After the setback in Heidenheim, SC Freiburg wants to stay on course for the round of 16 in the Europa League. Matthias Ginter could play a key role against RB Salzburg.
With defense chief Ginter as the most reliable constant, SC Freiburg wants to remain on the road to success in the Europa League. Because with a win in the home game against RB Salzburg on Thursday (9 p.m. / live in the audio stream on swr.de/sport), the undefeated fourth-placed team could come pretty close to direct qualification for the round of 16.
The 51-time former national player and his colleagues also want to make amends for this Most recently 1:2 in the Bundesliga at 1. FC Heidenheim. After the unnecessary defeat, Ginter spoke of “avoidable goals conceded” and was therefore upset – and is hoping for three European points again against Salzburg.
Ginter hasn’t missed a single minute so far
The 31-year-old is currently the most consistent professional in coach Julian Schuster’s squad. Ginter is the only player to have played all competitive games so far and has been on the pitch every minute. Only midfielder Maximilian Eggestein and goalkeeper Noah Atubolu were able to accumulate nearly as much playing time.
Freiburg last-minute blackout in Heidenheim – YOUR SCF #184 | SWR Sports
The fact that other colleagues cannot perform so consistently was also evident in Heidenheim. The fact that Ginter had three men in central defense during the 90 minutes also contributed to the defeat.
First, the Austrian national player Philipp Lienhart had to leave the field during the break due to muscular problems in his groin. When his replacement Max Rosenfelder was no longer able to play due to a thigh injury in the middle of the second half, Anthony Jung came onto the pitch – and initiated the hosts’ winning goal in stoppage time with a fatal bad pass. The goal ended a phase of three Freiburg competitive games without conceding a goal. Rosenfelder will not be able to play against Salzburg.
Lienhart warns about opponents Salzburg
Despite these negative experiences in Heidenheim, Lienhart in particular was optimistic before the duel with his Austrian compatriots from Salzburg. “I’m in good spirits that we can show our true colors on Thursday and bring our basic virtues to the pitch,” said the 29-year-old in the club’s own podcast “Shortly Played”.
Nevertheless, he also warned about the guests who have “found their way back on track” after temporary problems. The leaders of the Austrian Bundesliga have “a young team with a lot of quality”.
Just one point behind league leaders Lyon
However, the team of German coach Thomas Letsch is standing in the Europa League with just three points from five games in 29th place and would almost have to write off the playoffs with another defeat. Freiburg, ninth in the Bundesliga, is only one point behind leaders Olympique Lyon with eleven points and would have bright prospects with another win – at least in the European Cup.
Broadcast on Wed., December 10, 2025, 7:12 p.m., swr.de/sport: Freiburg wants to show a different face against Salzburg
