The team went unbeaten in their recent double game week, coming out with two wins and a draw. A clear 3-0 win against VfL Bochum was then followed by a dominant 3-1 victory over HSV in the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal, before a 3-3 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Comeback spoiled by a late goal 

After celebrating clear wins in their first two games last week, the draw against Gladbach left the team with rather mixed feelings. “Of course I was annoyed because we would have deserved to take all three points. However, we did well to come back and to create so many chances after a tough cup match in midweek,” said Christian Streich. Once again, the team showed incredible morale to come back to take the lead from two goals down, before Lars Stindl’s last-minute equaliser denied them the win. 

Despite the heavy workload in recent weeks, the coaching staff will still be looking to improve on certain things ahead of this weekend’s trip to Sinsheim. “We need to do better in certain areas compared to the Gladbach game. There were three situations in which we didn’t defend well. Then, you end up with a scoreline that doesn’t really reflect the course of the game,” Streich said, voicing his displeasure with one aspect of his team’s performance last weekend. 

Looking to end the season strong

SC Freiburg already achieved one of their goals a few weeks ago, after securing safety for another season. Their three remaining league fixtures - against Hoffenheim, Union Berlin and Leverkusen - will therefore be about picking up as many points as possible to guarantee a strong end to the campaign. Freiburg still have good chances of qualifying for Europe during the season run-in, and hold their fate in their own hands. 

Their final three opponents this season are all direct competitors for a European spot, meaning there are nine crucial points up for the taking as we head into the closing stages of the campaign. “We are looking forward to it, but there is a certain tension that comes with these games. We are nearing the end of the season, but have always invested a lot in our games, physically as well,” Streich said. 

A total of 3,000 SC fans are expected to make the trip to the PreZero Arena this Saturday, with the away block sold-out for the game. “[The atmosphere] has been incredible, both in Hamburg and in our home games this season,” Streich said in praise of the fans, adding that he is hoping for their vocal and fair support from the stands this weekend. 

Yannick Keitel and Kevin Schade will miss this weekend’s game with injury. Noah Weißhaupt will also not be able to feature, having been taken off with an injury last weekend. A decision is yet to be made on whether Nils Petersen and Manuel Gulde will be fit to feature against Hoffenheim. 

Photo: Achim Keller