Match preview: Freiburg loom large at Europa-Park Stadion
A clear-cut clash on paper turns into an electrifying betting narrative when SC Freiburg host Maccabi Tel Aviv at the compact, passionate Europa-Park Stadion in Freiburg im Breisgau on 22 January 2026. Freiburg arrive as the dominant force in this group stage: unbeaten across six matches, 14 points, nine goals scored and just three conceded. Their domestic rhythm has had its wobbles — a 2-2 draw at Augsburg on 18 January and a 2-0 defeat at RB Leipzig earlier in the month — but the German side still show the balance and danger that come with consistent European form. The home advantage here is significant; Freiburg average nearly 99 attacks and 44.7 dangerous attacks per game in the competition and have kept three clean sheets in six fixtures.
Maccabi Tel Aviv arrive battered and beleaguered
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s European ledger reads like a cautionary tale: one point from six matches, two goals scored and 18 conceded. Their domestic results provide little comfort — a heavy 4-1 reverse away to Maccabi Haifa on 18 January underlined defensive frailties and a side struggling for rhythm. On paper and in the numbers, they are the underdog of the group; their shots per game and dangerous attack averages lag behind Freiburg’s, and only a single clean sheet in the competition suggests vulnerability against incisive attacking teams.
The statistical gulf is stark. Freiburg’s total shots (95) and shots on target (36) dwarf Maccabi’s 92 total with 33 on target, but more telling is defensive solidity: Freiburg have conceded only three, while Maccabi have shipped 18. Bookmakers reflect that imbalance: home victory prices sit around 1.17 with a probability north of 85%, while the draw and away win are priced at 7.00 and 15.00 respectively.
What to expect and tactical implication
Expect Freiburg to control territory and tempo, probing the Israeli visitors with wide play and set-piece pressure — Freiburg average 5.67 corners per game — and to exploit the gaps Maccabi have left at the back. Maccabi will likely adopt a compact, countering posture and seek moments on the break, but the numbers suggest they will be hard-pressed to finish chances consistently. This setup points to a game where Freiburg dictates, and Maccabi aim to survive and snatch rare opportunities.
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Betting suggestion: Back SC Freiburg to win (1) in the 1X2 market. The home side’s defensive record in the group, superior attack tempo and the bookmakers’ pricing make the home victory the clearest value play for this fixture.
