Union's last Bundesliga match of 2022 sees them face another side who have surpassed all expectations so far this year, as second plays third when they meet SC Freiburg in the Europa-Park Stadium. Kick off on Sunday, 13.11.2022, is at 17:30. 

The opponents

Freiburg are currently enjoying a remarkable run. In addition to their historic reaching of the last 16 of the Europa League, with 27 points after 14 games, SCF are enjoying the most successful start to a Bundesliga season in their history.

Freiburg's greatest strength lies at the back. After Bayern and Union, they have the best defence in the Bundesliga with only 16 goals conceded. One reason for this is due to the renewal of an old acquaintance. World champion Matthias Ginter moved at the beginning of the season from Borussia Mönchengladbach back to his home town, to the club where he spent not only his youth, but where he made his first appearances as a professional. The 28-year-old has played in every competitive match since his return.

What Matthias Ginter is for the Breisgau defence, Vincenzo Grifo is up front. The Italian international has been involved in almost a third of all Freiburg's goals, with eleven spread across three competitions.

The reunions

Keven Schlotterbeck spent the 2019/20 season on loan in Köpenick, playing 23 times for Union.

And from Union's side Janik Haberer has even more history to return to. Over six years, the 28-year-old played 171 games for SCF. In the late 2010s, Haberer was fundamental to Freiburg establishing themselves permanently in the Bundesliga.

The personnel

In addition to the injured Frederik Rönnow and András Schäfer, Rani Khedira is suspended follwing his fifth yellow card of the season against Augsburg on Thursday. Otherwise, head coach Urs Fischer has the entire squad at his disposal.

The coach's view ahead of the match

In his press conference on Thursday, Fischer described SC Freiburg as being one of the best teams in the Bundesliga. "Freiburg have had a fantastic year. They are a really well drilled team, because they have been able to keep the squad together as much as was possible. They try to find solutions with the ball, and look to put pressure on the opponent's back line. They also don't shy away from using a long ball, and are always dangerous from set-pieces."

Service info: 

For the last competitive match of the year, 2,100 Union fans will make the long journey to Freiburg. Information on visiting the stadium can be found here (in German).

The match will be broadcast live on DAZN. As usual, Union will also provide information on the match on the club's own live ticker, as well as English updates on twitter.