Freiburg vs Frankfurt: Bundesliga Preview

Freiburg come into the final matchday on a high after a comeback 2-1 win over Holstein Kiel last weekend, a result that kept their Champions League hopes alive. That victory was their fourth in a five-game unbeaten run, during which Julian Schuster’s side have collected 13 points—joint-most in the Bundesliga over that stretch. Now sitting just behind Frankfurt in fourth, Freiburg can climb as high as third with a win, equalling their best-ever Bundesliga finish achieved 30 years ago.

However, the pressure is considerable. While a win guarantees qualification regardless of other results, a defeat could see them drop to fifth if Borussia Dortmund avoid losing on the final day. Freiburg have historically struggled in season finales away from home, but they’ve won their last three final-day fixtures at home and will be hoping to make it four in a row in front of their own fans.

Interestingly, Freiburg could also become the first side to qualify for the Champions League with a negative goal difference—they currently sit at -2. A win would not only rewrite club history but also make them the 16th different German team to reach the Champions League.

Opponents Frankfurt find themselves in the strongest position of the three contenders. Despite a missed opportunity to seal their top-four status last weekend with a 2-2 draw against St. Pauli, they remain fourth and hold a superior goal difference to Dortmund (+20 vs. +17). A draw would be enough to secure qualification, and even a loss may suffice—unless Dortmund win and overturn the goal-difference gap.

Dino Toppmoller’s side are unbeaten in their last five matchday-34 games and have a strong recent record against Freiburg, including a convincing 4-1 win in the reverse fixture earlier this season. They are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Freiburg and have lost only once in the last ten Bundesliga clashes between the two.

Yet, concerns remain over their form on the road, where Frankfurt have won just one of their last seven away games—against Bochum in March. Their defence, however, remains solid, and Toppmoller, fresh off signing a contract extension until 2028, will be counting on his backline to deliver when it matters.

In terms of team news, Freiburg are expected to be near full strength. Only Daniel-Kofi Kyereh is a confirmed absentee, with Eren Dinkci a doubt due to a muscle problem. Vincenzo Grifo, who set a new club record with 11 assists this season, will look to add to his tally alongside Ritsu Doan in support of forwards Junior Adamu and Lucas Höler.

Frankfurt will be without Mario Götze (hamstring) and young goalkeeper Kaua Santos (knee), while Tuta is a doubt with a knee issue. If the Brazilian defender is unavailable, Nnamdi Collins could be handed a start in a back three with Robin Koch and Arthur Theate.

With high stakes, tense narratives, and everything to play for, Saturday’s encounter promises to be one of the highlights of the Bundesliga’s final weekend.