Freiburg fans were treated to a spectacle of football when SC hosted BVB earlier this season. In front of 10,000 fans at the Dreisamstadion – the third last match to take place there – the hosts delivered an impressive performance, winning 2-1 against last season’s third-place finishers. “We were a bit lucky a couple times, but also did a good job against Dortmund,” head coach Christian Streich said when looking back on August’s encounter.

It was SCF’s second home win in as many games against BVB. Their record away at the Champions League participants could use some improvement. Freiburg’s last – and only – Bundesliga win in Dortmund dates back to over 20 years ago, last picking up points at Signal Iduna Park on 27th January 2018.

The guests will be able to draw confidence from their performances so far this season, as well as the first 60 minutes against Arminia last time out. “Compared to some other teams, we created more than enough chances and had some good moments against Arminia,” said Streich. However, he was more critical when looking at the final half an hour of the match. “After we conceded, we made some mistakes with our passing and didn’t win some important tackles. We weren’t good enough in those areas.”

While Freiburg had to settle for a 2-2 draw in Bielefeld after conceding a late equaliser, Dortmund were able to celebrate a late winner against Frankfurt (3-2). According to Streich, “We will need to play the same way we did earlier this season. We will need to run hard, switch the play and be alert, as well as remaining compact so that we can defend well.”

However, the team will also be tasked with not neglecting their attacking duties against a Borussia side that are strong at home. “We don’t want to focus only on defence and then switch over. That’s not how we play, and not what we want. We want to play constructive football. That can work, if we manage to have a good day,” said Streich.

The opening match of matchday 19 will see the second-place side host the one in fourth. As usual, Streich did not want to reveal his squad for the game. After testing positive for Covid-19 last week, it will be too early for Nico Schlotterbekc, Mark Flekken and Kiliann Sildillia to feature this weekend.

Photo: Achim Keller