Next opponent: What makes set-piece specialists Freiburg tough to beat?

"Schuster was voted Germany's Coach of the Year after guiding Freiburg to fifth place in the Bundesliga in his maiden campaign in charge last season. However, the Black Forest club have been unable to consistently build on those performances again in 2025/26. They may be riding high in the Europa League with 10 points from four games, but the recent St. Pauli fixture was symptomatic of their domestic form."

"That game did end well for them, but several before did not as they failed to see out a lead. Their total of four draws from 10 Bundesliga games is the most in the division, but it also means Freiburg are a team that's very tough to beat. Schuster's men have lost only one of their last 13 competitive fixtures (2-0 at Bayer Leverkusen in October), winning seven and drawing five."

"Freiburg remain an awkward opponent, especially now the coach has ironed out some defensive issues. They conceded seven goals over opening defeats to Augsburg (3-1) and Köln (4-1), but it's been just seven in the eight league games since. They do, however, need to step things up somewhat at the other end, with only Heidenheim (108) mustering up fewer shots on goal than their 111."

Julian Schuster expressed relief after Freiburg’s 2-1 win that ended a five-game winless run. The club finished fifth last season and sit well in the Europa League with 10 points from four matches, but domestic form has been inconsistent in 2025/26. The St. Pauli game reflected that: Freiburg controlled much of the match yet nearly surrendered a home victory. Freiburg have four draws from 10 Bundesliga games, have lost only one of their last 13 competitive fixtures (winning seven and drawing five), and have tightened their defence, conceding seven goals in the eight league games after early heavy defeats. Attacking output remains limited—111 shots, second fewest in the league—making set-piece proficiency and clinical finishing vital.

Read at FC Bayern