SC Freiburg - Schalke 04: a clash between outstanding hosts and Bundesliga returnees
SC Freiburg and FC Schalke 04 meet on Sunday, October 11, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30 at the Europa-Park Stadion in Freiburg. The fifth matchday of the German Bundesliga brings an intriguing encounter between two teams that started the season with different expectations. After four rounds, Freiburg sit third in the table, unbeaten and boasting one of the most effective attacks in the league. Schalke, who have returned to Germany's top flight after three years, are looking to prove that they can compete on equal terms with teams from the upper reaches of the standings.
The match comes after a three-week international break. For the hosts, it marks the beginning of an exceptionally demanding October, during which they face seven competitive matches in twenty days, including the start of the Conference League league phase. Schalke arrive on a run of three unbeaten league matches, aiming to slow down Julian Schuster's attack-minded side.
The encounter is also interesting because of the history between the two clubs. Freiburg have won their last five Bundesliga matches against Schalke, keeping a clean sheet in every one of them. The visitors now want to end that unfavorable streak. Given Freiburg's excellent home results and the visit of a club with a large fan base, it is worth securing tickets in good time.
Bundesliga standings and the importance of points for both teams
After four matches, SC Freiburg have ten points from three wins and one draw. With twelve goals scored and only three conceded, they occupy third place. In terms of points collected after four appearances, this is the best start in the club's Bundesliga history. Particularly impressive is the fact that Freiburg have scored nine of their twelve league goals in just two home matches.
Schalke are in eleventh place with five points. Miron Muslić's team have recorded one win, two draws and one defeat, with a goal difference of 3:4. The number of goals scored illustrates how much their approach differs from Freiburg's. So far, Schalke have relied more on compact defending and controlling space than on creating a large number of attacking opportunities.
For Freiburg, victory would mean staying close to the top of the table ahead of demanding matches against Bayer Leverkusen and FC Bayern. For Schalke, a positive result against the third-placed hosts would provide valuable confirmation of their progress following their return to Germany's elite clubs.
Freiburg's form: twelve goals and an unbeaten start
Julian Schuster's team began their Bundesliga campaign with a convincing 4:1 victory over Werder. In the second round, they defeated SC Paderborn 1:0 before thrashing Borussia Mönchengladbach 5:0 at the Europa-Park Stadion. Their last league appearance before the break ended in a 2:2 draw away to Eintracht Frankfurt, where Freiburg came from behind twice.
Including cup matches and European qualifiers, Freiburg have six wins and one draw from seven competitive matches, scoring 24 goals. Such a record demonstrates that their attacking efficiency is not limited to matches against weaker opponents.
The variety of goalscorers is particularly important. During the opening league rounds, goals have come from forwards, attacking midfielders and players operating in central midfield. This makes Schalke's defensive preparations more difficult because the threat cannot be reduced to marking a single player.
Yuito Suzuki, Igor Matanović and Derry Scherhant lead the attack
Yuito Suzuki has scored four league goals. He netted three against Werder in the opening round and added his fourth against Eintracht Frankfurt. His movement between midfield and attack is one of the problems Schalke will have to solve. When given space to turn towards goal, Suzuki can accelerate Freiburg's attacks through both combination play and individual runs.
Igor Matanović has scored three goals in the first four rounds. He found the net once against Werder and twice against Borussia Mönchengladbach. His play inside the penalty area is particularly effective when Freiburg create numerical advantages on the flanks and deliver the ball into the center of the attack.
Derry Scherhant is also an important part of the attacking structure. In four Bundesliga appearances, he has recorded one goal and three assists. He scored in Frankfurt, while his contribution to creating chances demonstrates how much Freiburg benefit when their wide players actively participate in the final stages of attacks.
Yannik Engelhardt scored twice against Mönchengladbach, while Maximilian Eggestein found the net against Paderborn and Mönchengladbach. Both provide an additional threat from midfield. Matthias Ginter and Philipp Lienhart play important roles in defense, while Mio Backhaus has been in goal during the league matches played so far.
Schalke's form: few goals, but an increasingly stable defense
Schalke opened their return season with a 0:3 defeat away to FC Augsburg. This was followed by a 0:0 home draw against FC Bayern, a result that demonstrated how organized defending can make life difficult for a favored opponent. Their first league victory came away to Union Berlin, where Schalke won 3:1. In the fourth round, they played out a 0:0 draw against SV Elversberg.
Of the seven goals scored in Schalke's first four league matches, only three went into their opponents' net. Freiburg, who scored twelve goals during the same period, therefore represent a different kind of challenge.
Coach Miron Muslić emphasizes defensive organization as the foundation of his team's play. Against Freiburg, a compact formation with little space between the lines and attempts at quick transitions after regaining possession can be expected.
Moussa Sylla, Kenan Karaman and Loris Karius
Moussa Sylla could play an important role inside Freiburg's penalty area, although he is still waiting for his first Bundesliga goal of the season ahead of the fifth round. In friendly matches against Rot-Weiß Oberhausen and Austria Lustenau, he scored a total of five goals. Muslić has not confirmed in advance whether he will start the match, but such performances certainly improve his chances of playing.
Kenan Karaman remains one of Schalke's key figures and wore the captain's armband during the victory over Union Berlin. The goalscorers in that match were Robin Gosens, Adil Aouchiche and Maximilian Wöber. Their goals demonstrate that Schalke can achieve results without relying on a large number of conventional attacking moves.
Loris Karius is particularly important in goal. According to league statistics ahead of the match, he has saved 86 percent of shots on target against him. Against hosts who have already scored nine goals at the Europa-Park Stadion, Karius's reactions to close-range shots and his handling of crosses could prove decisive.
Tactical battle: Freiburg's attack against Schalke's discipline
Ahead of the match, 4-2-3-1 for Freiburg and 3-4-2-1 for Schalke are mentioned as possible starting formations. These are not confirmed starting lineups, but tactical projections that may change following the final training session and the announcement of the teams.
Freiburg will probably try to establish control through possession, combinations in central areas and quick involvement of their wide players. Suzuki and Scherhant can create numerical advantages between Schalke's midfielders and defenders, while Matanović looks for space in front of goal. Schuster's team must also ensure that their attacking setup does not leave too much room for counterattacks.
Schalke could rely on a solid defensive line and quickly gaining ground after winning the ball. Muslić has particularly highlighted defensive organization and the need for his team to become more effective in attack. The pressure will be on Freiburg, who must find a way through an organized defense in front of their own supporters.
Set pieces present an additional threat. Before the match, Schuster warned that Schalke can be dangerous in precisely these situations, as well as when transitioning quickly from defense to attack. Patience will therefore be important for the hosts - trying to score an early goal must not disrupt the team's balance.
Injuries and absences ahead of the match
According to Freiburg's preview published on October 9, Julian Schuster cannot count on Bruno Ogbus and Berkay Yilmaz for the match because of fitness problems. The league injury overview also lists Florent Muslija, who is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury.
For Schalke, it has been confirmed that Dejan Ljubičić is not yet ready to play. The midfielder is making progress in his recovery from a knee injury sustained against Union Berlin, but the coaching staff do not expect him to return in Freiburg. The league injury overview also lists Højlund with an Achilles tendon problem and Siebeking with an abdominal muscle injury.
Timo Becker is training with the team again after suffering an ankle injury against Elversberg. Mertcan Ayhan returned from international duty with a minor shoulder problem, but according to the coach's assessment, this should not prevent him from being included in the squad. The final list of available players and the lineups will become clearer shortly before kick-off.
Head-to-head encounters: Freiburg's dominance in recent years
The history of encounters reveals an interesting contrast. According to Sportschau statistics, both clubs have recorded 23 victories in 55 documented competitive meetings, alongside nine draws. However, the more recent head-to-head history strongly favors Freiburg.
The last five Bundesliga meetings ended as follows:
- 23.04.2023. - SC Freiburg 4:0 FC Schalke 04
- 30.10.2022. - FC Schalke 04 0:2 SC Freiburg
- 17.04.2021. - SC Freiburg 4:0 FC Schalke 04
- 16.12.2020. - FC Schalke 04 0:2 SC Freiburg
- 27.06.2020. - SC Freiburg 4:0 FC Schalke 04
Freiburg scored a total of sixteen goals in those matches without conceding a single one. The three 4:0 home victories are particularly striking. The most recent meeting took place in April 2023, also at the Europa-Park Stadion.
Nevertheless, historical results cannot replace an assessment of the current teams. Schalke entered the new season with a different coaching staff and a changed playing squad, while Freiburg have new attacking leaders. Sunday's encounter will therefore not simply be a continuation of previous meetings, but a fresh test of the balance of power.
Europa-Park Stadion: match venue and supporter atmosphere
The Europa-Park Stadion opened on October 7, 2021, with a friendly match against FC St. Pauli. Shortly before the encounter with Schalke, it celebrates its fifth anniversary. The stadium was built in the western part of Freiburg, near the Mooswald area, and replaced the Dreisamstadion as the main venue for the first team's matches.
The stadium has a capacity of 34,700 spectators, with 22,800 seats and 11,900 standing places. Its most recognizable interior feature is the large south stand, which accommodates approximately 8,000 home supporters. The steep stands positioned close to the pitch allow the supporters' chanting to resonate intensely throughout the playing area.
Freiburg have already filled the stadium in their first two home league matches this season. Against Werder and Borussia Mönchengladbach, spectators witnessed a total of nine goals from the home team. The south stand stood out in particular with a choreographed display during the victory over Mönchengladbach, when supporters celebrated the successful start to the season.
Away supporters are allocated sections N5-N7 and N15-N17 in the north stand, with possible adjustments to the available space. The away entrance is marked E4. Given the expected support for both teams and Freiburg's home form so far, it is worth checking tickets and section arrangements before arriving.
How to reach the stadium: exact address and transport options
Important: The Europa-Park Stadion is located at Achim-Stocker-Straße 1, 79108 Freiburg im Breisgau. The address Schwarzwaldstraße 193 belongs to the old Dreisamstadion, not the stadium where the match against Schalke will be played. Visitors arriving by car or using satellite navigation should pay particular attention to this distinction.
Freiburg has a well-developed tram, bus and rail network, with additional transport services organized for home matches. The most important information for supporters is:
- Tram: additional Freiburger Verkehrs AG services run to the "Europa-Park Stadion" stop. From the stop, the entrances can be reached on foot in approximately ten minutes.
- Urban and regional rail: the "FR Messe / Universität" station provides access to the stadium, with an approximately ten-minute walk to the stands.
- Car: parking areas P1-P9 require a parking permit obtained in advance. Parking cannot be paid for directly upon arrival at the stadium.
- Park & Ride: options are available for transferring to public transport, while the Messe Freiburg parking area is connected to the stadium by a walking route and matchday transport services.
- Bicycle: approximately 3,700 bicycle parking spaces are available around the stadium, with specially marked access routes.
The match ticket also allows the use of certain public transport services within the RVF area under the combined ticket rules. Its validity covers the period from three hours before kick-off until the end of daily transport operations for the designated return journey. This can significantly simplify travel for supporters arriving via Freiburg's main railway station.
For those who nevertheless arrive by car, access restrictions are important. Parking areas P1-P4 are accessed via Granadaallee, while P5-P9 are accessed via Madisonallee. Suwonallee is closed to vehicles without an appropriate parking permit four hours before kick-off.
An additional option is to park at Messe Freiburg, from where the stadium is approximately a 20- to 25-minute walk away. Transport is also organized between the exhibition grounds, the tram stop and the stadium.
Special transport notices have also been published for this match. After the final whistle, additional trams will run only as far as Bertoldsbrunnen, where passengers traveling to other parts of the city can continue on regular services. On the RB27 railway line between Freiburg Hbf and Müllheim im Markgräflerland, replacement bus services have been announced in the inbound direction, while additional trains are planned on the S1 line between the main station and Messe/Universität.
Gate opening times and advice for arriving at the match
According to SC Freiburg's regulations, the entrances to the Europa-Park Stadion open two hours before kick-off. For the match against Schalke, this means from 15:30. Visitors arriving early have more time for security checks, finding their sections and exploring the stadium grounds.
Food and beverage outlets inside the stadium open at the same time as the entrances, while some outdoor stalls in the approach area are available even earlier. Food and drinks can be paid for in cash or by card.
Larger bags and backpacks are subject to restrictions, and storage space for personal belongings is limited. It is therefore more practical to bring only essential personal items. Supporters arriving from other cities or countries should allow for possible traffic congestion, waiting times at security checkpoints and the time needed to travel from public transport stops to the stadium.
Accessible entry options are available for people with reduced mobility, including the SC-Mobil transport service from the tram stop to entrance E1. Use of this service and the appropriate stadium section must be coordinated with the access conditions applicable to each ticket.
Freiburg im Breisgau: what to visit before the match
Freiburg im Breisgau is located in southwestern Germany, between the Rhine Plain and the slopes of the Black Forest. The city is known for its historic center, university life and well-developed public transport system. For supporters planning to spend the whole day there, the city center offers an opportunity for a short sightseeing tour before heading to the stadium.
The most recognizable landmark is the Freiburger Münster, a Gothic cathedral whose tower dominates the city skyline. Around it lies Münsterplatz, a square with shops, restaurants, cafés and a famous market. The streets of the old town are crossed by shallow water channels known as Bächle, one of Freiburg's distinctive features.
For views of the historic center and the surrounding hills, visitors can head to Schlossberg, a hill immediately next to the old town. From there, the urban landscape gradually opens towards the forested areas of the Black Forest.
Visitors planning to arrive from other parts of Germany or from abroad will find it convenient to use Freiburg Hauptbahnhof as a starting point for continuing their journey to the stadium. However, because of special traffic arrangements on matchday, it is advisable to finish sightseeing early enough to reach the Europa-Park Stadion.
What to expect on the pitch and after the match
Freiburg enter the encounter as the team with a clear attacking advantage and better results in the opening rounds. Nevertheless, Schalke's draws against FC Bayern and SV Elversberg demonstrate that Muslić's side can defend in an organized manner and keep opponents from scoring for long periods.
An early Freiburg goal could change the rhythm of the match and force Schalke to play more openly. If the visitors manage to maintain their balance, set pieces, counterattacks and individual contributions from players such as Moussa Sylla or Adil Aouchiche will become increasingly important. At the other end, Suzuki, Matanović and Scherhant represent a constant threat to Schalke's defense.
After this encounter, Freiburg face an away match against Bayer Leverkusen, followed by a home fixture against FC Bayern. Schalke return to Gelsenkirchen for a match against Mainz, after which they face 1. FC Köln and RB Leipzig.
Supporters planning to watch the match from the stands should secure tickets in good time, check their allocated section and follow the latest transport announcements. Above all, it is important to arrive at the correct stadium - the Europa-Park Stadion in western Freiburg - and allow for heavier traffic before and after the match.
Sources:
- SC Freiburg - "Auf in den heißen Oktober", match preview, home team's form, schedule and absences.
- FC Schalke 04 - "Miron Muslic: Wir treffen auf eines der Topteams aus Deutschland", coach's comments, squad availability and attacking form.
- DFB Datencenter - Bundesliga standings after the fourth matchday of the 2026/2027 season.
- Bundesliga.com - match preview, player statistics, tactical projections and absences.
- SC Freiburg - reports from matches against Werder, Paderborn, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Eintracht Frankfurt.
- Sportschau - head-to-head history and results of previous encounters.
- SC Freiburg - "Rund ums Europa-Park Stadion" and "Fünf Jahre Europa-Park Stadion", stadium capacity, history and features.
- SC Freiburg - "Aktuelle Anreiseinfos: Schalke", special transport information for this match.
- SC Freiburg - "Zu Gast im Europa-Park Stadion" and information for home supporters, entrances and visiting regulations.
- SC Freiburg - stadium regulations, exact addresses of the Europa-Park Stadion and Dreisamstadion.
- Visit Freiburg - historic center, Freiburger Münster, Bächle and Schlossberg.