Freiburg to Face Helsinki or Motherwell in Conference League Playoffs

German football club SC Freiburg is set to kick off their competitive season with an away fixture in the UEFA Conference League playoffs. The Bundesliga side will face the winner of the tie between HJK Helsinki and Motherwell FC.

The draw, held at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, confirmed Freiburg's path, though their specific opponent will be finalized on August 13. The first leg of the playoff is scheduled for August 20, just before the opening round of the DFB-Pokal. The return leg at the Europa-Park stadium will take place on August 27.

This European campaign begins ahead of Freiburg's domestic schedule. They are set to play Fortuna Düsseldorf in the DFB-Pokal on August 23, followed by their Bundesliga season opener at home against Werder Bremen a week later. Should Freiburg navigate the playoffs, their Conference League league phase will commence on October 15.

Unlike the Europa League and Champions League, the Conference League features a shorter league phase with six matchdays. The knockout stages begin in mid-February, with the round of 16 in mid-March. The final is scheduled for June 2, 2027, in Istanbul, the same city where Freiburg previously lost a major European match against Aston Villa.