SC Freiburg kicks off the 2026/27 Bundesliga season with a home match against Werder Bremen on Sunday at 15:30 CEST. Under coach Julian Schuster, the team aims to extend a perfect record of three competitive wins in ten days and avoid a poor start like last year. The club's official website, www.scfreiburg.com, reports in its latest match preview.
Freiburg finished the previous season in eighth place with 40 points from 29 games. A record of 11 wins, 7 draws, and 11 losses, along with a goal difference of 42 scored and 47 conceded, highlights the desire for a better beginning. Recent form before the summer break showed fluctuations with a WLWLD pattern.
How is Freiburg preparing for the season opener?
Preparation has been ideal. Three matches in ten days, two in the UEFA Conference League and one in the DFB-Pokal, all ended in victory. Seven of the twelve goals scored came from set pieces, showcasing a team strength. "Now it really gets going," said Philipp Treu. "We started last season with two defeats, and we absolutely cannot let that happen again." The memory of the 3-1 home loss to Augsburg and the 4-1 defeat in Cologne serves as a warning. Before last season, Freiburg went six consecutive years unbeaten in their opening league fixture.
The current workload is intense. The match against Bremen is already the fourth competitive game in ten days and the third in a different competition. Furthermore, the squad is missing key players. Currently sidelined, as listed on the injuries page, are Florent Muslija, Patrick Osterhage, and Rihito Yamamoto. Their absence tests the team's depth.
What challenge does Werder Bremen present?
The opponent from Bremen has strengthened its squad over the summer and arrives with high expectations. New arrivals include Germany international Niclas Füllkrug, Ludovit Reis, and Eren Dinkci, who moved on loan from Breisgau to the Weser. Julian Schuster believes Füllkrug can handle pressure, shoulders responsibility, and can get the best out of teammates. "Werder Bremen represents a different level of quality compared to Motherwell F.C.," said Schuster, referencing their last Conference League opponent. Bremen is described as a dynamic team, but one Freiburg has often troubled in the past, winning seven of the last eight Bundesliga meetings.
What does the season opener mean for Freiburg's goals?
A good start is vital for the entire season's planning. After finishing eighth and 36 points behind leaders Bayern Munich last term, the team wants to keep pace early. The opening matches set the tone. The team must continue the basic work that brought success in the first three wins. "We remember those games, and that’s also helped us during our preparations this time around," said Schuster. "For all the progress we’ve made, we mustn’t forget the basics."
Focus is now fully on the first Bundesliga match at the Europa-Park Stadion. A win would not only extend the perfect streak but also mean three immediate points in the race for European places. The full season schedule can be checked on the fixtures page. The team knows the league is a different caliber but is confident after the early successes.
