Motherwell
will complete Conference League qualification with a Thursday evening in
Freiburg.
This will
be the sixth game in the Steelmen’s European adventure but only the most
extreme view through claret and amber glasses would suggest the tour will be extended.
A cruel
late goal at Fir Park in the first leg gave Freiburg a two goal advantage for
this return leg at the Europa-Park stadium and the home side are overwhelming
favourites to progress.
While Motherwell enjoyed a free weekend their opponents stretched their legs in the first round of the DFB-Pokal against third tier Fortuna Dusseldorf. They made five changes from their previous game and were comfortable 5-1 winners.
Around
1,500 will travel to the Black Forest to back Alfred Johansson and his
team. They take heart from the home leg
performance despite the defeat. The
determination to stick to the tried and tested method that has become
Motherwell’s style won praise from those inside and outside of Fir Park. We can expect more on Thursday.
The welcome
gap between the two legs affords a short recuperation period for the hard
worked squad. The injury list has
restricted the manager’s options but the return of Stephen O’Donnell provides a
boost.
The ‘Well
line-up will be close to last week’s and we can be assured that there will be
no lack of commitment. At the same time
Johansson has to be mindful that domestic football awaits three days after the
return from Germany.
Let’s hope
for safe and enjoyable travels for the Lanarkshire contingent and that they
bring back good memories even after a 2-0 defeat.
