There was a celebratory mood in Strasbourg as the home side introduced their team for the new season, presented the new kits, had a fireworks display before kick off and then hosted two pre-season friendlies against SC Freiburg for around 10,000 fans in the Stade de la Meinau to enjoy.

These two games were the final chances for both teams to prepare before the start of their respective seasons – Strasbourg begin their campaign next Sunday against Angers, and Freiburg get underway in the DFB-Pokal with a trip to the Würzburger Kickers.

Gameiro scores before the break

It took a good quarter of an hour for Freiburg to get into the game. The French side, who finished last season in 15th place in Ligue 1, were successful in making life difficult for their guests through their high pressing. Nevertheless, Christian Streich’s team were dangerous: in the 27th minute, Christian Günter, who was played in down the left, crossed the ball in seeking Ermedin Demirovic, but instead found Lucas Höler. The right-winger, surprised the ball had reached him, could only put the ball wide of the post.

Freiburg’s captain was also involved in the second big chance for his team, in a first half somewhat devoid of chances. A beautiful pass from Vincenzo Grifo put Günter in on goal, but his shot from 12 yards was wide of the mark (35’).

The game’s first goal came somewhat against the run of play, in the 39th minute. Kevin Gameiro took advantage of a mistake in the SC defence and went through one-on-one against Benjamin Uphoff, in goal for the injured Mark Flekken. Seasoned veteran Gameiro was ice-cool, and Strasbourg took the lead.

Strasbourg improve in the second half

Coach Streich made no personnel changes after the break, and in a second half where they had decidedly more possession than their opponents, Freiburg continued to have difficulty creating chances. Instead, the home side doubled their advantage in the 64th minute. An attempt from short range was well saved by the sharp reflexes of ‘keeper Uphoff, but the ball fell to Majeed Waris, and Uphoff could do nothing to prevent his rebound reaching the back of the net.

Shortly after, Freiburg’s frontman Demirovic was played through by Jonathan Schmid’s great pass, but Ibrahima Sissoko produced a last-ditch tackle to prevent any opportunity (66’).

After 89 minutes, Freiburg reduced the deficit, but it wasn’t enough. In another 45 minutes of few chances, Yannik Keitel headed home to make it 2-1, the final score.

Photo: SC Freiburg