Leipzig memories motivate the Pharaoh.. Mohamed Salah leads Trabzonspor against Freiburg with sky high morale

05.11.26 12:45 Europa Conference League

Trabzonspor

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Freiburg

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Mohamed Salah is preparing for another European challenge as Trabzonspor welcome German side Freiburg to Papara Park on Thursday 5 November in Matchday 3 of the 2026 /27 UEFA Conference League.

The 34 year old Egyptian international has enjoyed an impressive start to his first European campaign with the Turkish club scoring in both of Trabzonspor's opening matches and playing a decisive role in their perfect start.

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Salah aims for third consecutive European scoring appearance

The former Liverpool star has established himself as one of Trabzonspor's most influential players since his summer move to Turkey.

Salah has registered two goals and two assists in his first two Conference League appearances this season.

He began the league phase by scoring and providing an assist in Trabzonspor's 4-2 away victory over Finnish side KuPS on 15 October.

As Foot Africa previously reported, the Egyptian produced an impressive performance despite concerns surrounding the artificial playing surface.

Salah subsequently continued his excellent form against Scottish club Hearts on 22 October.

The winger opened the scoring from the penalty spot before assisting Franculino Djú's second half goal in a comfortable 2-0 victory.

That performance also saw Salah reach the ten goal mark for the 12th consecutive club season, further underlining his extraordinary consistency.

His goal and assist against Hearts demonstrated his importance to Thomas Reis's attacking system.

A goal against Freiburg would therefore extend his scoring run to three consecutive Conference League matches.

A familiar challenge: Salah's history against German clubs

Although Thursday's encounter represents a new challenge in Trabzonspor colours, Salah is no stranger to facing German opposition in European football.

During his distinguished Liverpool career, the Egyptian delivered several memorable performances against Bundesliga clubs.

One notable example came in the 2020 /21 Champions League round of 16 against RB Leipzig.

Salah scored in both legs as Liverpool secured consecutive 2-0 victories, progressing to the quarter finals with a 4-0 aggregate triumph.

In the first leg, played on 16 February 2021, the Egyptian capitalised on a defensive mistake to open the scoring before Senegal international Sadio Mane doubled Liverpool's advantage.

Salah then found the net again in the return leg on 10 March, demonstrating his ability to deliver in decisive European encounters.

Now representing Trabzonspor, the Egyptian faces another Bundesliga opponent, with Freiburg presenting an opportunity to draw on that experience.

Unlike his previous encounters with German clubs in the Champions League, Thursday's match comes in UEFA's third tier European competition, where Salah has already demonstrated his determination to make an impact.

Trabzonspor's African attacking options face injury concerns

Salah is not the only African international attracting attention ahead of the encounter.

Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu could play an important role in Trabzonspor's attack although his fitness has been monitored following recent injury problems.

The Super Eagles forward returned to the starting lineup against Gaziantep after missing two league matches.

Meanwhile, Guinea-Bissau international Franculino Djú remains a fitness concern.

The 22 year old has been one of Trabzonspor's most dangerous attacking players in the Conference League, scoring three goals in the opening two matches.

His potential absence could force Reis to adjust his attacking approach, placing additional creative responsibility on Salah.

As Foot Africa previously highlighted, the understanding between Salah and Franculino has already produced important goals for the Turkish side.

Trabzonspor also have Cameroon international Andre Onana among their goalkeeping options, while Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu offers another African presence in the squad.

Cape Verde international Sidny Lopes Cabral however is suspended following his red card against Hearts.

Freiburg could also feature Burkina Faso international Cyriaque Irié who has scored once in the competition this season.

When is Trabzonspor vs Freiburg?

The UEFA Conference League encounter between Trabzonspor and Freiburg takes place on Thursday 5 November 2026 at Papara Park in Trabzon, Turkey.

Kick off is scheduled for 17:45 GMT.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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Trabzonspor

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Europa Conference League