Backed by a strong team performance, the stars of today’s game were the summer signings. Three of SC new additions found their way onto the scoresheet, and could be found giving interviews to several of the media outlets present after the final whistle.

“We expected Augsburg to look to engage us in one-on-ones throughout the game. It wasn’t easy, and we struggled during the first half,” said SC coach Christian Streich, adding “We got off to a better start in the second half, because we scored two quick goals. I was pleased with how each player gave their all for the team. That goes for every single player, and they’ve earned this praise.”

Streich made two changes to the starting line-up following the first-round win against Kaiserslautern in the DFB-Pokal last weekend. Lukas Kübler (knock) was replaced by Kiliann Sildillia, with Roland Sallai coming in for Wooyeong Jeong. FCA coach Enrico Maaßen named an unchanged XI from their 4-0 cup win against BW Lohne.

No goals in the first half

Compared to recent days, the temperature had cooled off noticeably ahead of today’s clash, which took place under a cloudy sky at the WWK Arena. The first chance of the game fell to the hosts, with Daniel Caligiuri sending a shot over the bar after a failed block from Philipp Lienhart (4’). Freiburg’s first chance came through a nice link-up between Vincenzo Grifo and former FCA man Michael Gregoritsch, but the latter missed the target with his weaker right foot (17’). The linesman’s flag had gone up beforehand, however, alerting the referee to an offside position.

Prior to kick-off, Streich had warned about the likelihood of FCA pressing high and being more aggressive than in previous seasons. Instead, the hosts seemed content to allow SC to push forward, seeking to cut off options in midfield in order to counter quickly.

SC played plenty of long balls in the opening half, looking to find their way into the final third. The strategy began to bear fruit midway through the half, with Gikiewicz forced to push a shot over the bar (29’) and having to watch as Christian Günter sent an effort crashing off the left post (32’). Just before the break, Maximilian Eggestein nearly opened the scoring on the counter, but his shot sailed just wide (45’+3).

Freiburg strike twice in quick succession

Freiburg didn’t need long after the restart to get on the board. Sildillia won the ball on the edge of the FCA penalty box and sent a cross into the box, which Gregoritsch converted with his head just 16 seconds into the second half.

Not even two minutes later, SC had the ball in the back of the net again. A foul on Eggestein saw SC awarded a free kick just outside the box, which Grifo masterfully stroked into the top corner (48’).

The visitors continued to press hard, with Sallai netting a third in the 55th minute, although the goal was then disallowed after review.

Ginter and Doan wrap up the victory

Instead, it would be Matthias Ginter who would make it 3-0 on his first Bundesliga game back in SC colours, volleying in from a free kick (61’). FCA were unable to find their way back into the game, as Freiburg added yet another goal to their tally. Again, it was a new signing that added their name to the scoresheet, with Doan slotting home after being played through by a combination of Nils Petersen and Daniel-Kofi Kyereh (78’).

Together with the 2,000 fans that had made the trip to Augsburg, SC were able to celebrate a dream start to the 2022/23 Bundesliga season. On Friday, they will welcome Borussia Dortmund to the Europa-Park Stadion (20:30 CEST).

Photo: Achim Keller