How do Frankfurt and Freiburg stack up? | OneFootball

Battle for Champions League qualification: How do Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg stack up ahead of their crucial final-day clash?

With Eintracht Frankfurt sitting third in the Bundesliga on 57 points and Freiburg just two behind in fourth, the winner of their upcoming clash at the latter’s Europa-Park Stadion will secure a coveted spot in next season's UEFA Champions League. A draw or loss for either could open the door for Borussia Dortmund, who trail closely with 54 points.

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There is still plenty left to decide right across the Bundesliga on Matchday 34, but with the Champions League spots still undecided, and two direct rivals going toe-to-toe for a place in Europe’s biggest and most lucrative competition, Freiburg vs. Frankfurt isn’t one to miss.

bundesliga.com brings you the lowdown on the crucial battles that could decide this encounter.

Experience vs. youth between the sticks

Frankfurt's Kevin Trapp brings a wealth of experience between the posts. In the 2024/25 Bundesliga season, the 34-year-old has conceded 33 goals in 25 showings, maintaining a save percentage of 72 percent (the sixth highest in the division) and securing seven clean sheets.

Kevin Trapp has been his usually reliable self between the posts for Frankfurt this season. (DFL/Getty Images/Lukas Schulze)

His leadership and composure have been instrumental in Frankfurt's defensive stability, with the Eagles conceding the fifth-fewest goals in the league so far this term.

His opposite number, Freiburg's Noah Atubolu has emerged as one of the league's most promising young goalkeepers. At just 22, the No.1 for Germany's U21s boasts 10 clean sheets in 25 appearances this season, including an impressive streak of six consecutive shutouts between Matchdays 20 and 25. He has also devleoped a reputation as something of a penalty-saving expert.

Matthias Ginter celebrates a goal with his teammates against Bayer Leverkusen in early May. (IMAGO/Bahho Kara)

A clash of defensive styles

Dino Toppmöller favours a back three, anchored by the composure and leadership of Germany international Robin Koch, who is usually joined by robust and pacy duo Tuta and Arthur Theate. Toppmöller’s system really causes problems thanks to the quality of his wing-backs, Rasmus Kristensen and Nathaniel Brown. The Danish defender is a physical specimen who consistently makes lung-busting runs forward to join the attack. He has contributed four goals and two assists in 29 appearances – including an early strike against St. Pauli on Matchday 33.

Hugo Larsson and his midfield partner Ellyes Skhiri have been formidable this season. (IMAGO/osnapix / Marcus Hirnschal)

His aggressive style and aerial dominance have been vital in Frankfurt's backline. Brown, meanwhile, has been one of the breakout stars of the current Bundesliga season, the 21-year-old chipping in with three goals and six assists so far.

Freiburg's defence, while conceding 50 goals this season, has shown resilience, particularly during Atubolu's clean sheet streak. The team's collective defensive effort – they usually operate with a back four centred around the experience of Matthias Ginter and Philipp Lienhart – has been crucial in maintaining their position near the top of the table.

Silk and steel in midfield

In midfield, Freiburg's Maximilian Eggestein has been the engine room, providing relentless work rate and defensive cover. His ability to break up opposition play and distribute the ball efficiently has been central to Freiburg's midfield stability. Only six players have covered more ground than the 28-year-old this term, while only 10 have made more intensive runs.

Vincenzo Grifo adds experience and creativity to Freiburg's midfield. With nine goals and 12 assists this season, the winger’s vision and set-piece prowess have been instrumental in Freiburg's attacking endeavors, while only six players have made more key passes than his 53 this term.

Frankfurt's midfield boasts the dynamic duo of Ellyes Skhiri and Hugo Larsson. Skhiri's defensive acumen and composure in possession (he ranks in the top 15 in the division for successful passes) complements Larsson's creative flair, allowing Frankfurt to control the tempo of matches and transition effectively from defense to attack.

Speed and precision up front

Frankfurt's attack has been revitalised by Hugo Ekitiké, who stepped up following Omar Marmoush's mid-season departure. The Frenchman has netted 15 goals and provided seven assists in 32 matches, demonstrating clinical finishing and creativity. Jean-Mattéo Bahoya adds a unique threat with his record-breaking speed, clocking 37.16 km/h to become the fastest player in Bundesliga history. Meanwhile, Michy Batshuayi offers a reliable option off the bench, contributing crucial goals when called upon. His equaliser against St. Pauli on Matchday 33 secured a valuable point that puts them in pole position to qualify for next season’s Champions League for the first time ever via their league position.

For Freiburg, Ritsu Dōan has been a standout performer, contributing nine goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga this season. His dribbling ability and knack for finding space have made him a constant threat to opposition defenses.

Junior Adamu has often led the line for Schuster's men this season and, while he has scored just twice in 24 league appearances, his physicality and aggressive pressing have been key in giving Dōan space to shine inside the box.

Freiburg will certainly need that if they are to win on Saturday and guarantee a first-ever tilt at the Champions League.

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