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7.03.2026Bundesliga

Matchday news #SCFB04: Conquer fortress Freiburg to maintain gap

Freiburg’s defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend left them two places but a whole 10 points behind Bayer 04. Their results in general may be mixed, but Julian Schuster’s side are a force to be reckoned with at home, where they have earned 24 of their 33 points. Leverkusen may choose to look for the aerial route if they’re to get the better of their hosts, who have conceded more headed goals than any other team. Here’s all you need to know ahead of Saturday afternoon’s game in our matchday news.
Kurzpässe vor #SCFB04

#SCFB04: Match stats

While the Werkself have lost just one of their last seven games, Freiburg have done their best work at home and are unbeaten in 10 at the Europa-Park Stadion, winning the last four. Last season it took a classic Laterkusen comeback to turn around a 2-0 deficit there. Like Jonathan Tah’s equaliser in 2024/25, Bayer 04’s second in this term’s 2-0 win was a header, this time from Edmond Tapsoba. The 10 headed goals Freiburg have conceded in 2025/26 is the highest total in the Bundesliga. It’s a weakness that the likes of Tapsoba and Jarell Quansah could punish again. The pair also know they have a goalkeeper behind them in top form. Janis Blaswich has saved 85 percent of shots he’s faced this season, which is the best rate of all keepers in Germany’s top flight.

Focus on Freiburg

Defending is generally Freiburg’s strength. Led by the experienced duo of Matthias Ginter and Christian Günter, their rearguard has made the difference several times, especially at home. Schuster’s men have also showed mental resilience, earning 15 points this season from losing positions – second only to Bayern Munich. Igor Matanovic and Vincenzo Grifo are the joint-leading scorers with six goals apiece as the Black Forest club – like Bayer 04 – continue to compete across three competitions. Find out more about Freiburg in our opposition profile.

Edmond Tapsoba nach seinem Treffer gegen den SC Freiburg
Edmond Tapsoba headed in Bayer 04's second goal to earn a 2-0 win at home to Freiburg this season.

1,900 Fans in Freiburg

Around 1,900 fans will be making the journey from Leverkusen to Germany’s southwest corner this Saturday.

Brand in charge

The German FA (DFB) have appointed Benjamin Brand to oversee the game. It’s the 36-year-old’s 11th involving the Werkself, including the 3-1 win at RB Leipzig this season. Thomas Stein and Marco Achmüller are the assistants, with Günter Perl the VAR.

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