The right balance for success

Numerous highlights await SC Freiburg in the coming months. The club won't just have Europe on their mind in the Bundesliga; their fans have at least two more nights under the floodlights in the UEFA Europa League to look forward to. Christian Streich's team will face RC Lens, last year's runners-up in the French Ligue 1, in the intermediate round of the competition.

Freiburg can rely on a good mix of established professionals and up-and-coming talent. As in previous seasons, former TSG players Vincenzo Grifo and Michael Gregoritsch are important elements in the team's attack, but a total of 15 players have netted across all competitions. In addition, Christian Streich promoted Noah Atobulu, a home-grown player, to starting goalkeeper before the season. After initial uncertainties, the 21-year-old has steadied himself and has already kept seven clean sheets in the league. In addition, 22-year-old Noah Weisshaupt and 21-year-old Merlin Röhl have gained increased minutes as the campaign has progressed.

However, Sport-Club - one place and one point above TSG Hoffenheim in the table going into the second half of the season - will be without Ritsu Doan on Matchday 18, as he is representing Japan in the Asian Cup. Freiburg opened the year with a goalless draw against Union Berlin - but in his coaching career to date, Christian Streich has lost just one of eleven Bundesliga games on Matchday 18.