There were no changes to the starting XI for SC’s second Bundesliga home game of the season, although the teams emerged to different music. Instead of Wolfmother’s “Joker & the Thief”, “SC Freiburg, für uns immer vorn” rang around the Europa-Park Stadion, accompanied by a tifo from the fans on the Südtribüne that included a banner reading: “You are the king of our city.” A little over 90 minutes later, the Südtribüne were celebrating their team as the “kings of the Europa-Park Stadion.”

Both sets of supporters were in fine voice from the outset. That was particularly notable for the travelling fans, who had arrived in Freiburg still waiting for something to celebrate after the opening two matchdays – and would leave southern Germany empty-handed once again. The Foals had begun the season with two defeats, including a 4-3 loss to newly promoted SV Elversberg after having led 3-1.

Two good chances to take the lead early on

Gladbach initially made an even contest of it, but SC still created the first chance. Yuito Suzuki found Philipp Treu, who got a shot away from inside the box, but Moritz Nicolas made a comfortable save (11’). The Gladbach goalkeeper had to work much harder two minutes later, just managing to push Engelhardt’s effort around the post. “We had to put in a lot of work in the first 15 minutes. The lads did just that, and that allowed us to take control of the game,” said head coach Julian Schuster afterwards.

Those two chances marked the start of a strong period of pressure from SC. Matanović was brought down just outside the box in the 15th minute, although Derry Scherhant’s resulting free kick struck the wall. Gladbach were now struggling to get out of their own half and Freiburg soon got their reward. Nicolas came out for a corner but failed to intercept the ball, leaving Engelhardt free at the back post to head home to make it 1-0 (23’). His celebrations were muted, having spent last season with the Foals.

Matanović doubles SC’S lead

The travelling supporters were still bouncing in the away end, although they were now barely audible. No sooner had chants of “fight and win” come from the Gladbach end than Nicolas was picking the ball out of his net again. Matthias Ginter found Matanović, whose first-time effort from 17 metres flew in off the inside of the post to make it 2-0 (29’).

Mio Backhaus then almost registered an assist in the 38th minute. Following a Gladbach attack, the goalkeeper quickly launched the ball upfield. Suzuki raced onto it, but Nicolas denied him one-on-one.

SC gain a man advantage

SC continued to dictate proceedings after the break, as Gladbach’s Tim Kleindienst was then shown a second yellow (52’). The striker had already been booked in the first half, and was sent off after a late challenge on Philipp Lienhart. 

With the extra man, captain Maximilian Eggestein – who had extended his contract during the week – and his teammates kept possession and patiently waited for openings. There were no further clear-cut chances until the 73rd minute, when Matanović met a cross with his head from close range, only for Nicolas to keep it out. Despite the prospect of a third straight defeat, the travelling fans continued to bounce and sing, while the home crowd could already look forward to another Bundesliga victory – SC’s third in a row.

A brace apiece

Matanović made sure of the win with his second of the afternoon in the 77th minute. Jordy Makengo did brilliantly down the left before delivering a cross, and the Croatia international easily headed home for 3-0. Less than two minutes later, Engelhardt also completed his brace, finding the bottom corner from 16 metres out to make it 4-0. “I’ve never scored twice in a game as a professional before. It was a brilliant Saturday afternoon and one we can enjoy,” said the 25-year-old, who was named Man of the Match after the final whistle.

After scoring in Paderborn and extending his contract during the week, Eggestein also got his name on the scoresheet. Nicolas failed to secure the ball in the 83rd minute and Eggestein was perfectly placed to turn home the rebound to make it 5-0. Substitute Cyriaque Irié then inadvertently diverted the ball towards his own goal late on, forcing Backhaus into an excellent save to tip it over the bar.

The Südtribüne continued to sing after the full-time whistle as they celebrated both the deserved home win and SC’s place at the top of the table. “We were in control for most of the game. The red card obviously helped us. The lads were completely switched on and made sure the momentum stayed with us,” said Schuster after the emphatic victory.

Photo: Stephan Eckenfels