Freiburg’s surge to Bundesliga lead eclipses Bayern and Dortmund

While FC Bayern and BVB watched their grip on the Bundesliga loosen, SC Freiburg celebrated a hard‑won victory over FC Schalke 04 despite playing with ten men, underlining a stark contrast in fortunes.

Freiburg seize Bundesliga lead

SC Freiburg continued their strong season start and seized the Tabellenführung of the Bundesliga by beating FC Schalke 04 2‑1 (1‑1 at half‑time) even after a red card. The win displaced Borussia Dortmund from the Spitzenposition and pushed FC Bayern down the table. The Europa‑League finalist of the previous season therefore overtook both Bayern and BVB in the league standings.

Maximilian Eggestein opened the scoring in the 10th minute, while Keisuke Goto added a late goal in the 85th minute. Yuito Suzuki received a Platzverweis in the 64th minute, leaving Freiburg a man short. Schalke’s consolation came from Adrian Gantenbein in the 30th minute, his first Bundesliga goal.

Keisuke Goto's debut Bundesliga goal lifts Freiburg towards league lead

Igor Matanovic fired the first shot just ten seconds after kickoff, signalling Freiburg’s intent. Loris Karius cleared a powerful header from Matthias Ginter, but Eggestein reacted quickest to score. Nikola Katic blocked a free‑shot attempt from Matanovic at the 18th minute, keeping the scoreline tight.

Freiburg seize Bundesliga lead after playing with ten men

Schuster’s debutants spark success

Julian Schuster started his three DFB‑debutants Philipp Treu, Derry Scherhant and Yannik Engelhardt, with substitute Max Rosenfelder also on the bench after national‑team coach Jürgen Klopp’s nomination. Schuster said the youngsters “brought a swing that can help us”. He added he was “positive that we can continue where we left off”. In the week ahead, the new league leaders face Bayer Leverkusen at 15:30, a match described as their next hard test. The contrast between Freiburg’s resilience – overcoming a numerical disadvantage and a red card – and the loss of momentum for Bayern and Dortmund highlights a shifting power balance in the Bundesliga.