The first friendly of December took place at Freiburg’s training ground. For both teams it was the first match after the break for the World Cup. In the first half, SC fielded all of the first team players that have returned to training again. In the second half, Benjamin Uphoff and Jonathan Schmid were joined on the field exclusively by members of the U23s. FC Luzern were also missing their players who took part in the World Cup, among them Freiburg-born Mohamed Dräger. The Swiss team did have one Freiburg-born player in their starting eleven, however, in the shape of Pius Dorn.

The visitors from Lucerne got off to the better start. A poorly-executed SC freekick in their opposition’s half was concerned by FCL and Max Meyer put them 1-0 up (19’). The former Schalke player currently wears the shirt of sixth-placed team in the Swiss Super League having previously had spells at Crystal Palace, 1. FC Köln, Fenerbahce and FC Midtjylland. Meyer was also directly involved in the second goal, with his corner headed home by Ismajl Beka (27’).

SC had had three shots until this point through Kevin Schade, Lucas Höler and Nicolas Höfler. The fourth then led to the first goal. Schade dribbled to the touchline before crossing for Lucas Höler who managed to half the deficit from close range (36‘).

Freiburg changed their entire eleven at half time. The best opportunity to equalise came through Mika Baur ten minutes into the second half, but the 18-year-old struck the crossbar with a power shot. At the other end, SC striker Maximilian Breunig cleared off the line to prevent the guests a third.

Breunig, who has recently made three appearances in the 3. Liga following a long injury lay-off, scored for the first time in a SC shirt. The new signing from Würzburger Kickers was there to head home a cross from Philipp Treu with fifteen minutes remaining. Goalkeeper Benjamin Uphoff was later called into action to keep the score at 2-2, doing well to prevent Joaquin Ardaiz after he had run through on goal.

“The first half was okay, even if the errors for their goals were annoying,” said head coach Christian Streich after the friendly. “The young lads then did an absolutely great job against a Swiss first division side, which we wanted to see.” This coming Monday, SC are expecting to have all their international players back that are not currently still in the World Cup. As a result, a larger proportion of the squad should be available for the next friendly this coming Thursday (16.12., 13:30 CET) against Karlsruher SC. The game against KSC will be live-streamed for free.

SC first half: Flekken - Sildillia, Gulde, Schlotterbeck, Kübler - Sallai, Eggestein, Höfler, Schade - Petersen, Höler.

SC second half: Uphoff - Treu, Stark, Makengo, Guttau - Schmid, Wiklöf, Engelhardt, Baur - Breunig, Vermeij.