Freiburg have written a new chapter in club history after securing a dramatic 3-1 victory over Braga to reach their first-ever UEFA Europa League final.

After losing the first leg, the German side entered the decisive clash knowing only victory would be enough — and the match turned in their favour almost immediately. Just six minutes into the game, Dorgeles was shown a straight red card for a last-man challenge, leaving Braga with a mountain to climb.

With the numerical advantage, Freiburg increased the pressure and soon found the breakthrough. Defender Lukas Kubler reacted quickest inside the penalty area, showing determination and composure to force the ball home amid defensive chaos.

The hosts continued to dominate and doubled their advantage before half-time through a stunning strike from Johan Manzambi, whose powerful effort from around 20 metres flew into the top corner and sent the home supporters into celebration.

The second half became a showcase for Kubler, who delivered another decisive moment by heading in a dangerous free-kick from Vincenzo Grifo. The goal completed his brace and appeared to put Freiburg firmly in control of the tie.

But European football rarely allows for a calm finish. Pau Victor pulled one goal back for Braga, sparking a dramatic late push from the Portuguese side. Even with ten men, the visitors launched wave after wave of attacks in a desperate attempt to force extra time.

In the end, Freiburg survived thanks largely to goalkeeper Noah Atubolu, whose composed and reliable performance under pressure preserved the aggregate victory and triggered emotional scenes at full-time.

2025-26, Europa League

Freiburg - Braga 3:1 (2:0)
Goals: Kübler, 19 (1:0); Manzambi, 41 (2:0); Kübler, 72 (3:0); Pau Victor, 79 (3:1)

Freiburg: Atubolu; Lienhart; Kübler (Makengo J., 81); Beste (Ogbus, 81); Treu; Höfler; Ginter; Grifo (Höler, 92); Manzambi; Eggestein М.; Matanovic
Substitution: Makengo J. (from 81); Ogbus (from 81); Höler (from 92)
Bench: Müller Fl.; Huth J.; Jung A.; Günter; Irié; Scherhant; Philipp M.

Braga: Hornicek; Gómez Víctor; Lagerbielke; Oliveira P.; Carvalho Vi. (Moscardo, 65); Joao Moutinho; Zalazar (Navarro F., 65); Dorgeles (till 6); Gorby J.; Tıknaz (Martínez G., 77); Pau Victor
Substitution: Moscardo (from 65); Navarro F. (from 65); Martínez G. (from 77)
Bench: Tiago Sá; Bellaarouch; Lelo; Noro; da Rocha; Silva Rodrigo; El Ouazzani; Horta R.
Yellow Cards: Pau Victor 62; Gorby J. 65; Tıknaz 71; Martínez G. 94
Red cards: Dorgeles 6'