SC Freiburg kicked off the new Bundesliga season with a commanding 4-1 home win over Werder Bremen. Yuito Suzuki was the match-winner with a perfect hat-trick for Christian Streich's side, which finished seventh last season with 47 points.
The match was reported by Der Spiegel Fussball. Freiburg led 2-0 at halftime after Suzuki headed home from a Niklas Beste corner in the 29th minute and Igor Matanović added a second just before the break. Matanović also assisted Suzuki's second goal in the 48th minute, before the Japanese forward completed his hat-trick in the 55th. The only consolation for Bremen was a late goal from Dariusz Stalmach in the 76th minute.
Who was SC Freiburg's best player?
Yuito Suzuki dominated the game almost single-handedly. The Japanese attacker scored in the 29th, 48th, and 55th minutes, giving the Werder defense no respite. His off-the-ball movement and precise finishing were decisive. He was strongly supported by Igor Matanović, who scored one and provided an assist. Goalkeeper Mio Backhaus, who joined Freiburg from Werder for a record fee of 12 million euros this summer, also had a solid game against his former club.
What problems does Werder Bremen face?
For Werder Bremen, the evening was disastrous news, as captain Marco Friedl called it. Not only the heavy defeat but especially the severe injury to Jens Stage is a major blow. The Danish midfielder, Werder's top scorer for the past two seasons, suffered a serious muscle tear in his thigh during training on Saturday. He is expected to be out for several months. Sporting director Clemens Fritz described it as a huge shock for the team. He expressed optimism, however, about signing a replacement before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.
What's next for both teams?
SC Freiburg can start the season optimistically after this opener. The team, which was a Europa League finalist last season, delivered a cohesive performance. The next task is an away match against newly promoted SC Paderborn 07 on Saturday, September 5th. Werder Bremen, in contrast, must react quickly. After the defeat and the personnel setback, Daniel Thioune's team hosts RB Leipzig on the same day. Bremen are in 16th place after the first matchday. Freiburg's full schedule can be found on our fixtures page, with current squad details in the squad section.
Last season's statistical record underscores Freiburg's consistency: with 13 wins, 8 draws, and 13 losses, scoring 51 and conceding 57 goals, they secured seventh place. They finished 42 points behind the champions. The recent form from the final five games of last season (WLDLW) has now been continued with a clear victory. The team has shown it remains competitive after its European final run.
