Motherwell vs SC Freiburg Predictions

• Motherwell have lost both of their previous European matches against German opposition
• Freiburg reached the Europa League Final last season
• Freiburg have won their last three friendlies without conceding

Steelmen face major step up at Fir Park

Motherwell welcome Freiburg, last season’s beaten Europa League finalists, to Fir Park on Thursday for the first leg of their Conference League play‑off. The Steelmen have built real momentum in Europe this summer and will hope to catch the Germans cold ahead of the start of their Bundesliga campaign.

Alfred Johansson’s side swept aside HB Torshavn 5‑0 on aggregate, then produced two composed performances to beat HJK Helsinki 3‑1 over two legs. Fir Park has become a genuine asset — the Steelmen have won three of their last five European home games, keeping things tight and scoring freely.

Their domestic start has been solid too, with one win and one draw from the first two Premiership fixtures. Ibrahim Said, who struck twice against HJK, has been a standout performer, while Regan Charles‑Cook and Tawanda Maswanhise give Motherwell pace and creativity in transition.

Back Germans to keep a clean sheet

Freiburg, however, represent a significant jump in quality. Julian Schuster’s side reached the Europa League final last season and have won nine of their last 15 European matches. Their away record in Europe isn’t great, but they are down a couple of rungs on UEFA’s ladder now.

With Vincenzo Grifo and Jan‑Niklas Beste supplying Igor Matanovic, Freiburg carry enough threat to score at Fir Park. Their lack of competitive action this season could prevent them from really going to town, but recent wins over Strasbourg and Crystal Palace – both to nil – suggests they can take a lead and clean sheet back to Germany.