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Motherwell gave absolutely everything as they pushed last season’s Europa League finalists all the way, with the German side eventually defeating ten-man Motherwell 3-1 on the night. 

Freiburg knew that they were in a game from the second minute when Regan Charles-Cook fired the Steelmen in front. It took the Bundesliga side almost half an hour to find the equaliser through Matthias Ginter from a free-kick, before a penalty on the hour mark converted by Ginter and a red card for Martin Moorman gave the Germans a huge advantage.

Well bravely limited them to that single goal lead until the final minute of added time when Keisuke Goto’s header made it 3-1 and gave the Germans a scoreline that was a bit harsh on the Fir Park men.

Following the exit in the Premier Sports Cup against Stenhousemuir, it was a more recognisable starting 11 for Alfred Johansson. There was space on the bench for new signing Seb Palmer-Houlden, who joined the club earlier this week. Stephen O’Donnell was back on the bench following his injury sustained against AGF Aarhus back in July.

Fir Park was once again bouncing for more European action, and the players reacted to the atmosphere with the fastest of starts.

Hodge’s pass down the left channel sent Emmanuel Longelo towards the visitor’s box, and when he whipped a low ball across Mio Backhaus’ goal, Charles-Cook guided into the keeper’s left-hand corner a superb goal and opening to the tie.

That clearly stunned the Germans, who took ten minutes to recover and test Alex Paulsen with a low drive from Ginter. SC Freiburg continued to probe when Hodge was booked for a sliding recovery tackle on the edge of the box, despite it looking like the midfielder got the ball. Derry Scherhant stepped up and got the ball up and over the wall, but the ball came crashing off the top of the post.

Paulsen knew he would be in for a busy night, but the New Zealand international remained sharp between the posts and produced another smart diving save that denied Yuito Suzuki as the Fir Park side struggled to get up the pitch.

Eventually, however, the game was level. Following the award of a free-kick on the left-hand side, the whipped delivery came into the penalty box with Ginter rising highest to guide the ball beyond Paulsen.

A long VAR check would follow, but the goal would stand, and Freiburg were now level. Paulsen did well to keep the game level when he used one hand to prevent Igor Matanovic. But the game remained at 1-1 going into the half-time interval.

New signing Seb Palmer-Houlden was brought on during the break, in place of goalscorer Regan Charles-Cook. For the first 15 minutes of the second period, the Steelmen continued to compete against the Bundesliga side, with very little goalmouth action at either end of the pitch.

But the context of the tie switched on the hour mark. Freiburg showed their quick pace going forward as they broke from the halfway line towards the net; Matanovic latched onto a pass in behind Knight-Lebel. Moormann chased back, and with the slightest of touches on his shoulder, the Freiburg attacker fell to the ground before getting a shot away, and the referee pointed to the spot.

With Ginter set to take the spot kick, the referee was made to hold play up as VAR checked for a potential red card. Moormann’s initial yellow card was upgraded to a red, with Ginter then dispatching the penalty past Paulsen, who guessed the right way.

That forced a double substitution in the 70th minute, Ewan Wilson to restore the back four at the expense of Lowry and Willy Vogt for the hard-working Maswanhise.

The Fir Park crowd continued to sing despite the clear and evident setback, but Motherwell battled on valiantly and stuck to their game plan. As the game neared its conclusion, Freiburg were awarded a corner in the 95th minute as the Steelmen had to remain switched on for one last time.

A curling delivery arrived in the box and found Goto unmarked, who made no mistake with his header and opened up a two-goal advantage going into the second leg.

Fir Park rose to its feet to applaud an outstanding effort from Motherwell, who, despite playing a man down, showed bravery and courage against one of Europe’s finest sides.

Motherwell Team: Paulsen, Girdwood-Reich, Knight-Lebel, Moormann, Longelo, Hodge, Fadinger, Lowry, Said, Maswanhise, Charles-Cook.

Motherwell Subs: Connelly, McConnell, O’Donnell, Wilson, McAllister, Whyte, Ross, Booth, Vogt, Thomson, Watson, Palmer-Houlden.

Alfred Johansson gives his verdict on the first leg defeat to SC Freiburg.

An easy to read guide on all things matchday related ahead of our match against SC Frieburg.

Kick off is 7:30pm.

Tickets

The Tommy McLean stand is open for home supporters to buy tickets.

The John Hunter Stand and Davie Cooper Stands are sold out, with extremely limited tickets available in the Phil O’Donnell Stand.

You can buy your tickets by CLICKING HERE.

The Ticket Office is open from 9am until kick off.

How to Watch

Our UEFA Conference League match against SC Freiburg will be available to watch via SolidSport.

The match is available to watch for £12.

You are able to purchase your matchday pass by CLICKING HERE.

Travel

We encourage supporters to arrive earlier than usual with a large home support expected.

Please plan your journey accordingly.

Other Information

For supporters seated in the Tommy McLean Stand, enter via turnstiles one and two and follow steward directions. These turnstiles will be open from 6:45pm.

Kiosks and toilets will be open.

There is a tifo prepared by our supporters for the players coming out the tunnel. At 6pm, supporters will be walking from Motherwell town centre up to Fir Park.

We want to remind all supporters that unacceptable conduct will not be tolerated. We ask all supporters to enjoy the match responsibly.

In UEFA matches, UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body can issue and distribute a range of punishments against the football club, including fines, partial stadium bans, away ticket bans, etc.

The club has been fined over €20,000 so far during our Conference League matches. These fines have been distributed due to crowd-related issues that have been flagged by UEFA. Just one supporter coming over the barrier at the front of the stand constitutes a pitch incursion, and the club will be sanctioned once again.

We appeal to all our supporters to please adhere to all stadium guidelines to avoid further financial punishment for the club.

The use of pyrotechnics, pitch incursions, throwing objects, use of laser pointers and any discriminatory behaviour can result in any individual receiving a club ban, a football banning order as well as harsher punishments. We encourage all supporters to get behind the team on what is a huge European night for the football club in a safe and responsible manner.

Food & Drink

Mrs Baillie’s Fanzone will be open from 5pm for home fans only. Singer Niamh Morris will be providing live entertainment from 5:30pm.

The Cooper Bar will be open from 5pm for home fans only, providing food and drink. It will also be open for one hour post-match for those looking to avoid the traffic.

All kiosks will be open in the home stands. Card and cash are accepted.

Weather Forecast

The current forecast is to be a mostly dry evening in North Lanarkshire with light showers and a moderate breeze. Temperatures expected to be around 15 degrees come kick off.

Jake Girdwood-Reich previews the task of taking SC Freiburg, stating it’ll be one of the toughest games he’s ever been involved in.

The centre-back talks about his first few weeks in Scotland how and how he’s settling into life in ML1.

Alfred Johansson discusses Sunday’s disappointing result and how he wants his team to approach the game against Bundesliga side SC Freiburg in the UEFA Conference League playoff round. 

Johansson addresses his team selection and criticism he received following the exit to Stenhousemuir.

Alfred Johansson provided a squad update ahead of the UEFA Conference League playoff first leg match against SC Freiburg.

“Since last week, Oscar [Priestman] and Johnny [Koutroumbis] have been added to the list of load-related injury problems,” the Motherwell manager confirmed.

“They will be out for some time. We don’t know exactly the extent of it.

“Tom [Sparrow] is still suffering from the knock he got against Falkirk. It’s an unusual place where he got the hit, so we have to monitor it day-by-day, week-by-week. Right now, it’s too sore. We’ll have to assess him.

“We’re hoping he’ll [Seb Palmer-Houlden] be involved tomorrow. We’re waiting on international clearance; it should be very doable.”

Stephen O’Donnell, Eythor Bjørgolfsson and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos have all been added to our UEFA squad list for the playoff round.

Whilst they’re included in the overall squad list, Johansson confirmed that Bjørgolfsson and Stamatelopoulos are only building up in training and won’t be available tomorrow night, with the Motherwell manager stating that the three players being named in the squad list does not guarantee their inclusion in matchday squads for either leg.

Seb Palmer-Houlden has joined the club on a three-year deal from Gillingham for an undisclosed fee.

The striker arrives for a second stint in Scotland following a season with Dundee in 2024/25.

“We’ve been looking to strengthen in the forward areas, and Seb is a perfect addition,” Alfred Johansson said.

“With experience here in Scotland, Seb has been playing and scoring at his previous clubs and offers pace, strength and versatility in the forward line. We hope to be able to include him in our Conference League squad for the matches against SC Freiburg.

“The squad has come together nicely, and with some players working their way back from injury, we will have real competition across the pitch in all positions.”

Palmer-Houlden joined the Bristol City Academy at the age of eight and remained with the Robins until 2025. His time at City included a number of loan moves, including to Chippenham Town, Yeovil, Newport County and Dundee. His time with Chippenham and Yeovil was brief, but his big breakthrough came with Newport County in 2023/24.

Playing 42 games, the forward scored nine goals, with his side finishing mid-table and Palmer-Houlden winning Newport County Young Player of the Year.

Palmer-Houlden then joined Dundee on loan for the 24/25 season and made a fast start in the City of Discovery, scoring five goals in his first seven games. Starting 20 of his 39 appearances during his year in Scotland, his performances earned him a permanent move from Bristol City to Gillingham for an undisclosed fee last summer.

His full season at Priestfield Stadium saw him feature 35 times, which included finding the back of the net five times. He played two games this season for the League Two side before penning a two-year deal with the Steelmen.

“I’m so happy to be back in Scotland and, most importantly, at Motherwell,” said Seb Palmer-Houlden.

“It’s no secret about how well this club is doing right now, and the people I’ve spoken to within the club have been so friendly and helpful. It’s already feeling like such a family club.

“Speaking to the manager, he’s made it clear what he wants me to do, and that clarity is so important. I think every footballer would want to play in a team like this, so I feel really privileged to be given this opportunity.

“We have a massive game on Thursday night here, and I can’t wait to see this stadium packed out.”

Ticket and match information have now been confirmed for the second leg of our UEFA Conference League tie against SC Freiburg. 

The match will kick off at 18:45pm local time at the Europa-Park-Stadion. (5:45pm UK Time)

Tickets are on sale and can buy yours by CLICKING HERE.

Supporters can buy a maximum of four tickets per order. We have been given over 2000 tickets to sell.

Prices

Stadium Information

• The stadium and ticket offices open 2 hours before kick-off.
• At the Europa-Park Stadium, payment is possible in cash or by card.
• Next to the ticket office at entrance E4, there is a bag drop-off option.
• Travel information to the stadium can be found here: [Anreise & Parken | SC Freiburg]
• The stadium regulations can be found here: [Stadionordnung | SC Freiburg]

Motherwell take on SC Freiburg in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League playoff round on Thursday 20 August. 

Kick off is 7:30pm at Fir Park.

How to follow the game

Season Ticket holders have until 12 noon on Tuesday 18^th Aug to secure their own seat.

Information surrounding the second leg will be communicated shortly.

You can buy yours by CLICKING HERE.

The Ticket Office will be open from 9am until kick off.

Watch Live

The match will be broadcast live on SolidSport.

You can buy your matchday pass by CLICKING HERE.

What else is happening?

Mrs Baillie’s Fanzone will be open from 5pm for home fans only. Singer Niamh Morris will be providing live entertainment from 5:30pm.

The Cooper Bar will be open from 5pm for home fans only, providing food and drink. It will also be open for one hour post-match for those looking to avoid the traffic.

Hospitality

91 Lounge is SOLD OUT.

Centenary Suite

• 2-course meal
• Main stand seating
• Half-time tea/coffee and pie
• Pay bar facility
• Match programme and team sheet

Price: £60pp

12 and under: £30 (kids meal) 

Cooper Box

• 2 x complimentary drinks served to your box pre-match
• Access to Cooper Suite pre-match, half-time and at full-time for refreshments
• Half-time buffet served in the Cooper Suite
• Indoor seat in an executive Cooper Box
• Match programme and team sheet

Price: £60pp

12 and under: £30

Dress code for all areas is smart – no jeans, trainers or colours permitted. To book, please phone our hospitality team on 01698 338003 or email: hospitality@motherwellfc.co.uk

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will be around the 14 degree mark for kick off, with periods of rain throughout the day. Humidity is expected to be around 77%.

Motherwell’s Fortunes

The Steelmen suffered their first competitive defeat of the season under Alfred Johansson on Sunday against Stenhousemuir.

A disappointing afternoon will have to be put behind the squad quickly as they prepare to face SC Freiburg for the chance to play in the league phase of a European competition for the first time ever.

Opposition Report

The narrative surrounding our opponents has been mainly around how the Bundesliga side reached the Europa League final last season, before falling to a 3-0 defeat to Premier League Aston Villa in the final.

They produced some impressive performances on the road to the final, defeating sides such as Nice, Genk, Basel and Celta Vigo, and it rounded off a highly-successful season.

Under the stewardship of former captain Julian Schuster, Freiburg qualified for UEFA Conference League football by finishing 7th in the Bundesliga standings. In the DFB-Pokal cup, they reached the semi-finals, going to the hands of Stuttgart in extra-time.

Schuster has been in charge since 2024, and is adored by the Freiburg fanbase. He guided his beloved club to a fifth place finish in the 24/25 Bundesliga standings, and has managed to cope with a turnaround in the playing squad.

Freiburg and the Steelmen certainly have that in common this summer, waving goodbye to a number of key stars. Motherwell have lot Elijah Just for a club-record fee, Calum Ward moved to QPR and Elliot Watt moved to Turkey for an undisclosed fee. The German have also saw some of their talent move on.

Johan Manzambi joined Aston Villa for a club-record deal, rumoured to be around the €50 million mark. Merlin Röhl also moved to the Premier League with Everton.

And as some of their stars remain in the spotlight, recruitment has been key and amongst their ranks are some top performers.

Japanese star Yuito Suzuki moved from Brøndby to Freiburg in the summer of 2025, setting a new club-record sale for Danish side. The forward scored nine goals in his first season and represented his country at the World Cup this summer.

Another notable name in the forward area is Igor Matanovic who moved from fellow Bundesliga side Frankfurt in 2025. The Croatian international scored 15 goals in his maiden campaign and is highly regarded in Europe.

Take a closer look at our summer acquisitions. 

SAOIRSE COYLE-MORROW
POSITION: Midfielder
PARENT CLUB: Rangers

Highly-rated midfielder, Saoirse Coyle-Morrow has joined the club on a season-long loan deal from Rangers.

The exciting 16-year-old talent broke through the ranks at Celtic before crossing the Glasgow divide at only 12-years-old.

She rose sharply through the ranks at Ibrox before making her senior debut at 15-years-old in the Sky Sports Cup Quarter-Final victory over Partick Thistle.

Her first senior goal soon followed, with Coyle-Morrow bending home an unstoppable free-kick to secure a dominant 8-0 victory over Renfrew Ladies in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.

“I’m really excited to be here at Motherwell,” Coyle-Morrow said.

“I was looking for an opportunity to play regular first-team action and gain that experience in the top-flight.

“Motherwell seemed like the perfect fit for me, and I’m looking forward to getting started. ”

EVA THOMSON
POSITION: Forward
FORMER CLUB: Aberdeen

Forward Eva Thomson has penned a permanent deal after departing Aberdeen this summer.

A product of the Westdyke Ladies youth system, Thomson climbed the ranks before signing for Aberdeen in July 2019 – becoming one of the first five players to be signed under Semi-professional terms in May 2022.

In her first full campaign with the Dons, Thomson netted 10-times across 18-appearances before netting another six the following year, as Thomson supported Aberdeen to double promotions.

Despite her youthful age of 22, Thomson has earned a wealth of professional experience – earning 190-appearances for Aberdeen, scoring 38 in all competitions.

Her standout performances in the Granite City merited a two-year contract extension, which expired this summer – enabling the forward to commit to ML1.

“I’m delighted to join the club,” Thomson said.

“After speaking with Iain, he really sold me on the club, and where they want to go in the future.

“It was something, I simply wanted to be a part of. I can’t wait to get started.”
Thomson has also featured on the international stage, earning caps for Scotland at the under-16 age group.

Thomson continued to impress in the previous campaign, being awarded the April SPWPL Goal of the Month, whilst also being nominated for the SPWPL Player of the Month.

MIA McARTHUR
POSITION: Midfielder
PARENT CLUB: Rangers

Midfielder Mia McArthur has completed a loan deal from Rangers until the end of the season, subject to SFA clearance.

The youngster will rejoin the women of steel after impressing on-loan last campaign.

McArthur cemented her place alongside Lucy Ronald in the Motherwell midfield last season, gaining a wealth of senior experience after regularly featuring for Scottish Power Women’s Premier League 2 side, Gartcairn across the first-half of the 2025/26 campaign.

“I’m really pleased to be back here at Motherwell,” McArthur said.

“The squad welcomed me with open arms last season, and there was a really great feeling in the dressing room. Iain gave me my senior debut in the top-flight, and I felt that it was still the perfect environment for me to develop as a player.

“I can’t wait to meet up with the squad again.”

The 19-year-old’s performances on the domestic footballing scene have continued to catch the eye internationally, with McArthur regularly selected to represent the Scotland under-19 squad.

OLIVIA McSTAY
POSITION: Defender
FORMER CLUB: Hamilton Accies

Exciting young defender, Olivia McStay has signed a permanent deal following her recent departure from Hamilton Accies.

McStay, 18, broke through the ranks at Celtic, and has been one of our most promising talents in Scotland. Despite an opportunity to continue with Celtic, McStay opted to receive senior first-team football as soon as possible, signing permanently for Hamilton Accies last year after spending the previous season on-loan.

The former Celtic academy prodigy is a third-generation footballing talent – following in the footsteps of her dad, Jock McStay who broke through the youth ranks at Fir Park before making his senior debut with the club in the 1980s.

Francis McStay being another notable family member with deep ties to ML1. Francis is amongst Motherwell’s top-15 record appearance holders, making 214-appearances for the club across eight years spanning the World War 1 Period.

The most recognised family member being Celtic’s third all-time appearance holder and Scotland legend, Paul McStay, but regardless of her illustrious family history, Olivia has been forging her own path in the game.
“I’m really excited to be here,” McStay said.

“The squad have really made me feel welcome, and I can’t wait to get started.
“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend.”

McStay will be Head Coach, Iain Robinson’s fourth addition of the summer transfer window.

SOPHIE RUTHERFORD
POSITION: Midfielder
PARENT CLUB: Rangers

Midfielder Sophie Rutherford has completed a season-long loan deal from Rangers.

The young midfielder joins fellow Rangers loanees Mia McArthur and Saoirse Coyle-Morrow in ML1 this summer.

Rutherford has already gained a vast amount of first-team experience, featuring in successive loan spells for Queens Park in SWPL2.

“I’m really excited to be here at Motherwell,” Rutherford said.

“I obviously know Mia [McArthur] really well from Rangers, and she spoke so highly of the club, and were they were wanting to go this season.

“I just knew then that I wanted to be a part of it.”

MORGAN ANDERSON
POSITION: Forward
FORMER CLUB: Gartcairn

Forward Morgan Anderson has joined the club on a permanent basis from Gartcairn.

A product of Drumchapel United, Anderson soon joined partner club Partick Thistle – becoming the first player to make such a move through the pathway to first-team football at the club.

The then 17-year-old became a consistent presence within the ranks of the Partick Thistle squad – impressing former Head Coach, Brian Graham.

“I’m really pleased to have signed with the club,” Anderson said.

“Motherwell have got a strong reputation of playing and developing younger players, and giving them opportunities of experience in the Scottish top-flight.

“I’m ready to battle for a place in a really talented squad, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Anderson has since developed in Lanarkshire with Gartcairn, impressing in the Scottish Women’s Premier League 2.

LUCY SINCLAIR
POSITION: Midfielder
FORMER CLUB: Partick Thistle

Midfielder Lucy Sinclair has returned to the club on a permanent basis following her recent departure from Partick Thistle.

The 23-year-old returns to ML1 after previously departing the club in 2021 to pursue consistent first-team opportunities.

After safely guiding local rivals, Hamilton Accies past the SWPL relegation-playoff’s, Sinclair soon made her mark in Glasgow – joining Partick Thistle in July 2023.

Sinclair’s maiden campaign in Maryhill predictably ended in success, with the youngster named the Partick Thistle Young Player of the Year. The midfielder soon repeated the feat the following season, reclaiming the award after another impressive campaign in red and yellow.

Her immense contributions were unfortunately cut short the following year, with an ACL injury against Dundee united ruling Sinclair out of action for the foreseeable future.

“I’m really excited to be back at the club,” Sinclair said.

“I feel like a completely different player and person from the one that last walked through the doors at Fir Park.

“Last season was incredibly tough for myself, coping with a long-term injury, but I’m incredibly excited to be back on the pitch, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Refreshed, recovered and ready to reclaim lost time, Sinclair returns to Lanarkshire, as Head Coach Iain Robinson’s fifth summer acquisition.

ELLIE MacDONALD
POSITION: Midfielder
FORMER CLUB: Queen’s Park

Midfielder Ellie MacDonald has joined the club on a permanent basis following her recent departure from Queens Park this summer.

The 2025-26 Queens Park Coaches Player of the Year will compete in the Scottish top-flight after supporting the Spiders to the Scottish Power Women’s Premier League Playoff Final last season.

“I’m really excited by the opportunity to play for Motherwell,” MacDonald said.

“After working with Iain previously, and understanding his style of play, I knew it was an opportunity that I simply couldn’t say no to.

“I can’t wait to meet up with everyone and get started.”

The 24-year-old became a standout performer in Glasgow last season, and has returned to play for Iain Robinson after previously working together whilst at Queens Park.

LEAH SIDEY
POSITION: Midfielder
FORMER CLUB: Boroughmuir Thistle

Midfielder Leah Sidey has completed a permanent move to the club following her recent departure from Scottish Power Women’s Premier League 2 side, Boroughmuir Thistle.

Sidey’s maiden campaign in the Scottish capital predictably ended in success, with the midfielder named the 2025-26 Boroughmuir Thistle Player of the Year and the Supporters Player of the Year following her previous departure from St. Johnstone.

The former Dundee United youngster broke through into the senior ranks at a young age, signing a part-time professional contract in the City of Discovery.

“I’m really pleased to get this over the line,” Sidey said.

“I absolutely loved my time at Boroughmuir Thistle, and was able to really get the best out of myself, but I felt that I needed to experience a new challenge.

“After speaking with Iain, and training alongside the team in pre-season, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the squad. I’m looking forward to getting started.”

A midfielder by trade, Sidey is capable of operating in a variety of roles, but favours the left flank – earning over 50-appearances for the Tangerines in the process.

Sidey has racked up a considerable amount of senior first-team experience, featuring for United, St. Johnstone, Spartans and Boroughmuir Thistle.

JUSTINE STRAIN
POSITION: Forward
FORMER CLUB: Livingston

Striker Justine Strain has secured a permanent move to Motherwell following her recent departure from Scottish Power Women’s Premier League 2 side Livingston.

A fundamental component in the Lions frontline, Strain became a shining light in amidst a somewhat disappointing campaign for the SPWPL 2 team. Strain became the club’s top-goalscorer, whilst simultaneously batting her way to the summit of the SPWPL2 Goalscoring charts – earning the golden boot with 18-goals.

“I’m really excited to be a Motherwell player,” Strain said.

“Last season was a real high for myself personally, and I felt ready to take that next step in my career, and Motherwell felt like the perfect place for me to do that.

“After conversations with Iain, he expressed a real eagerness to bring me to the club, so it was very simple for me to make the decision to sign for Motherwell.”

Following an emphatic campaign for the 17-year-old, the SPWPL2 top-goalscorer soon earned her place in the Team of the Year – one of only four players from the second-division to make the squad.