SC Freiburg

Serbia’s second oldest football team were stuck in the third and fourth divisions for decades and even played in the leagues of other countries due to the volatile history of the region. It was only in 2013 that FK TSC, located near the Hungarian border, began its steady sporting ascent thanks to extensive financial support coming from Hungary. 

Head coach Christian Streich enjoys getting to play in new countries and cities. “I’m very happy to get to be in Serbia with the boys and to be playing in the Europa League.” Around 550 SC fans have made the trip to Topola in order to support their team.

The partnership of Grifo and Weißhaupt worked well down the left, with Bochum sitting back early on looking for chances to start a counter-attack. The first shot for either side came in the 12th minute from a VfL corner, which was flicked on at the near post to Bernardo at the back, who could only direct his header wide. A long ball by Bochum keeper Manuel Riemann led to the opening goal after a quarter of an hour. Asano switched the play with a cross for Paciencia, who took it on the volley on the edge of the box, timing it beautifully to pick out the bottom corner. It was a goal from nowhere, but Bochum were the side with the best chances to date.

On Thursday, Streich spoke to the media ahead of the game: “Gregerl hasn’t trained very much. We’re assuming that he’ll be in the squad. Luci Höler didn’t train or play last week and other players filled in for him.” That being said, Höler will be available for Saturday’s game and Nicolas Höfler can also be selected following his suspension.

The Freiburg coaching staff kept faith in the side that drew 0-0 against Eintracht Frankfurt, and the team once again set up with a back-three. Michael Gregoritsch was back in the squad to play his former club having overcome a calf problem. For Augsburg, captain Ermedin Demirovic was in the starting eleven, as was Tim Breithaupt, who was making his first start for the club following a summer move from Karlsruher SC.

“Jordy has played his way into the first-team squad through his ongoing efforts in our second team. His pace and his ability to play in various positions are great attributes,” said sporting director Klemens Hartenbach. “His natural qualities and his diligent hard work bode well for his further development – which could transpire very quickly. We’re really pleased that he’s extended his contract.” 

Due to a UEFA ban, the visitors from London are not allowed to bring any fans to the game, meaning the game will be played in front of 34,200 SC supporters. “It’s a shame that no English fans will be there, but it’s ultimately better for us,” said Vincenzo Grifo at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday alongside Christian Streich.

The visit to Leipzig on 12th November will be a late kick-off. SCF will play in the Red Bull Arena on Sunday evening at 19:30 CET, and will also be in action on a Sunday during matchday 13, with the clash against 1. FSV Mainz 05 on 3rd December beginning at 15:30 CET.

On the pitch, West Ham put up strong resistance from the very beginning. The game began openly, but after a few minutes the reigning Europa Conference League winners took control of the game, putting Nicolas Höfler and his teammates under pressure and getting into the West Ham box for the first time after six minutes. Mohammed Kudus carried the ball into the penalty area, but Lucas Höler showed his commitment to SC once again, even as a striker in his own box. He put in a strong sliding challenge, blocking Kudus before he managed to take a shot.