SC Freiburg hosts undefeated-away Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Sunday afternoon, seeking points to keep its UEFA Champions League qualification hopes alive in the final weeks of the Bundesliga season.
The match at Europa-Park Stadion pits fifth-place Freiburg against second-place Leverkusen. A win could lift Freiburg back into fourth place, depending on other results, but failure to secure points could jeopardize their chance at any European competition next season.
Leverkusen enters the match unbeaten in their last four competitive fixtures and six Bundesliga games. Their last league loss came in March. They are the only team in the Bundesliga this season yet to lose a match on the road, and a victory would see them overtake FC Bayern München in the away standings.
In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Leverkusen dominated the match, securing a 5-1 win. The historical head-to-head in Freiburg has favored Leverkusen recently, with Freiburg's last home win against the Werkself coming in December 2021.
SC Freiburg coach Julian Schuster confirmed a change in goal for the critical SC Freiburg vs Leverkusen encounter. While first-choice goalkeeper Noah Atubolu has returned to training following injury and is available, Florian Müller will retain the starting spot.
Schuster explained the decision regarding Atubolu, saying, "Now it's about safety and procedures, and we also involve him in how he feels." He added, "We will make the right decision together and in the interest of the team." Atubolu is listed among the substitutes.
Freiburg's attack will feature Johan Manzambi in the starting lineup, replacing Lucas Höler, who is not in the squad. The team has shown a notable ability to score from defensive positions this season, with defenders contributing 13 goals so far, a league high.
Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso made three changes to his starting eleven compared to their last match, bringing in Piero Hincapie, Jeremie Frimpong, and Aleix Garcia. The visiting lineup features Kovar, Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie, Frimpong, Garcia, Xhaka, Grimaldo, Buendia, Wirtz, and Schick.
Schuster praised his team's home support, stating, "In the last home game, the support was unbelievable."
