Motherwell vs Freiburg: Conference League preview tonight
Motherwell host Freiburg in the UEFA Conference League play-off first leg at Fir Park on Thursday, 20 August 2026, with kick-off at 19:30 BST. The motherwell freiburg tie is Scotland's toughest qualifying draw, pitting the Steelmen against last season's Europa League runners-up in a bid to reach the league phase.
Key Takeaways
- Kick-off is 19:30 BST at Fir Park on 20 August 2026, with the return leg in Germany on 27 August.
- Manager Alfred Johansson has made six changes after Motherwell's League Cup exit to Stenhousemuir.
- Racing Post rate Freiburg as Europa League runners-up last season and the Steelmen's hardest draw.
- Motherwell have scored eight goals in four European games this campaign after beating HB Torshavn and HJK.
- Coverage is available via SolidSport, per club and tipster guidance.
Scotland's European night also features Hearts and Rangers at home and Hibernian away at Gent, but BlasterPost's Bizarre World desk is focused on Fir Park. BBC Sport frames the fixture as part of the final stage of Conference League qualifying.
What is the motherwell freiburg kick-off time and stake?
According to Motherwell Football Club matchday information, the first leg starts at 7:30pm on 20 August 2026. The second leg is listed for 27 August at 18:45 in Freiburg.
Racing Post notes that Scottish clubs have drawn tough ties as four sides chase the Conference League league phase. Motherwell's opponents finished as Europa League runners-up last season, making this the trickiest Scottish qualifying assignment of the round.
Which team news and line-ups matter most?
BBC Sport reports Johansson rotated heavily after the 1-0 Premier Sports Cup loss to Stenhousemuir. Goalkeeper Matty Connelly is out, along with full-backs Luca Ross and Ewan Wilson, midfielders Olly Whyte and Mikey Booth, and attacker Willy Vogt.
Alex Paulsen starts in goal, with Martin Moormann and Emmanuel Longelo restored. Joe Hodge and Alex Lowry begin in midfield, and Regan Charles-Cook returns in attack. New signing Seb Palmer-Houlden is among the substitutes.
Motherwell's named XI: Paulsen; Girdwood-Reich, Moormann, Knight-Lebel, Longelo; Fadinger, Hodge, Lowry; Said, Charles-Cook, Maswanhise. Freiburg's side includes Backhaus; Treu, Ginter, Rosenfelder, Makengo; Eggestein, Engelhardt; Beste, Suzuki, Scherhant; Matanovic.
Can Motherwell trouble Freiburg at Fir Park?
Racing Post say the Steelmen have stayed sharp since Jens Berthel Askou's departure, winning 5-0 against HB Torshavn and progressing 3-1 on aggregate versus HJK. Home form and match fitness are cited as advantages against German visitors still building rhythm.
The tipsters highlight eight European goals in four matches and expect Motherwell to score again, while noting Freiburg will contribute. Standout midfielder Johan Manzambi has left Freiburg for Aston Villa, removing one of last season's key performers.
Club guidance urges an early arrival for a sell-out feel in several stands, with tickets still available in the Tommy McLean Stand. Supporters can stream the game on SolidSport for £12.