There is no place like home. That old moniker has certainly rung true for SC this season. The team have gone 16 home matches in all competitions without defeat at the Europa-Park Stadion (12 wins, four draws). Our last defeat in Freiburg dates back to the opening matchday of the season in August. In the Bundesliga alone, Freiburg are unbeaten in their last eleven home games, the ground having become a real fortress this campaign. The club record stands at twelve consecutive unbeaten home matches in a Bundesliga season, set in 2022/23. A win or draw against Union Berlin would see SC equal that mark.

It was hardly a surprise, then, when Noah Atubolu said after the Europa League match in Genk: “We’re playing at home, so we’re really looking forward to it.” Fans at the Europa-Park Stadion were treated to some fantastic forward-thinking football last Saturday against Bayer 04 Leverkusen. “It’s no secret that, at home and with the support of our fans, we’re capable of a lot,” said Julian Schuster.

For this game, SC Freiburg and the club’s supporters’ association have organised a large-scale deposit cup collection campaign. Clearly marked bins will be placed around the stadium. The donations will go to the trauma support centre “Masternia” in Freiburg’s Ukrainian sister city Lviv, which provides support in the warzone, helping both war veterans and civilians cope with trauma.

A physical challenge against Union

Maximilian Eggestein may well return to the starting lineup against Union, having missed the Europa League tie in Belgium through suspension. “Maxi has started every single game this season, so there’s a very high chance he’ll feature again on Sunday,” said Schuster. Aside from Max Rosenfelder and Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, the head coach and his team have a full squad to choose from. Niklas Beste is also expected to be match-fit despite taking a blow to the face in Genk and leaving the pitch with a black eye. “The medical department have done a great job, so everyone should be available again for the match against Union.”

Freiburg can also expect a tough physical battle against Union. Few teams in the division commit more fouls than the Berlin-based side, with only FC Augsburg having received more yellow cards this season. Cast an eye to the table, and the closing stages of the campaign could also prove intense for the club from the capital: since the winter break, they have won just one of ten matches and now sit only four points above the relegation play-off spot.

Schuster has also noted their combative style of play: “They’ve lacked consistency in their results, but they can still surprise any team. Recent games have shown how demanding it is to face them, especially from a physical point of view.”

Photo: Ottmar Winter