It’s not often in football that events on the pitch have so little relevance when looking back at a fixture from the past. However, that’s the case for Heidenheim’s one and only visit to Freiburg in the Bundesliga. The real highlights didn’t come until after the final whistle of a relatively uneventful 1-1 draw, as the emotion of the occasion began to take hold: Christian Streich’s moving words as he bid farewell to the fans after his final home game, FCH coach Frank Schmidt’s heartfelt tribute to his long-serving colleague in the opposite dugout, the lap of honour raucously cheered by fans from both the home and away sections, the amazing tifo from the south stand, and the final chants from the supporters to mark the end of a truly special era.

Nine months later, it’s a very different scenario. While Heidenheim continue to be under the leadership of Frank Schmidt and have successfully navigated the difficult first league phase of the UEFA Conference League, they are struggling domestically in their second Bundesliga season. Meanwhile at SC, even just the new face in the dugout of Julian Schuster is enough of a drastic change.

Despite a recent blip, the start of this new era for the club has been largely successful. With 30 points after 20 matchdays, Freiburg sit just outside the European spots and have got back on track with their crucial win at Bochum after a run of three straight defeats. “We went to Bochum under a lot of pressure, but I have to pay compliments to the team. We’re making good progress in terms of the way we play football, but it’s not something that can happen overnight,” said Schuster.

Former Heidenheim star Beste in line for SC debut

Now the coach is hoping his team can follow up that away win with three points in front of a sell-out home crowd. The game rolls around too quickly for Max Rosenfelder and Florent Muslija to play a part, while Michael Gregoritsch is a doubt for Saturday due to a virus. 

New signing Niklas Beste could well make his debut for SC against his former club, as Schuster revealed at his pre-match press conference: “We’re delighted that he is now officially a Freiburg player. He can play in various positions in attack and has a very good left foot. With the way he’s presented himself in training so far, he’s an option for Saturday.”

There is little chance that the two sides will get caught up in the nostalgia of their last meeting in Breisgau. While the visitors are fighting for their lives in the relegation battle, SC are looking to continue their positive trend and keep tabs on the race for Europe.

Photo: Achim Keller