One game remains to determine which continental competition SC will be competing in next season: the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League. Opponents Leverkusen have already been able to guarantee themselves a spot in the Champions League after a two-year absence, following their 4-2 win against Hoffenheim last weekend.

Despite the uncertainty generated by this situation, there was no time to waste on calculating potential outcomes this week. Instead, the team were focused on analysing last weekend’s defeat to Union Berlin and the issues that led them to concede four goals. “The game didn’t go our way at all, despite the team creating more chances on goal than ever before against Union,” Christian Streich said about the 4-1 loss. “We weren’t aggressive enough out of possession and weren’t alert enough either.”

However, Streich is not expecting the Werkself to take it easy this weekend, given that they have nothing left to play for. “Leverkusen are a top team, as we have seen over the last several years. It will be a tough game. What matters is how we perform, not what they do,” the head coach laid out.

SC will be looking to get back to the basics this weekend and play their game in order to bring their strong season to a fitting end. “We want to crown this season with a really strong performance in Leverkusen. That’s our aim, and we want to show that we deserve to be where we are,” said Streich, the current longest serving coach in the Bundesliga.

Earlier this season, SC delivered one of their best performances of the season, winning 2-1 against Gerardo Seoane’s side. “We are heading into the game with confidence, optimism and our heads held high. We need another strong team performance in order to be successful,” said Streich.

The team will be without Kevin Schade, Yannik Keitel and Noah Weißhaupt, as the trio remains sidelined with injuries.

Photo: Achim Keller