA Europa League.

The win sets Freiburg up for a promising campaign, and they'll aim to build on this momentum as they look to progress to the knockout stages. Meanwhile, Basel will need to regroup and focus on their next challenge: a home match against Stuttgart in early October. Despite the loss, Basel will hope to bounce back and make a strong impression in the competition.